Tuvans-Todzhan in Russia

People Name:	Tuvans-Todzhan
Country:	Russia
10/40 Window:	No
Population:	1,900
World Population:	1,900
Primary Language:	Tuvan
Primary Religion:	Buddhism
Christian Adherents:	0.00 %
Evangelicals:	0.00 %
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 Todzhan Tuvans are a subgroup of the larger, Tuva-speaking group in Russia.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Most raise livestock for a living. They also hunt and do a limited amount of farming. Oats, barley, wheat and millet are their principal crops.

Many Tuvans-Todzhans live as nomadic shepherds, migrating seasonally with their herds. Those who inhabit the plains traditionally live in large felt tents called yurts. Those in Siberia usually live in round tents made from bark.

Their diet primarily consists of meat (mutton, beef, horse, goat, camel, reindeer, and wild game), fish, roots, cedar nuts, and dairy products. The Tuvinians enjoy drinking airag (fermented mare's milk) on special occasions.

The main industrial activity in the Tuvinian Republic is mining, especially for asbestos, cobalt, coal, gold, and uranium. Other industries include processing food, crafting leather or wood items, and manufacturing building materials.

Divorce is common among the Tuvans-Todzhan. Tuvan culture is noted for its oral epic poetry their love music.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Today, the Todzhan Tuvans are Tibetan Buddhists, and shamanism is strong.

What Are Their Needs?

The current religions of the Tuvan people present a very different worldview than that of the Christian believer. A new way of thinking is necessary to accept the lordship of Christ.

The Tuva language has the complete Bible available and other resources are also available, including the JESUS Film. They need people to get these resources to them. That will be a difficult task.

Prayer Points

There are probably no followers of Jesus among the Todzhan Tuvans, although there are likely a few believers among the larger Tuvan group. Pray for Tuvan believers to be taught accurately how to know and follow Christ and that they would grow in numbers. Pray the Tuvan peoples would be able to provide adequately for their families. Pray for workers to go to the Todzhan Tuvans as Christ's hands and feet, blessing them in every way. Pray that Russian or Mongolian Christians would be able to take these resources to the people.