Lohar (Hindu traditions) in Nepal

Most Lohar live in poverty as their traditional craft of tool forging and repair was replaced by inexpensive manufactured tools. They now work in agriculture, construction and factory work. More men read and write than women. Children often quit school to help their parents earn a living. The nomadic lifestyle also affects school attendance. The Lohar, frequently seen as outside the Hindu caste system, face discrimination. Families arrange marriages within their group and religion but not from within their own clan. Marriage to one spouse is the norm. Sons inherit the property of their fathers. They generally eat vegetables and rice with some meat, but not beef, because of their Hindu religion.

Ministry Obstacles

The Lohar are limited to oral gospel materials due to a low literacy rate.

Scripture Focus

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."  Isaiah 55:8-9

Scripture Prayer

Pray that today’s people group will understand that God’s ways are far higher than theirs.

Prayer Focus

Ask the Lord of the harvest to send workers to the Lohar to tell them about Jesus. Pray that Lohar parents can provide adequately for their children and send them to school. Pray that the Lohar will be reached with visual and oral Christian resources. Ask the Lord to raise up a movement toward Christ among the Lohar soon.