Tatar in Russia

The predominantly Muslim Tatars are descendants of Mongols, Bulgars and other peoples. Russian domination of the Tatars began when Ivan the Terrible conquered the Tatars in 1552, beginning Russification. Since the late 1980s, there has been a resurgence of Tatar nationalism. Tatars have a long history of resisting both imperial Russian and Soviet domination. This has included resistance to the Orthodox Church's attempts to convert them from Islam.

Ministry Obstacles

The Tatars have not forgotten the history of ill treatment from Christian Russia.

Outreach Ideas

Christians need to live among the Tatar and befriend them, learning how to communicate the gospel using their language and music.

Scripture Focus

"Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name."  Acts 5:41

Scripture Prayer

Pray that believers in this people group are willing to endure persecution for the name of Christ.

Prayer Focus

Pray for the Tatar believers, that the Lord would send qualified teachers and pastors. May Tatar Muslims find it more important to follow Christ than gain community approval. Pray for the Tatar people to increasingly desire to find out more about Jesus and that this desire would be satisfied. Pray for a movement to Christ among Russia's Tatars in the 2020s. Pray for workers who can lead them into a powerful movement to Christ.