The Story of how the Community of Banjaras ministry came into existence:
In June 2022, Bro Reuel and Bro Sabby, partners in ministry, fasted for 40 days. During this time, they received a vision and a clear purpose to serve the homeless and poor in Pune, India. They soon discovered Banjara families living on the hilltops of Mohamadwadi. These families stay in tents and belong to one of India’s most impoverished groups. They lack permanent homes and move from place to place seeking food and shelter.
Women face the hardest struggles, starting from childhood. They often marry very young, sometimes as teens. Many marry while still children, leading to early pregnancies and health issues. Most children are undernourished and lack proper schooling. This is because the community holds tightly to old traditions and beliefs. There are no good facilities or programs to teach kids morals, discipline, or ethics.
Today, about 30 families live in the foothills of Mohamadwadi. The Banjaras ministry is part of the Arise and Shine Foundation. Mr Vinod Sharma, Mr Sebastian, and Bro Reuel have joined with this organization to help.
SUNDAY PROTEIN DAY :
In the evenings on Sundays, Bro Sabby and Bro Reuel visit the Banjaras. They gather children and adults to teach moral values, sing songs, and offer basic lessons in reading and writing. They motivate young people about job opportunities and encourage women to move beyond old beliefs about early marriage and limited education. They share stories of hope in Jesus Christ and pray with families for strength and change.
Some families have responded to this message. They have started applying for jobs in the city. Children show interest in going to school and now attend a mobile school run by a (INM). These kids don’t go to regular schools and seldom contact nearby communities due to their isolation and old traditions.
SUPPORT & NEED :
We need help to support the Banjaras community. Current aid is too small to supply food and proper schooling for the children. Most Banjaras earn little by selling Ayurvedic medicines, a traditional practice passed down in their families. They sell their medicines roadside, earning only about 500 rupees a month. Larger brands like Yogi Ayurveda now dominate the market and sell online, making it harder for Banjaras to earn.
They lack clean drinking water, bathing water, and proper toilets. Women often go to nearby hills for toilets, risking safety. The children have no proper schools because their parents’ old beliefs discourage their education.
A food truck is urgently needed so we can seek donations and help organizations provide food and supplies. We also need a food truck on Sundays to transport Banjaras to church, as they want to attend.
