Their name means "one who occupies the soil." While that might have applied to their landownership, it could just have easily been a description of their domination of their region. The Bais come from a powerful ancient Hindu warrior caste called the Rajputs that ruled parts of South Asia for centuries. As often happened in Indian history, those who had military power also owned good farmland. For many generations the Bais have been both powerful and wealthy.

In the world's eyes the Bais find themselves much admired. They are a proud people known for their wealth and entrepreneurism. In the spiritual realm, however, the Bais are poverty stricken.

Only a very few have responded to the person of Jesus Christ. The rest continue to worship a pantheon of Hindu gods that leave them spiritually destitute.
Aside from false religion, perhaps one of the biggest obstacles keeping the Bais from knowing God is their standing in society. Like other people of high status, they find it difficult to admit their sins, surrender themselves to God, and receive His gift of salvation. Like the rich young ruler, many refuse to risk their status and wealth for eternity in Paradise.

* Scripture Prayers for the Bania Bais in Bangladesh.

* Pray for the Bais to be granted the humility necessary to accept Christ as their Lord and Savior.
* Ask God to thrust forth workers to this people group who can communicate the gospel in a way the Bais can clearly understand.
* Pray for the believers among the Bais to boldly share their faith.

Some information from "The Scheduled Castes" K. S. Singh, ed. Oxford University Press, USA (1994)