Tajik of Turkmenistan

Tajik of Turkmenistan The Tajiks of Central Asia are the oldest surviving people group in that region. They have repeatedly been invaded and conquered throughout their history, as early as Alexander the Great and his armies. Numerous invasions have led to the dispersion of Tajiks to other countries. Many have crossed over into Afghanistan and are still surrounded by war, ethnic violence, religious tension, and harsh living conditions. Poetry plays an important part in Tajik culture. It is read at important celebrations and often sung. Even the Koran has been put to music. Nestorian missionaries first brought Christianity to the Tajiks during the 12th century. Today, Tajiks are Sunni Muslims. Ministry Obstacles Physical access to the Tajiks of Turkmenistan is limited but prayer can open avenues of access. Pray for good quality Gospel radio programming to be widely available to the people of the region. Outreach Ideas The Nestorians brought Christianity to the Tajiks in the 12th century. Pray the prayers of long ago will be remembered today by the Lord, as those early believers prayed for their descendants. Pray for the followers of Christ There likely are no Christian believers among the Tajiks of Turkmenistan today. Pray the Lord is now preparing hearts to receive and believe the good news of Jesus. Pray for the entire people group Pray for the children of the Tajiks to have good schools available, and that parents will make schooling a priority in this rapidly changing 21st century. Scripture Focus "Ask of Me, and I will surely give the nations as Your inheritance, and the very ends of the earth as Your possession." Psalm 2:8		People Name: Tajik Country: Turkmenistan 10/40 Window: Yes Population: 5,200 World Population: 8,371,000 Language: Tajiki 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: 1.2