The Gond Nagwanshi are a scheduled tribe. They live in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh states. They speak Chhattisgarh and read and write in Devanagari.
The Nagwanshi Gond work in agriculture and cultivation. Their education level is low as few children go to school, so the gospel will need to be given in oral forms. They prefer to use traditional medicines. The Nagwanshi Gond have adult marriages and prefer cross-cousin marriages. On the death of the father, sons inherit the property with the oldest son having the most. The dead are buried, which is unusual for Hindus. They have a local association to look after their needs.
The Nagwanshi Gond people practice Hinduism, the ancient religion of India. Hinduism is a catch-all phrase for the local religions of South Asia, so it is very diverse. At the popular level, Hindus worship and serve the gods of the Hindu pantheon. They visit Hindu temples and offer prayers, food, flowers, and incense to their gods in hopes of gaining protection and benefits. They do not have a personal or familial relationship with their gods like Christians or Jews. There are other Hindus who are much more philosophical, especially among the Brahmins. Almost all Hindus participate in yearly celebrations like Holi, the festival of colors and the start of spring / Diwali, the festival of lights / Navratri, the celebration of autumn / and Rama Navami, Rama's birthday.
The Nagwanshi Gond people need to put all their faith in Jesus Christ, the one who came to give abundant life to all who call on His name.
Pray that the association leaders open the doors for their people to embrace and follow Jesus Christ. Pray for a disciple making movement among them this decade. Pray that gospel recordings and the JESUS Film will lead many to salvation.
Scripture Prayers for the Gond Nagawasi in India.
Profile Source: Keith Carey |