Deha

The Deha speak Hindi, the common language of most of India's northern states. They also have their own language, Deha, which they use to communicate with members of their own community. Traditionally, the Deha wove winnowing fans used to sift wheat from chaff, but today most of them sell cloth. They marry as adults. If one spouse dies, their widow or widower can marry the deceased's sibling. For some reason, divorce has become more common among the Deha since India's independence in 1947.

Ministry Obstacles

The Deha are Hindus who worship Kali, the goddess of destruction, along with regional deities. Instead of relying on the priestly Brahmins, they have their own sacred specialists to perform ceremonies. The Deha have a low literacy rate even for a scheduled caste.

Scripture Focus

"Blessed be the LORD, for he has wondrously shown his steadfast love to me when I was in a besieged city."  Psalm 31:21

Scripture Prayer

Pray that this people group will be drawn to the unfailing love of the Lord, our eternal Heavenly Father.

Prayer Focus

Pray for followers of Christ to help the Deha with literacy and economic development. Pray that they will soon give praise and worship to the King. Pray for a spiritual openness to the ways of Christ. Pray for them to have the spiritual hunger it takes to embrace Christ, no matter what the social cost.