Newah of Nepal
The Newah, one of the most cultured ethnic groups in Nepal, were some of the country's earliest inhabitants. Some Newahs are Hindu and others Buddhist, but most Newahs would not recognize the distinction. For them it is more important to follow the traditions of the ancestors than it is to argue about religious affiliation or doctrine. Today there is theoretically freedom to follow almost any trade but inter-caste marriage is still widely frowned upon if not seriously punished. Newahs worship a multitude of gods, many of which are local gods and others are more clearly identified with the prestigious deities worshipped to the south, especially Shiva. They believe in the existence of demons, hostile spirits of the dead, ghosts, and witches.

Ministry Obstacles
Most Newah have a worldview that is very different from the worldview presented by the Bible.

Outreach Ideas
There are a growing number of evangelical Christians in Nepal. Pray for some mature Christians to go to the Newah community to give them an accurate and complete understanding of how to know and follow Christ.

Pray for the followers of Christ
A few Newah have reported themselves as Christians to the census. Please pray these individuals will clearly understand the distinction between being a cultural Christian and a real disciple of Jesus. Pray for teachers and resources to help them with this.

Pray for the entire people group
Pray the Newah community will be set free from honoring and even worshipping created beings and fictitious beings.

Scripture Focus
"For behold, darkness will cover the earth, And deep darkness the peoples; But the Lord will rise upon you, And His glory will appear upon you. And nations will come to your light, And kings to the brightness of your rising." Isaiah 60:2-3

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SI Moderator - Greg Gordon