Khvarshi in Russia
Photo Source:
Anonymous
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Map Source:
People Group location: IMB. Map geography: ESRI / GMI. Map design: Joshua Project.
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| People Name: | Khvarshi |
| Country: | Russia |
| 10/40 Window: | No |
| Population: | 5,000 |
| World Population: | 5,000 |
| Primary Language: | Khvarshi |
| Primary Religion: | Islam |
| Christian Adherents: | 0.02 % |
| Evangelicals: | 0.02 % |
| Scripture: | Translation Needed |
| Ministry Resources: | No |
| Jesus Film: | No |
| Audio Recordings: | No |
| People Cluster: | Caucasus |
| Affinity Bloc: | Eurasian Peoples |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
The Khvarshin people of Dagestan speak their own distinct Khvarshi language and are located in eight mountain villages and in several lowland settlements in northern Dagestan.
From 1944-1957, the Soviets forced the Khvarshin out of their mountain homeland region and resettled them into lowland Chechnya. Only in the late 1950s, did the Soviets allow them to return to Dagestan. In years following, some returned to their abandoned mountain villages, and some settled in the northern lowlands of Dagestan.
What Are Their Lives Like?
Today Khvarshi mountain villages are rebuilt with repaired houses standing alongside still-visible ancient ruins. Life is hard for the Khvarshi. They need spiritual hope!
What Are Their Beliefs?
For centuries they have followed Sunni Islam mixed with folk practices.
What Are Their Needs?
The Khvarshi need workers to share the gospel in the Khvarshi language and within their culture.
Prayer Points
Pray that bridges of friendship will be built so that the Khvarshi can begin to grasp that “times of refreshing can come from the presence of the Lord” (Acts 3).
Pray for a team to move into Dagestan and meet and disciple Khvarshi people.
Pray for grace, encouragement, protection and Holy Spirit anointing for the only known Khvarshi Christ follower.
Pray for the Lord to protect the Khvarshi people. They live in a strife-filled land.
May Satan’s efforts to kill and destroy turn many to seek and find the only savior.