  
    The Satnami
  
The Satnami people of India are also known as “Chamar.” They live primarily in the states of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Bihar. They are among the largest Dalit community, with a population of over 50 million. They typically follow a Hindu faith, are occupied as day laborers, and do not have access to formal education.

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    Evangelical Christian: 1.25% 

    India Population: 49,313,000 

    Language: Hindi 

    Major Religion: Hinduism 

    Status: Unreached 

    Joshua Project ID: 16561 

    ER SOE Affiliation: Madhya Pradesh

  
    Prayer Points
  
• Pray for our ministry partners among the Satnami and for the Holy Spirit to sweep through the Satnami people, bearing witness to God’s glory.
    
• Pray that God will bless the zeal of Satnami Mobile School of Evangelism students who hope to reach their people.

  
    The Shaikh
  
The name Shaikh refers to several mainly Muslim people groups with diverse backgrounds and various occupations. Although most Shaikhs in India follow Islam, some are Sunni while others are Shia. Many Shaikhs used to be farmers, but most now live in urban areas and are known for being exceptional businessmen. The few who still farm live and work on land near the India–Pakistan border and follow Sikhism.

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    Christian: 0.00% 

    India Population: 85,376,000 

    Language: Urdu 

    Major Religion: Islam 

    Status: Unreached 

    Joshua Project ID: 18084 

    ER SOE Affiliation: Jharkhand

  
    Prayer Points
  
• Pray for strong social ties with Shaikh communities to quicken the spread of the gospel throughout entire regions.
    
• Pray for the training of evangelists who are reaching out to Shaikhs. Pray that they will learn how to lovingly address the questions and doubts Muslims have about Christianity.

  
    The Teli
  
Historically, the Teli people were known as a trading community. They now work a variety of jobs ranging from government and managerial positions to farming and common labor. Most Teli make enough to avoid living in poverty, though some lack access to higher education. They mainly follow Hinduism, focusing their worship and prayers towards a wish–granting goddess, as well as their ancestors. Despite having less authority than men, Teli women often play a large role in their religious culture.

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    Christian: 0.02% 

    India Population: 18,686,000 

    Language: Hindi 

    Major Religion: Hinduism 

    Status: Unreached 

    Joshua Project ID: 18299 

    ER SOE Affiliation: Maharashtra

  
    Prayer Points
  
• Pray for the Teli to long for a relationship with the living God, not just favors from a wish–granting goddess.
    
• Pray for the Teli people’s involvement with different parts of society to result in interactons with more believers.
    
• Pray for ministry leaders to recognize Teli women’s role in religion as an opportunity to introduce the gospel in their communities.

  
    The Thakkar
  
The Thakkar people descend from a high–caste group of rulers and warriors previously called the Lohana. Today, the Thakkar people continue to enjoy upper status in Indian society, often working in professions such as medicine, engineering, and entertainment. They follow Hinduism, believing they can escape the cycle of reincarnation by living rightly according to their Hindu tradition.

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    Christian: 0.03% 

    India Population: 583,000 

    Language: Marathi 

    Major Religion: Hinduism 

    Status: Unreached 

    Joshua Project ID: 18245 

    ER SOE Affiliation: Maharashtra

  
    Prayer Points
  
• Pray for the Thakkar people to see past their material wealth and recognize their spiritual poverty and need for salvation.
    
• Pray for Thakkar believers to view their high social status and economic position as an opportunity to serve and bless others.
    
• Pray for ministry partners as they present the gospel, that they will help Thakkars understand the assurance and finality of Jesus’ work on the cross.

  
    The Turi
  
Most Turi live in the northeast states of Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Bihar. Many other groups of Hindus will not associate with the Turi people, nor accept water or food from them. The Turi are frequently not allowed to live in inter-caste villages because of their low social status within their surrounding culture. As such, the Turi are exposed to many challenges and difficulties.

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    Christian: 0.13% 

    India Population: 348,000 

    Language: Hindi 

    Major Religion: Hinduism 

    Status: Unreached 

    Joshua Project ID: 18273 

    ER SOE Affiliation: Jharkhand

  
    Prayer Points
  
• Pray for our ministry partner in Jharkhand, especially for the Mobile School of Evangelism to flourish among the Turi people.
    
• Pray for the many pressing needs among the Turi people, including education, job skills, access to clean water, and a nutrient-rich diet.

  
    The Varli
  
The Varli people of India have contributed much to tribal art through paintings influenced by nature themes. Common scenes show farming, hunting, fishing, and animals. Typically, the Varli follow a Hindu faith heavily influenced by folk tradition.

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    Evangelical Christian: 1.42% 

    India Population: 1,260,000 

    Language: Varli 

    Major Religion: Hinduism 

    Status: Unreached 

    Joshua Project ID: 18299 

    ER SOE Affiliation: Maharashtra

  
    Prayer Points
  
• Pray for our ministry partners  in Maharashtra to creatively communicate the gospel of Christ to the Varli people.
    
• Pray also for the Varli students and alumni of the Mobile School of Evangelism to remain rooted in prayer, start cell groups, and plant churches among their communities.