"Friendly" is the word used to describe the Halba people of Chhattisgarh, India. There may be numerous reasons for this description. The Halba people live with exquisite beauty all around them. Their homeland includes dense forests, mountains, waterfalls, and natural caves. Some from the Halba community are affluent landowners. However, many of them still face challenges such as poor health, high infant mortality rates, child marriage, and child labor. They also have a low literacy rate due to infrastructure challenges. Their villages do have primary schools, but they don't function regularly. They take pride in their unique cultural elements such as their costumes, language (Marathi), and lifestyle.
Indian nationals like the Halba people often view Christians as illiterate, poor and low in status. Joining believers could lower their status in the eyes of other communities, so they are not inclined to become followers of Christ.
Scripture portions, films about Jesus, and audio resources are available in their language. Missionaries can make inroads in reaching them by providing these resources and childcare programs.
"May your ways be known throughout the earth, your saving power among people everywhere." Psalm 67:2
Pray that His ways will soon be known by today’s people group.
Only about one in 300 claim to be Christians. Ask the Father to strengthen their faith and to do miracles in their midst that will draw eyes to Jesus, their Savior. Pray for a significant people movement to Christ among the Halba people in the 2020s.