A group of believers among the bahrupiya gather to have their picture taken. |
When Devanand Patil, a Gospel for Asia-supported missionary, started his ministry, he encountered a group of people called bahrupiya. They dressed up in costumes, impersonating police, mailmen and jokers. They traveled the streets performing small skits, trying to get money from those who passed by. It was their way of living, and Devanand felt a heavy burden to reach out to those particular people.
He started handing out tracts and speaking to them about the love of the true God, but it wasn’t until they witnessed the healing power of Jesus Christ that the bahrupiyas took interest.
Uptal Tambe lived in the village where the bahrupiya resided. His wife was terminally ill, and Uptal was not able to provide good treatment for her because of lack of finances. He worried and stressed over her condition and his inability to help.
When Devanand heard about Uptal’s situation, he stopped by his home and began developing a friendship with the family. He visited them constantly and prayed fervently for them and for the healing of Uptal’s wife. With time, the Lord restored her to complete health, leaving them both in awe.
When the bahrupiya took notice of the miracles being done in Jesus’ name, they approached Devanand with a request.
“Your Christianity is very good, and we like what Jesus Christ has done for us,” they said. “Therefore, we would love to bring the Gospel to other people through our acting.”
They asked Devanand to screen a movie on the life of Jesus so they could learn more about Him and act out the Gospel on the streets.
So far, 15 people in this village have come to know the Lord Jesus Christ as their Savior. Please pray that more people will come to know Him, and that the bahrupiya group will reach many as they share the Gospel through their drama performances.