Karnam   KAR-num

The word Kanakku means "accountant," which is the traditional work of the Karnam. The Karnam of Andhra Pradesh migrated from Tamil Nadu. Many live in Odisha and speak the local language, Odiya. They are well educated, and most work in government and private service, often as accountants. In Tamil Nadu, the Karnam are monogamous and marry as adults. Marriage between cousins, remarriage of widows, and divorce are permissible. When the father dies, sons inherit the property. The oldest son becomes the new head of the family. Women are usually vegetarians, but some of the men are not.

Ministry Obstacles

If someone is going to take the gospel to them, that person will need to be from a different community, because there are probably no sincere Christians in the Karnam community.

Scripture Focus

"All these things my hand has made, and so all these things came to be, declares the LORD. But this is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word."  Isaiah 66:2

Scripture Prayer

Pray for the Lord to give humility and a fear of Him to this people group that will lead to them being blessed beyond measure.

Prayer Focus

Pray that gospel materials and the internet will help them begin a Karnam movement to Christ. Pray for spiritual hunger and a willingness to listen to gospel workers. Pray that Indian believers will be faithful, loving ambassadors for Christ. Pray for the Holy Spirit to perform miracles that will draw Karnam elders to Jesus.