Panika in India

Panika in India

pronounced: pah-nee-KAH

The Panika tribe is divided into two broad groups: the Kabirpanthi (the largest group) and the Sakta. The Kabirpanthi Panika have farmed for years. As a whole, their society is wealthy and most of their children attend school. Some have vast fields and cattle. Many are employed as village watchmen, forest guards, and teachers, while others are excellent businessmen. The Sakta Panika have been much more hesitant to settle on farms; they still rely heavily on hunting and gathering for survival. Their traditional trade of cloth weaving is gradually becoming obsolete, though their goods are still in demand. The Panika live in multi-ethnic villages alongside the Gond, the Baiga, the Pardhi, and other tribes. The Panika were once known among the tribes for their honesty. However, some believe that this characteristic has disappeared over the last 30 years.

Ministry Obstacles

The Panika peoples live mainly in Madhya Pradesh, a central state that has a high percentage of tribal people. Some of their communities are very hard to reach because of the mountainous terrain.

Outreach Ideas

The Panika are almost entirely unevangelized. Prayer is the first step toward seeing them reached with the gospel. They live among other tribes that might have a couple of believers who can reach out to them.

Scripture Focus

"Then the cloud covered the Tabernacle, and the glory of the Lord filled the Tabernacle. Moses could no longer enter the Tabernacle because the cloud had settled down over it, and the glory of the Lord filled the Tabernacle."  Exodus 40:34-35

Scripture Prayer

Pray for many from this people group to experience the glory of the Lord and allow Him to transform them forever.

Prayer Focus

Pray that the few believers among the Panika tribes will be able to help others to find their way to the Savior. * Ask the Holy Spirit to soften the hearts of the Panika so that they will be receptive to Jesus Christ. * Ask the Lord of the harvest to send forth laborers to work among the Panika. * Ask the Lord to bring forth a vigorous Panika church for the glory of His name.