Hemshin in Russia
Photo Source:
CharlesFred - Flickr
Creative Commons
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| People Name: | Hemshin |
| Country: | Russia |
| 10/40 Window: | No |
| Population: | 2,100 |
| World Population: | 26,300 |
| Primary Language: | Turkish |
| Primary Religion: | Islam |
| Christian Adherents: | 10.00 % |
| Evangelicals: | 2.00 % |
| Scripture: | Complete Bible |
| Ministry Resources: | Yes |
| Jesus Film: | Yes |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | Armenian |
| Affinity Bloc: | Eurasian Peoples |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
The Hemshin are reported to have been ethnic Armenians whose ancestors converted to Islam in the 1890s through 1920s to save themselves from death. They presently are made up of a number of diverse groups of Sunni Muslim and Christian people who originally settled in the Hemsin district in the province of Rize, Turkey. Some have migrate to Kyrgyzstan or to the Caucasus region of southwestern Russia.
What Are Their Lives Like?
Hemshins are well-known for the clever jokes, riddles, and stories they tell. The traditional occupations are cultivating tea and maize, raising livestock, and beekeeping.
What Are Their Beliefs?
Hemshin people in Kyrgyzstan are completely Muslim. These people depend upon good works and obedience to the ways of Islam to pay the penalty for their sins. They believe that Allah spoke through his prophet, Mohammed, and taught mankind how to live a righteous life through the Koran and the Hadith.
What Are Their Needs?
The country of Kyrgyzstan is hostile to Christian witness. Overt ministry to the Hemshin people will only be possible by Lord Jesus' enabling. Full Bible resources exist in their Armenian language, however they are not readily available to the Hemshin people.
Prayer Points
Pray for the Hemshin people to recognize that Jesus Christ is worth far more than anything else. Pray for Armenian believers to go to them as Christ bearers. Pray for spiritual discernment among the Hemshin people.