Chidimar (meaning bird hunter) is a suitable name considering they once earned their living from killing birds and/or selling them. They are an extremely small people group in India; the majority live further north in Nepal.
They live in harsh poverty, most people being unable to purchase new clothes for their children. Because of their poverty, many Chidimars sew, weave, drive rickshaws (small motorcycle taxis), and do masonry work. Young students value their education at primary schools, because it can give them an opportunity to earn more money. Education is important to the Chidimars, because they believe that it will ultimately diminish their poverty and raise the standard of living.
They are Hindus, and believe in a cycle of life, death and reincarnation. If one builds up enough good karma in this life, they get reincarnated to a higher caste in the next life cycle.
Because their biggest humanitarian crisis is poverty, setting up healthcare facilities and training the Chidimars to treat their own illnesses is a great starting point. Missionaries could also teach them new job skills that will help them thrive in the 21st century.
Pray that God will protect the Chidimar people from other caste groups trying to overpower them and destroy their history and culture. Pray that God starts a revival among the Chidimar people, uniting them with one goal, to know Christ, live Christ, and preach Christ to the unreached. Pray for workers to go to the Chidimar people in Nepal and India. Pray for an unstoppable movement to Christ among the Chidimar people this decade.
Scripture Prayers for the Chidimar in Nepal.
| Profile Source: Joshua Project |
