The Rai Bhat people live in Uttar Pradesh. They speak Urdu and Hindi and read and write in Perso-Arabic and Devanagari. Bhat were traditionally court performers. The Bhat recited poetry, often in a very high, sing-song voice.
Today, they continue the practice of phakras which is a poetic speech used to praise others. But most work in cultivation. They are not well educated so the gospel will need to be given in oral form. The Rai Bhat people usually marry their cousins. Monogamy is their usual way. They allow for divorceand remarriage. On the death of the father, the children inherit the property with sons getting morethan the daughters.
Despite being a very creative people group, the Bhat have tended to adopt the religion of those they have served. For some that means following Islam. For others, it involves following Hinduism. Ancestor worship and the occult also continue to be practiced among the Bhat. Like most Muslim communities they bury their dead.
The Rai Bhat people need to experience the life changing transformation that only Jesus Christ can offer.
Pray that as the Rai Bhat read about Jesus in the Koran, they will read the Bible and come to Jesus Christ. Pray for spiritual discernment and hunger that will lead them to the only Savior, Jesus Christ. Pray for a powerful move of the Holy Spirit that will lead to a church planting movement.
Scripture Prayers for the Rahmani (Muslim traditions) in India.
| Profile Source: Keith Carey |
