GLOBAL PRAYER NETWORK: Vaddar, Hindu of Sri Lanka

Jumat, 22 Januari 2016

Vaddar, Hindu of Sri Lanka

The Vaddar or Bhovi people trace their origin to Odisha, from where they are believed to have migrated to various southern states of India and Sri Lanka. They are earth-workers and other kinds of laborers, and are constantly moving about in search of work. They have been involved in digging wells. The Hindus generally treat them as untouchable the Sudras. While earth digging, stone cutting, and daily wage labors are their traditional and primary occupations, agriculture is the secondary occupation for those settled in villages. Their patron deity is Muneshwar and many are devotees of Anjaneya. They also worship other goddesses.

Ministry Obstacles
The literacy rate of these people will be quite low. The Gospel needs to come to them in oral forms, as well as in written forms.

Outreach Ideas
Perhaps workers who know how to tell stories from scripture will come to the Vaddar of Sri Lanka and India. Please pray for this to occur.

Pray for the followers of Christ
None of the Vaddar in Sri Lanka have identified themselves as Christians, but there are a few in India who have identified themselves this way to the Indian census. These people need prayer support. Pray they will understand clearly the distinction that must be made between a cultural identification with the Christian religion and a life-giving relationship with Christ.

Pray for the entire people group
Pray that this poor community of laborers will be able to improve their lot in life. They need to seek a better education for their children, and they need employment opportunities.

Scripture Focus
"For from the rising of the sun, even to its setting, My name will be great among the nations ... says the Lord of hosts." Malachi 1:11