Hemshin of Turkey

Hemshin of Turkey The Hemshin peoples are reported to have been ethnic Armenians whose ancestors converted to Islam in the 1890s through 1920's to save themselves from death. They presently are made up of a number of diverse groups of Muslim (Sunni) and Christian people who originally settled in the Hemsin district in the province of Rize, Turkey. The present community of Hemsinli is exclusively Islamic and are Turkish speaking. Hamshenis are well-known for the clever jokes, riddles, and stories they tell. The traditional occupations are cultivating tea and maize, breeding livestock, and beekeeping. Ministry Obstacles The country of Turkey is hostile to Christian witness. Overt ministry to the Hemshin people will be difficult. Outreach Ideas These Turkish-speaking people have many resources available in the Turkish language. The Bible is available, and the Jesus film, and others. Workers are needed to take these resources to the Hemshin people. Pray for the followers of Christ There are no known Christian believers among the Hemshin people at present, but pray for those the Lord will soon call to himself. Pray that teachers will be sent to help them become firmly established on the truth of scripture, and help them learn to walk in the power of the Lord's Spirit. Pray for the entire people group Pray the Hemshin people will increasingly be drawn to the man Isa (Jesus) as they read the Koran, and will seek to learn more. Perhaps the Lord will visit some in dreams and visions. Scripture Focus "Do you not say, 'There are yet four months, and then comes the harvest?' Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look on the fields, that they are white for harvest." John 4:35		People Name: Hemshin Country: Turkey 10/40 Window: Yes Population: 20,000 World Population: 20,000 Language: Turkish Primary Religion: Islam Bible: Complete Online Audio NT: Yes Jesus Film: Yes Audio Recordings: Yes Christ Followers: Few, less than 2% Status: Unreached Progress Level: 1.1