Avar, Kunzakh in Russia

People Name:	Avar, Kunzakh
Country:	Russia
10/40 Window:	No
Population:	1,009,000
World Population:	1,015,800
Primary Language:	Avar
Primary Religion:	Islam
Christian Adherents:	0.01 %
Evangelicals:	0.01 %
Scripture:	New Testament
Ministry Resources:	Yes
Jesus Film:	Yes
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	Caucasus
Affinity Bloc:	Eurasian Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction

The Avar are one of the largest native people groups living in Dagestan. Residing mostly within the Caucasus Mountain region, they are very devoted to traditional family values. The basic unit of Avar society is the village community. A village assembly and a council of elders govern each community. Sunni Islam has been the prevailing religion of the Avar since the 13th century. Between the 5th and 12th centuries, Georgian Orthodox Christianity was introduced to the Avar. However, the influence of Islam was more lasting. Today the Avar are almost completely Muslim. They hold fast to their religion. Tradition seems to keep them from being receptive to the gospel. The New Testament is available in the Avar language, as well as other communication tools, such as the JESUS Film and gospel recordings.

Ministry Obstacles

The Caucasus region is difficult to enter for geographical reasons, and the people of the region are very insular. The Russian government also prevents outsiders from getting in.

Outreach Ideas

From testimonies of now dozens of Avar people who follow the way of Jesus, most often they testify to having dreams about Jesus. They also testify to experiencing the blessing of having received warm hospitality, caring friendship, meaningful intercessory prayer, true friendship and relationships at the speed of trust. They had chances to ask hundreds of spiritual questions as they sought the way of Jesus. Community groups who make space for intentional discovery Bible learning of Scripture audio and literary Scripture are highly valued.

Pray for the Followers of Christ

Pray for the Entire People Group

Pray for a just peace in the Caucasus region.
Pray that Christianity would be seen as a relationship with Christ rather than as a political or cultural identity.
There may be a few Christian believers among the Avar. Pray they would be accurately taught the ways of Christ, resting fully in his finished work on the cross, and trusting his Spirit for an abundant life.