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Mani is a member of the Irula tribe, an indigenous group in southern India known as the “snake-catchers.”

For centuries, Mani’s people have relied on capturing cobras, vipers, and other poisonous snakes for their livelihood. The 51-year-old estimates he has bagged over 200 snakes, and he has only been bitten once. He is an expert at his craft because he has learned to read the “footprint” of the snake and identify where one is hiding.

The Irula are considered among the poorest of the poor in the lower castes of Indian society. The nine families living in Mani’s small village dwell in one-room huts with thatched roofs and mud walls. Rice is the staple diet. In addition to selling snake venom for serum (the sale of snake skins became illegal in the 1970s), the Irula have turned to small-scale farming to try to survive.

A pastor came to Mani’s village five years ago and told him about Jesus, the Son of the living God who is greater than the gods of health and harvest that his family worshiped. Mani asked if Jesus could heal him of his weak heart. The pastor prayed with him, and Mani was astonished when his health problems disappeared.

Mani became the first Christian in his village. He encouraged the pastor to teach Bible classes to the children. Now everyone in the small community has received Jesus as Lord. Mani shares the Gospel with people in nearby villages, challenging them to walk in the footprints of the Savior.

In March, Operation Christmas Child shoe boxes were delivered to children in the village and from the surrounding countryside. Mani and his wife, Pattu, rejoiced to see such beautiful gifts, further evidence of God’s love and provision.

“Our grandchildren are filled with joy. Thank you,” he said. “Now more people will be coming to know Jesus.”