BANJARA GYPSIES INTERNATIONAL (BGI), a global Christian mission organization, has been actively working with the Gypsies. Different countries have given different names to this tribe. Starting from India to Pakistan, Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Tazakistan and other Central Asian countries, they are called Banjara/Lambani / Lamani/ Sugali. The European countries call them Gypsies or even Romas / Romani people. Even though this community looks colourful, they actually has a dark background. Because of the rejected country status and denied human rights, these wander from place to place looking for any trash or recyclable items, which can be sold for a dollar or two. With that, they survive the day. Considering there harsh reality, these gypsies are rejected they are hated and denied access into other communities because they are thieves and untrustworthy. There are millions who are living in desperate conditions without any hope for tomorrow. Especially, beautiful looking children are forced into begging, stealing, prostitution and even human trafficking just to survive.

BGI share a great deal of burden to reach out these gypsies. We would like to start our focus from India, where there are more than 150 million (15 Crores) in India alone. And the list continues – Malaysia, Indonesia, African countries, Central Asian countries, Asian Islamic countries etc. In fact, around 1000 CE, well known Indian kingdoms called the CHOUHAN KINGDOM & the RAJPUT KINGDOM are the roots for the Banjara tribe in India. But as years passed, the Islamic King Mohd Ghori invaded India and wiped away the gypsy Banjara kingdoms from which the survivors were scattered to all other states in India and migrated other countries around. Today, experts believe there are traces and proofs that there are Banjara Gypsies in almost every notable country in the world. And of all these countries, India stands in the first place with the highest population of Gypsies (Banjara – Gor) with a staggering 150 million (15 Crore) which is more than 12% of the India’s total population. If all these were a country, it would account for country bigger than USSR (Russia).

Our mission has been to evangelize, empower, and uplift this marginalized community through a multifaceted approach. For our Lord said in Matthew 28:19,20 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. HIS LAST COMMAND IS OUR FIRST CONCERN.

Personal Note from Christopher

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. There are many pressing needs for this growing and productive ministry. As I reflect back, I am overwhelmed by what God has done. Here at BTM, a day never goes by without remembering and talking about how far God has brought us. We have trusted God, we have prayed earnestly, and we have worked faithfully to see BTM grow. This is only because many individuals like yourself, churches and groups have involved and extended their support faithfully. and we can’t thank you enough.