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The Akhvakh, who speak their own distinct language, live in 9 major villages or towns in the mountainous region of west central Dagestan, and also in several Akhvakh enclaves in Dagestani urban areas. Before 1930, Russia considered them to be a distinct ethnic group. Since then, Russia has combined them into the Avar ethnic group. The Akhvakh speak their own distinct language, Akhvakh and maintain their distinct culture.

The Akhvakh people live in a remote area. They make their living by farming and raising livestock. They suffer high rates of alcoholism like many other peoples in this region.

As do many of the peoples of Dagestan, they practice widespread folk Islam which exists alongside official Islam and its Five Pillars. One Dagestani scholar suggests that such animistic folk Islamic practices are especially strong among the Akhvakh, although not much less so among the other 33 language groups of Dagestan.
An Akhvakh mullah might write Arabic Koranic verses with ink pen on a piece of paper, soaked the paper in a cup of water until the ink dissolved in the water and then had the ill person drink the water, accompanied by memorized Arabic incantations.
If a troubling spiritual presence bothers a family in their home or there is a string of bad luck they may call an exorcist to remove the spirit.

The Akhvakh need workers to share the gospel in the Akhvakh language and within its culture.

Pray that anointed workers will go the Akhvakh as Christ-bearers.
Pray that the Bible and other resources will be translated into the Akhvakh language.
Pray for the two female Akhvakh believers to show boldness, gentleness and love as they interface with their Akhvakh family and clan relationships.
Pray for the establishment of a viable, indigenous and reproducing Akhvakh church.

Scripture Prayers for the Akhvakh in Russia.

http://www.globalprayerdigest.org/issue/day/2017/03/25
http://www.globalprayerdigest.org/issue/day/2014/03/13
http://www.globalprayerdigest.org/issue/day/2010/03/27