The Awans were among those the British considered to be "martial races" and, as such, formed an important part of the British Indian Army. In particular, the Awans were part of the core Muslim group recruited by the British during the First and Second World Wars. Awans belong to the Zamindar or landowning class, and many Awan families to this day live on and cultivate land which their ancestors have held for centuries. Historians describe them as valiant warriors and farmers who imposed their supremacy on the Janjua in part of the Salt Range, and established large colonies all along the Indus to Sind. They are exclusively Muslim and probably the descendants of some of the earlier Muslim invaders of the tenth century or earlier.
The Awan have been strongly and entirely Muslim for centuries.
Pray the Awan will learn of the possibility of viewing the Jesus film on the Internet, and listen to Gospel recordings. Pray especially for the youth to do this.
There probably is not a single follower of Jesus within this large community today, although there may be a few secret believers. Pray the Lord will begin to stir the hearts of these people to yearn for a Savior for their sin. Pray they will come to believe that Jesus (whom Muslims call Isa al-Masih) did indeed die for their sins, and that he rose from the dead.
Pray for Awan farmers to learn improved farming practices resulting in higher yields, while protecting the land from erosion and overuse.
"I will give thanks to You, O Lord, among the peoples; I will sing praises to You among the nations ... Be exalted above the heavens, O God; Let Your glory be above all the earth." Psalm 57:9-11
