The word Patni has to do with ferrying by boat. They have a low status in Hindu society. Most are landowners who work in farming, though others are day laborers. They avoid marrying relatives on the side of the father for five generations. Though most Patni live in India, there is also a sizable Patni community in Bangladesh.

Ministry Obstacles: They have a low literacy level so the gospel message will need to be presented in oral form.

Scripture Focus: "But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,"
- 1 Peter 3:15

Prayer Focus: Pray for today’s people group to learn to worship Christ as Lord and King. Pray for families of believers loving and serving others to grow reproducing churches. Pray for a chain reaction of Patni families reaching families that results in thousands of new believers who share their faith with others. There are vibrant Christ followers in northeastern India who can reach out to the Hindu Patni in Bangladesh; pray for them to reach out to these Hindus. Pray for grace and truth to expand into the entire Hindu Patni society as all believers learn to love others. Pray that churches and believers will bless their entire people group in such a way that God's love will change the Hindu Patni like yeast changes dough.