Asur in Bangladesh
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Map Source:
People Group data: Omid. Map geography: UNESCO / GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project
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| People Name: | Asur |
| Country: | Bangladesh |
| 10/40 Window: | Yes |
| Population: | 2,000 |
| World Population: | 41,000 |
| Primary Language: | Sylheti |
| Primary Religion: | Hinduism |
| Christian Adherents: | 1.23 % |
| Evangelicals: | 0.00 % |
| Scripture: | New Testament |
| Ministry Resources: | Yes |
| Jesus Film: | Yes |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | South Asia Tribal - other |
| Affinity Bloc: | South Asian Peoples |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
A number of tribal groups live in the thick forests and mineral rich land of the hilly part of the state of Jharkhand. Asur is one of them. Most live in India, but there are some in neighboring Bangladesh.
What Are Their Lives Like?
The Asur do not mingle freely with others, making it difficult for an outsider to enter their area and build friendships. Any outsider traveling in the region is viewed with suspicion as the area is known for militant activities.
Most Asur children do not attend school, as school facilities are not easily available, and they need to walk long distances to go to school. This keeps the literacy rates among the Asur very low. It is too bad that the schools are far from their villages since their attitude towards education is very positive.
Most of the hard working Asur earn their livelihood as day laborers in mines. In general, the living conditions of the Asur are good. Yet, there is a sharp contrast in the lifestyles and social levels of Christian Asur versus the others. Christians among them have better access to medical facilities, are better educated and have better knowledge about the outside world.
What Are Their Beliefs?
Traditionally, they followed an animistic religion. A number of Asur have responded to the gospel and worship Jesus. They have absorbed many of their ancestral worship forms into the church.
What Are Their Needs?
There is need for local schools and medical facilities for the Asur people.
Prayer Points
Pray the Asur would see they can enjoy abundant life if they put their trust in Jesus Christ.
Pray for the Lord to intervene in their families, calling people to his side and blessing them in every way.
Pray for loving workers to go to them in Bangladesh. Their church is much strong in India than Bangladesh.
Pray for their hearts to be drawn to the Lord of lords.
Pray for a church planting movement to thrive in Bangladesh.
Pray for them to have adequate biblical materials.