Atishbaz   ah-tish-BAZ

Besides manufacturing and selling fireworks, many now work on private farms or as agricultural workers. Additionally, some of them are factory workers or even business owners. They live in India's state of Uttar Pradesh. The word Atishbaz comes from two Persian words. "Atish" means "fire" and "baz" means "to play". Since the group manufactures fireworks, it is believed that this name is derived from that occupation. Their tradition holds that their Atishbaz were brought by the Mughals from Central Asia hundreds of years ago. Once the Mughal Empire waned, they began to work in manufacturing fireworks.

Ministry Obstacles

How can they hear without a preacher? The number of people who follow Christ in the Atishbaz homeland is so small that they have very little chance of meeting anyone who follows Christ.

Scripture Focus

"Thus says the LORD of hosts: Consider your ways."  Haggai 1:7

Scripture Prayer

Pray that this people group consider their ways and turn to the Lord.

Prayer Focus

Pray for the Atishbaz to have a record harvest this year as a testimony of God's power and goodness. Pray for the Lord to send them loving ambassadors to disciple them in Christ's ways. Pray for their elders and family leaders to embrace Christ and share him with their families. Pray that God will send workers into this field and that the gospel may be proclaimed boldly. Pray that their eyes will be opened to see the true God.