Nuristani, Waigeli of Afghanistan

Nuristani, Waigeli of Afghanistan Most Nuristani subsist as farmers and herders but in a remote and difficult-to-access region where steep, narrow paths challenge even mules. Origins of present-day Nuristani peoples remain a mystery although soldiers of Alexander the Great have been implicated. Physically, the people favor Europeans. Oral accounts from tribes dating to a thousand years ago indicate beliefs which had roots in an older form of Hinduism that featured a supreme creator and lesser gods. This religion was supplanted after some 800 years of resistance when, in 1895, the Nuristani clans were out-fought by Amir Adur Raham Khans forces and forced at sword-point to convert to Islam. Ministry Obstacles The Nuristani have a historical distrust of outsiders, a determined independence, in-fighting and a lingering fear of spiritual consequences. Outreach Ideas The tribes in the Nuristan region have many physical and material needs. Christians can find ways to help these people. Pray for the followers of Christ There are likely no followers of Jesus Christ among the Waigeli tribe. Pray for the people to be drawn to Isa (Jesus) as they hear the Koran read. Pray the Lord will reveal himself in dreams and visions, as this is appropriate. Pray for the entire people group As recently as 2007, reports indicted that health care is virtually non-existent and schools are few in most of Nuristan. The need for roads to bring access for aid and development projects, as well as to bring in food and supplies, is urgent. Scripture Focus "All the nations will be gathered before Him; and He will separate them from one another, as the shepherd separates the sheep from the goats." Matthew 25:32		People Name: Nuristani, Waigeli Country: Afghanistan 10/40 Window: Yes Population: 12,000 World Population: 12,000 Language: Waigali 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