Marma in India

Formerly known as the pirates, most of the Marma people live in Bangladesh. A small number have migrated to India. Having left the seas long ago, the Marma were forced into the hills and are now valley farmers. In their society, farmland is community property.

Ministry Obstacles

Although several religions are represented among the Marma, the most common religion is a blend of Buddhism and animism. Buddhism alleges that man undergoes a cycle of separate existences and that all living things have individual souls. The animistic ingredient includes the worship and appeasement of various spirits. Mediums enter trances to communicate with the spirits to discover future events. These beliefs pose a barrier to them accepting the gospel.

Outreach Ideas

The Marma people in northeastern India live near groups of believers. If these believers could share Christ with them, the Marma might respond by following Christ.

Scripture Focus

"Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain."  Psalm 127:1

Scripture Prayer

Pray that this people group understands that all their efforts are worthless unless they subject them to the Lord.

Prayer Focus

Pray that Christian believers would be thrust out to this completely unreached people. Pray that God would send culturally sensitive missionaries who will show the Marma the way to the cross. Pray for a movement to Christ to flourish among the Marma people. Pray for the Marma to be blessed with peace, joy and boldness as they follow Jesus Christ.