The Dahait form several of the forest tribes of Central India. Most of them live in rural areas, not only in Madhya Pradesh but also in Chhattisgarh and Odisha. Dahaits have traditionally been village watchmen, but now some possess land and serve in various vocations. "Dahait" is often used as a surname. Their community council typically meets once a year to discuss and address community issues. They do not accept cooked food and water from the Chamar, Basor, and Gond communities, but do so from the Brahmin, Thakur, Kunbi, etc. They worship Hindu deities, especially Shiva (the god of destruction), and Hanuman, the monkey god. They also appease and worship village deities. They worship their ancestors every year.
Ministry Obstacles: Madhya Pradesh, the central state where the Dahait reside, has strict rules about conversions to Christianity. Opposition to the gospel is firm.
Scripture Focus: "See, I have called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with ability and intelligence, with knowledge and all craftsmanship."
- Exodus 31:2-3
Prayer Focus:
Pray that as members of this people group become part of God’s holy family that they will also find His purposes for them.
Pray for gospel radio to be widely available throughout Madhya Pradesh, and that the Dahait will have access to these broadcasts.
Pray that the Lord will open their minds to understand and believe.
Pray for the true God to raise up his ambassadors to go to the Dahait with the good news of Christ's power to save sinners.
Pray that they will make room in their hearts for Jesus.
Pray for Dahait elders and leaders to open their community to the gospel.