Boya

Boya are a Hindu people living in South India. The word Boya comes from a word meaning "earth diggers." They have a history of being soldiers and warriors in the armies of South India. Today most Boya work in agriculture growing rice, other grains, vegetables and fruit. Some own land while others work as landless laborers. Rice, ragi and jowar are their staple cereals. Agriculture is their main occupation. They also work as laborers on an annual wage basis. Only a small number are employed in government offices. Child labor is prevalent. They live in nuclear families and follow patrilocal residence. Parents arrange marriages, and dowries are common practice. A divorced man can remarry, but a divorced woman is not allowed to remarry. They prefer cross-cousin and maternal uncle-niece marriages. Boya are placed within the Shudra, the fourth caste of Hinduism. The primary language of Boya is Telugu.

Ministry Obstacles

When a Boya person becomes a Christian believer, they may lose income and be shunned by their Hindu family.

Scripture Focus

"Let your steadfast love, O LORD, be upon us, even as we hope in you."  Psalm 33:22

Scripture Prayer

Pray for this people group to give their love and devotion to the Lord and be rewarded with hope and joy forever.

Prayer Focus

Pray that God will release the Boya to enjoy complete peace with God. Pray for the Boya to understand and embrace that Jesus wants to bless their families and neighborhoods. Pray for Boya families to be drawn to Jesus and to the Bible, so they may learn more about him.