Aheria in India

Aheria
Photo Source:  Anonymous 
Map Source:  People Group data: Omid. Map geography: UNESCO / GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project.
People Name: Aheria
Country: India
10/40 Window: Yes
Population: 192,000
World Population: 192,000
Primary Language: Hindi
Primary Religion: Hinduism
Christian Adherents: 0.00 %
Evangelicals: 0.00 %
Scripture: Complete Bible
Ministry Resources: Yes
Jesus Film: Yes
Audio Recordings: Yes
People Cluster: South Asia Hindu - other
Affinity Bloc: South Asian Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction

The name Aheria means “hunter” because this was the main occupation of this group prior to the 1920s. However, in 1920, hunting was banned, which led to the disappearance of their principal occupation. The community now engages mainly in farming. They supplement their income by selling firewood. They are a scheduled caste, low in status among other Hindus. They regularly visit the temple of their tribal deity, Vijaisan Mataji.

Ministry Obstacles

People can expect spiritual opposition as workers present Jesus to the Hindu communities of India. They need to be prayerfully prepared.

Outreach Ideas

Pray for the Followers of Christ

Pray for the Entire People Group

As a scheduled caste, the Aheria remain one of the disadvantaged groups in India. Pray they would overcome this stigma and put their identity in Christ rather than their community status.
Pray especially for an improving literacy rate.
Pray they would come to understand and believe God's Son, Jesus, who will give them life to the full if they place their faith in him.
Pray for secret believers since there are no known churches among the Aheria.
Pray the Holy Spirit would soften their hearts to open more fully to his revelation.

Text Source:   Joshua Project