Population: 32,000,000
Hub: India
Religion: Hindu
Christians: 1.30%
Hub: India
Religion: Hindu
Christians: 1.30%
Resources: WB, JF, AR
Engaged: Yes
Workers Needed: 640
Annual Deaths: 320,000
Engaged: Yes
Workers Needed: 640
Annual Deaths: 320,000
Description: The Odia (also known as Oriya) are the principle people in the Indian state of Odisha. They remained a strong, unified kingdom until conquered by Muslims in the 16th century. Even so, unlike other ethno-linguistic groups in India, Islam was unsuccesful in establishing a presence among them.
Prayer Points:
• Women are highly regarded in Odia culture and many of their festivals feature legendary women heros. Pray that God would raise up Christian women leaders among them who champion the ideals of the gospel.
• The British used a divide and conquer strategy to subjugate the Odia people, and the Odia were the first to revolt against their rule in the early 19th century. Pray that Jesus would enter into Odia society in a way that is free from Western attachments and that the Church would become truly indigenous among them.
• For Odia people, Christianity is considered a religion for remote tribal peoples, many of which are coming to faith in the state of Odisha. Pray for spiritual breakthough in urban areas and among every sector of Odia society.
A Prayer: Heavenly Father, grant the Dhobi open hearts and minds to receive and understand the truth about Jesus and the redemption only he can bring.
Every year 320,000 Odias die without Christ, many of whom never hear the gospel in their lifetime. Let's do something to change that.
Prayer Points:
• Women are highly regarded in Odia culture and many of their festivals feature legendary women heros. Pray that God would raise up Christian women leaders among them who champion the ideals of the gospel.
• The British used a divide and conquer strategy to subjugate the Odia people, and the Odia were the first to revolt against their rule in the early 19th century. Pray that Jesus would enter into Odia society in a way that is free from Western attachments and that the Church would become truly indigenous among them.
• For Odia people, Christianity is considered a religion for remote tribal peoples, many of which are coming to faith in the state of Odisha. Pray for spiritual breakthough in urban areas and among every sector of Odia society.
A Prayer: Heavenly Father, grant the Dhobi open hearts and minds to receive and understand the truth about Jesus and the redemption only he can bring.
Every year 320,000 Odias die without Christ, many of whom never hear the gospel in their lifetime. Let's do something to change that.