Abaza of Turkey

Abaza of Turkey Abazinians originally occupied the Sadzen region in the western part of Abkhazia, Russia. The ancient Greek historian Herodotus (5th century B.C.) listed the Abazgii tribe among peoples who lived on the shores of the Black Sea. Most of those in Turkey today belong to the Ashkharua clan that fought against the Tsarist army and immigrated to Turkey after losing the battle of Kbaada. They have been Sunni Muslim since the 17th-18th centuries, replacing Christianity. Both the earlier Christianity and later Islam were and are heavily mixed with pagan customs and beliefs. Ministry Obstacles There are no reported Christian resources in the Abaza language. And Turkey does not offer welcome to Christian workers. Outreach Ideas Pray the Lord will lead Abaza youth to find Christian broadcasts, downloads, and websites in languages they understand. Pray for the followers of Christ There may be a very few Orthodox Christians in this group in Turkey. Pray they will trust fully in the completed work of Christ, and will live holy and joyful lives. Pray for the entire people group Please pray the Abaza people will once again acquire interest in the Christianity of their ancestors. Pray the Lord will stir their spirits in this way. Scripture Focus "The time is coming to gather all nations and tongues. And they shall come and see My glory." Isaiah 66:18		People Name: Abaza Country: Turkey 10/40 Window: Yes Population: 12,000 World Population: 68,000 Language: Abaza 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