The Musahars – known by some as “The Rat Eaters,” live in socially-marginalized communities placed at the bottom rung of India’s hierarchical caste system. They suffer tremendously from their status in society. “Musahar” is derived from two words meaning “rat catchers” and was likely attributed to them because of their tendency to eat rodents in times of dire need.
Their living conditions are very poor – often without basic facilities. They are not allowed to own property. There are 2.2 million Musahars in India’s Bihar state, and their literacy rate is 3%. They are considered “untouchables,” so their children are not allowed to attend schools. Any attempts at economic advancement will be taken away from them or destroyed by the people of other castes. They are powerless and voiceless – unable to change their situation alone.
Gospel Echoing Missionary Society (GEMS) tried to reach the Mushars with the Good News, which was challenging because of their large illiteracy rate. As a first step, a film team went to a village called Koath in the Rohtas district of Bihar. They screened the movie Daya Sagar (Story of Jesus) using a projector and big screen. The whole village gathered because they had never seen such thing before. The children were very curious to know what was happening in the village.
The people were deeply touched by the movie. Being rejected by people from all sectors, the film helped them understand how Jesus loves and accepts them as they are. At the end of the movie, three people raised their hands and said they wanted Jesus. This film had caused a breakthrough.
GEMS started follow-up ministry, and people slowly began accepting Christ. A church was formed in that village. Now there are around 80 believers – 75% of whom have been baptized. Missionaries started a village development program for the rehabilitation and development of the Musahar community. A daycare center is now meeting physical, educational, and spiritual needs of children. Through the advocacy of GEMS, registered lands have now been provided by the government for the landless, highly marginalized people of this village. They now have the privilege of living in homes they have built themselves.
Praise The Lord.