BANJARA GYPSIES INTERNATIONAL
Welcome
BANJARA GYPSIES INTERNATIONAL (B.G.I). We extend open arms and unwavering support to the marginalized and forgotten. Nestled in the heart of India, our ministry is dedicated to uplifting Banjara Gypsy community and orphaned children through the guiding light of Christian compassion. Join us on a journey of transformation as we work hand in hand with the resilient community, offering hope, dignity, and the promise of a brighter tomorrow. Together, let's weave a tapestry of love and grace, bridging divides and fostering a world where every soul is valued and cherished.
B.G.I a Christian non-profit organization passionately committed to uplifting Vibrant Gypsy community called the Banjara and its orphaned children of this tribe across the Indian nation. With a deep-rooted faith and unwavering dedication, we strive to break the cycles of poverty and marginalization by providing holistic support and empowerment programs. Through education, healthcare, vocational training, and spiritual guidance, we endeavor to nurture the potential and dignity of every individual we serve. Join us in our mission to bring hope, salvation and transformation to those in need, as we walk hand in hand with the Banjara Gypsies towards a brighter future. We are dedicated in serving the Banjara Tribe, the second-largest people group in India.
According to the 2021 census, over 10% of India's population—approximately 150 million people—belong to the Banjara, often referred to as the "Gypsy" community, who are spread across the country. Despite their large numbers, the Banjara are among the least evangelized and most overlooked groups in the world. Living in extreme poverty, the Banjara have an adult literacy rate of just 12%. Historically labeled as "untouchables" and placed at the lowest level of the caste system, many reside in remote villages or urban slums, where access to education and skilled employment is scarce. Amidst these challenges, God called the Boda family—Christopher, Rambai, and their son Vinay & Srujana—to bring hope and transformation to the Banjara people.
Christopher Boda, born into a Hindu family of ten in difficult circumstances, experienced a life-changing transformation through a missionary boarding school. For 13 years, he was supported by a faithful sponsor who introduced him to God's love. Through this experience, Christopher accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior, a decision that ultimately led to the founding of
Banjara Tribal Ministries in 1991.
Orphanage - Our Key Ministry
Children cry when they are hurt, hungry, ill, or uncomfortable. At Banjara Tribal Ministries (BTM), we go beyond meeting their immediate physical needs; we are deeply committed to nurturing their academic and spiritual growth. Many of these children have never experienced the love of family or the security of being genuinely cared for. Some have endured unimaginable horrors, such as narrowly escaping the practice of child sacrifice—a tragic reality in some areas.
These children are especially open to hope and healing because, as we often say, "the clay is still soft." This tender stage of their lives presents a powerful opportunity to teach them about the unconditional love of Jesus Christ as their Savior. In doing so, we also extend our reach to their families, planting seeds of transformation in entire communities.
With India's population surpassing 1.4 billion people, and over 445 million of them being children, the need for outreach and support is more urgent than ever. BTM stands as a beacon of hope, dedicated to shaping lives and pointing the next generation toward a brighter, Christ-centered future.
Bible School - Church Planting
At Banjara Tribal Ministries (BTM), high school graduation marks a pivotal moment for many of our students. It is often during this time that they accept Jesus Christ as their Savior and sense a calling to deeper spiritual service. To nurture this calling, we offer a one-year diploma course in basic theological studies at our Bible School. To date, more than 350 graduates have completed this program, stepping out as equipped pastors and missionaries ready to share the Gospel.
Each year, over 50 new students join the program, eager to receive theological training. We provide them with essential teachings, as well as food and lodging throughout their studies. While our facilities have the capacity to host even more students, our ability to expand is hindered by limited resources. Additional funding is critical to help us equip more young leaders for ministry.
After graduation, these dedicated pastors and missionaries head into the mission field, often serving in rural and underserved communities. Living in modest conditions, they work tirelessly to evangelize, disciple, and plant churches. Many of their congregations, typically 100 to 150 members strong, gather under the open sky, often beneath the shade of trees.
To better serve these growing communities, there is an urgent need for permanent church buildings and land. A two-acre parcel, sufficient for constructing a church, costs approximately USD $4,000. This investment would provide a place for worship, discipleship, and community gatherings, empowering these congregations to grow and thrive.
Our New Projects
For 27 years, BTM has been reaching out to the Banjara community through personal care, education, and training, while sharing the hope of the gospel. Although the population of India has grown tenfold in the past 27 years, the percentage of believers remains alarmingly small. I'm sure you're aware of the challenging situation in India when it comes to ministry and religious freedom. I firmly believe that we are not doing enough. Given the vast population, our efforts feel like a drop in the bucket. We need to expand and do more.
BTM is the only indigenous organization that pioneered the Banjara ministry in India, but currently, we are only operating in two southern states. Our vision is to extend our reach to other states across the country. To do this, we need USD $75,000 to acquire five acres of land and establish a new facility in other regions of India. This new facility will include a childcare center with schooling, a church, separate dormitories for girls and boys, and other essential amenities. Additionally, it will offer skill development programs in areas such as farming and animal husbandry, equipping locals with the tools they need to sustain themselves and their families.