The literature calls them Akhvakh, they call themselves Atluatii or Ashvado, the Russian government classifies them as Avars, but God calls them lost people in need of a Savior. The Akhvakh are almost entirely folk Muslims who seek out shamans and use the Koran like a talisman. They are a ranching people who raise livestock and chickens and live in nine villages in central Dagestan and in ethnic neighborhoods in urban areas. Many have assimilated into the Avars, but they still keep cultural distinctives. Mixed marriages are increasingly common. Most, if not all, are bilingual, speaking Akhvakh at home and Avar in public. Elementary grade education is in Avar, secondary is in Russian, but neither is their mother tongue.
Missionary obstacles include terrain, syncretism, lack of Scripture in their heart language and Russian law against proselytism.
Outreach in urban areas into Akhvakh neighborhoods might be effective. If someone took an interest in their culture and language, they could develop gospel materials to share with them.
"The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent, because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead." Acts 17:30-31
Pray for today’s people group to repent of their sins and to believe in the God of the Bible.
Pray that the urban Akhvakh would open up to the gospel and begin a Disciple Making Movement with their rural kinsfolk. Pray for the two or three believers in one family, for their protection and growth in faith and witness. Pray for Christian linguist-teachers to translate the Bible, collect local lore and teach literacy to the people in their heart language.
People Name: | Akhvakh |
Pronunciation: | AHK-vahk |
Country: | Russia |
10/40 Window: | No |
Population: | 6,700 |
World Population: | 6,700 |
Language: | Akhvakh |
Primary Religion: | Islam |
Christian Adherent: | 0.03% |
Evangelical: | 0.03% |
Bible: | Unspecified |
Ministry Resources: | No |
Jesus Film: | No |
Audio Recordings: | No |
Status: | Unreached |
Progress Level: |