Laz, Lazuri of Georgia

Laz, Lazuri of Georgia The Laz are native to the Black Sea coastal regions of Turkey and Georgia. One of the chief tribes of the ancient kingdom of Colchis, the Laz were initially early adopters of Christianity and most of them subsequently converted to Sunni Islam during Ottoman rule of the Caucasus in the 16th century. There is a very small number of Christian Laz in Georgia who were converted to Christianity from Islam. Laz identity in Georgia has largely merged with a Georgian identity and the meaning of "Laz" is seen as merely a regional category. Ministry Obstacles The Laz of Georgia may have become especially protective of their Islamic faith, since they are a minority in Georgia. Outreach Ideas The predominately Muslim Laz people in Georgia live in a land that is largely Orthodox Christian. Pray that committed Georgian Christians will be given a burden to share Christ with the Laz in their country. Pray for the followers of Christ There are a small handful of Laz in Georgia who would identify themselves as Christians. Pray these people will rest fully in the finished work of Christ on the cross, and not mix in a religion of works. Pray they will gain a heart to share Christ with their fellow Laz, in both Georgia and Turkey. Pray for the entire people group Pray for the ancient Laz people to once again become interested in the Christian faith. Scripture Focus "For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea." Habakkuk 2:14		People Name: Laz, Lazuri Country: Georgia 10/40 Window: No Population: 1,000 World Population: 95,000 Language: Laz Primary Religion: Islam Bible: None Online Audio NT: No Jesus Film: No Audio Recordings: Yes Christ Followers: Few, less than 2% Status: Unreached Progress Level: 1.1