Osta (Nasuva) in Sri Lanka
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Map Source:
People Group data: Omid. Map geography: UNESCO / GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project
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| People Name: | Osta (Nasuva) |
| Country: | Sri Lanka |
| 10/40 Window: | Yes |
| Population: | 8,300 |
| World Population: | 8,300 |
| Primary Language: | Tamil |
| Primary Religion: | Islam |
| Christian Adherents: | 0.00 % |
| Evangelicals: | 0.00 % |
| Scripture: | Complete Bible |
| Ministry Resources: | Yes |
| Jesus Film: | Yes |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | South Asia Muslim - other |
| Affinity Bloc: | South Asian Peoples |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
The name, Ostra, comes from an Arabic word meaning “master,” “teacher,” “artisan” or “celebrated doctor.” They are an ancient barber community that once used to also drain people’s “bad” blood for medicinal purposes. The Ostra are a Muslim barber caste.
What Are Their Lives Like?
They still cut hair but they also circumcise baby boys and give small children their first haircut.
What Are Their Beliefs?
The Ostra are Sunni Muslims.
What Are Their Needs?
The Ostra people need to put their hope in the King of kings, realizing that he is the one who gives them worth and dignity.
Prayer Points
Pray for loving workers to take the gospel message to the Ostra community.
Pray the Lord will prepare the hearts of the Ostra to understand and to believe the gospel.
Pray for the Lord to bless the Ostra people with adequate education and medical facilities.
Pray for the Lord to bless the Ostra people so abundantly that they will see he is the only one worthy of praise and worship.