The Marwari people in South Asia, with their ancient Hindu background, tend to be marginalized and mistreated by people of the majority religion among whom they live. Some decades ago, Christians from the West told some Marwari about salvation through Christ, and a few hundred of them became believers. They are scattered over a large area, and they have few resources for Christian growth. In seeking to meet their spiritual needs, SIM thanks God that the government is willing to issue visas for mission workers among this minority group.

“Disciples of Jesus in Action”

Their greatest need is encouragement, through regular meetings for worship and Bible study. But with only four pastors among the entire group, who could facilitate these meetings? Then came the vision for the Christians themselves to lead the way in forming home groups where this vital fellowship could take place. The initiative was named “Disciples of Jesus in Action” (DJA).

The mission team translated booklets to guide the small groups in studying the Bible and in becoming a growing and reproducing church. The leaders of the budding groups receive a set of these booklets to guide their work with their people. But it’s hard for them to maintain momentum. They are themselves members of this disadvantaged group, most of them with minimal education and facing economic challenges daily. That’s where mentors come in.

Mobilizing Mentors

Through regular mentoring sessions, the group leaders receive training and encouragement to keep on following the guidelines in the booklets. They also need to develop the freedom to ask questions, to offer fresh ideas, to suggest topics for further study, and to identify potential future leaders in their groups—a counter-cultural concept where the respected teacher is usually viewed as the only authority.

Abera, a new Ethiopian missionary serving with his family among the Marwari people, will lead DJA in South Asia. He will mobilize mentors and help them gain the skills they need to lead the group leaders. And he’ll keep on encouraging them to maintain frequent contact with their assigned leaders, in order to help them stay on track. A second Ethiopian couple arrived recently to help in Marwari outreach.

All of this is done in the name and Spirit of Jesus, who promised, “I will build my church” (Matthew 16:18, NIV).

Pray

• for God’s joy to fill the Marwari believers in the midst of their poverty and marginalization.
• for a growing movement towards Christ among the Marwari people.