Daily Topic for August 16, 2012
How empty and frightening life can be when a person does not know the true and living God. This people group traditionally made leather goods, but now in modern India their employment opportunities and lives have changed. Along with these changes come opportunities to hear about the wonderful God who loves them and is preparing a place for them in heaven. That is what Christ followers are offering these people groups.
Pray that native Telugu speaking believers will prayerfully seek and find opportunities to minister to the Arunthathaiyar people group so that they can have peace and joy in Christ and call upon the name of the Lord.
“Oink,” squealed the piglet who was being cuddled by a young Arunthathaiyar boy. “Be careful handling that baby pig, son,” spoke the boy’s father. “But I think he likes it,” explained the boy, tickling the piglet’s belly. “I think he’s laughing.” “Just the same, be careful,” returned the father. “He’s not made of steel.”
The Arunthathaiyars raise pigs, sheep, and goats. They also work in industries, construction, and other kinds of manual labor. But their traditional occupation is the making of leather goods, for which they are compensated with a fixed amount of grain. Today, however, occupations vary and include jobs in many areas. Some work as artists, painters, craftsmen, and in embroidery work. Still others are employed as teachers, businessmen, and in the defense industry.
The Arunthathaiyar name is derived from the mythical woman Arundhaty. They worship the community deity Matamma and have separate wells and burial grounds. The people are known for adorning their bodies with tattoos. Both men and women consume locally made alcohol. The Arunthathaiyars permit cross cousin and uncle/niece marriages. Marriage rituals are performed at the groom’s home.
Learn more at joshuaproject.netPray for the Arunthathaiyar of Tamil Nadu, India, that they will recognize Jesus as the one, true God, and worship Him as Lord. Pray that they will use their various gifts and abilities for the glory of God.-CN
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