Koya of India
Since India's independence from the British in 1947, the Indian government has increased its influence over the Koya. As a result, the Koya have rebelled numerous times. The Koya resent the restrictions that have been placed on their use of reserve forests and distillation of liquor. They also resent the hydroelectric projects and rehabilitation of refugees in their land. They are primarily farmers. Their wood, thatch, and mud houses are built without windows. They usually have two rooms and a porch around the outside. The Koya practice their own ethnic religion, but also worship a number of Hindu gods and goddesses. Many Koya deities are female, the most important being "mother earth." Sacrifices are carried out by the village priests. The Koya do not believe in heaven, hell, or reincarnation.

Ministry Obstacles
Members of the Koya community speak a total of 50 languages in India, and several evangelistic and church planting projects will be needed.

Outreach Ideas
Pray that God's people will bring iimprovement to their physical condition without neglecting the ministry to their spiritual condition.

Pray for the followers of Christ
A few Koya have reported themselves as Christians to the census. Pray they will interact and fellowship with each other, encouraging each other to share what Christ has done for them.

Pray for the entire people group
Cholera, smallpox, and malaria are big problems for the Koya. They need quality medical care as well as health and hygiene education.

Scripture Focus
"All nations you have made will come and worship before you, O Lord, they will bring glory to your name." Psalm 86:9

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SI Moderator - Greg Gordon