Tajik, Sarikoli of China

Tajik, Sarikoli of China The Tajik are probably the one group in China most unlike the Han Chinese. They are a Caucasian people with light skin. The Sarikoli Tajik in China are a separate ethnolinguistic group from the Central Asian Tajik. The Sarikoli Tajiks have lived in tribal and clan structures for centuries. Their homes are built with stone for protection against the extreme cold. The Tajiks are one of the few groups in China who adhere to the Shi'a sect of Islam. They do not have mosques. Instead, they meet in their homes once a week for prayer and worship. Before the arrival of Islam in the tenth century, most Tajiks were Christians, having been converted by Nestorian missionaries starting in the seventh century. Ministry Obstacles No scripture or other Christian resources are reported as available in the Sarikoli language. Outreach Ideas Perhaps the Lord will give some Han Chinese Christians an interest in this Muslim group. Pray they will be able to overcome any fear of this Muslim community. Pray for the followers of Christ The Tajik are one of the most unreached groups in China. There may not be a single follower of Christ among this group in China. Pray the Lord will remember the prayers of Christian Tajiks of long ago, as they prayed for their descendants. Pray for the entire people group Please pray for Sarikoli Tajiks to gain an interest in Isa (Jesus) as the Koran is read. Scripture Focus "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest." Matthew 9:37-38		People Name: Tajik, Sarikoli Country: China 10/40 Window: Yes Population: 43,000 World Population: 43,000 Language: Sarikoli Primary Religion: Islam Bible: None Online Audio NT: No Jesus Film: No Audio Recordings: No Christ Followers: Few, less than 2% Status: Unreached Progress Level: 1.1