Digor in Russia

Digor
Photo Source:  Anonymous 
Map Source:  People Group location: IMB. Map geography: ESRI / GMI. Map design: Joshua Project.
People Name: Digor
Country: Russia
10/40 Window: No
Population: 103,000
World Population: 103,000
Primary Language: Ossetic
Primary Religion: Islam
Christian Adherents: 0.02 %
Evangelicals: 0.02 %
Scripture: Complete Bible
Online Audio NT: Yes
Jesus Film: Yes
Audio Recordings: Yes
People Cluster: Caucasus
Affinity Bloc: Eurasian Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

"I am Digor and I am Muslim. I am also Ossetian and I am also Russian." The Digor middle-aged man was reflecting on the many layers of his identity. Digor people live in southern Russia, mostly in the mountainous northwest section of the province of North Ossetia.
The Digor speak the Digor Ossetian language, the most ancient of the Ossetian branch of languages.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Sources report very little about the lifestyle of the Digor.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Most Digor Ossetians have practiced Islam since the 17th Century, whereas most other Ossetians identify as Russian Orthodox. Have any Muslim Digor people found their way to Jesus' saving grace? A handful have, in several cities of the Digor region in northwestern Ossetia.

What Are Their Needs?

The barriers are great. There is a Digor deep-seated, Muslim-based resistance to Jesus as Savior. Digor traditional ways are rooted in Islam and animism. They believe Christianity is for others, not them. Fortunately, there is a deep hunger for grace. Workers have translated the Bible and other resources into the Digor language. This will help reach the Digor with the gospel.

Prayer Points

Pray for workers to distribute the Bible and other resources to the Digor people.
Pray for new Digor believers to offer the grace of Jesus in Digor style to their friends.
Pray for men and women of peace in Digor towns and clans to be reached with the gospel and drawn to the savior.
Pray for the establishment of a viable, indigenous and reproducing Digor church.

Text Source:   Joshua Project