Chuvan in Kazakhstan

People Name:	Chuvan
Country:	Kazakhstan
10/40 Window:	Yes
Population:	500
World Population:	1,600
Primary Language:	Chuvash
Primary Religion:	Christianity
Christian Adherents:	89.00 %
Evangelicals:	2.00 %
Scripture:	Complete Bible
Online Audio NT:	Yes
Jesus Film:	Yes
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	Ural-Siberian
Affinity Bloc:	Turkic Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The Chuvan, part of the Yukaghir group, live mainly in Sakha and Chukotka, Russia. They are an indigenous people group who, like the Nivkh, are known as the reindeer people. Their language became nearly extinct in the early 1900s, but a few speak their own language. There are smaller numbers of them in Ukraine and Kazakhstan.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The traditional Chuvan lifestyle consists of nomadic and semi-nomadic hunting of deer, moose, wild sheep, and sable, as well as fishing. Their culture will probably be unknown by the end of the 21st century.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Chuvan still practice shamanism, and animal worship, particularly the bear. They believe the spirits can act as protectors and as enemies of their people. Ironically, the Chuvan are far more reached with the gospel in Muslim Kazakhstan than Russia or Ukraine.

What Are Their Needs?

The Chuvan need loving workers to share the gospel.

Prayer Points

Pray for Chuvan hearts to be hungry for truth and to be searching for the one true living God.

Pray for messengers to go to the Chuvan and to present the gospel in their heart language and that they would present not only with words which can be understood, but with their very lives.

Pray for gospel messages to become available in audio format for this people group.

Pray that God will preserve the Chuvan people; not only their culture and language, but also their spiritual lives and establish a viable, indigenous and reproducing Chuvan church.