Aghul in Russia

People Name:	Aghul
Country:	Russia
10/40 Window:	No
Population:	34,000
World Population:	34,000
Primary Language:	Aghul
Primary Religion:	Islam
Christian Adherents:	0.01 %
Evangelicals:	0.01 %
Scripture:	Portions
Ministry Resources:	Yes
Jesus Film:	No
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	Caucasus
Affinity Bloc:	Eurasian Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

Twenty one villages high in the southern mountains of Dagestan have been home to the Agul people for millennia. The Aguls were converted to Islam after the Arab conquest of the 8th Century.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Most of Dagestan is rugged, but the rocky harsh terrain of the Agul villages represents one of the highest levels of rugged for this eastern Caucasus region. Hard-working, weather-beaten faces are the norm in village after village. This mountain lifestyle has created toughness, which is to be highly esteemed. On the other hand, warmer qualities of grace, forgiveness, compassion are typically in short supply.
The Agul sheep and their shepherds swarm through lowland territories and temporarily block roads and congest small villages, before they pass on through—heading either further downhill or back up into the high Agul elevations.
Though Agul men are renowned shepherds, many also work in construction in urban centers during the winter season, while the women of the family keep mountain village households going during the long winter months.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Aghul people are entirely Muslim.

What Are Their Needs?

Jesus was clearly thinking of precious ones like the Agul when it's recorded, "...he looked on the multitudes with compassion, because they were distressed and downcast, like sheep without a shepherd" (Matt.9:36). The Agul, more than most, would vividly understand what it's like for “sheep to be without a shepherd.”
There is currently only one known Agul believer, but there is more hope. Through long perseverance, the Gospel of Luke has been completed in Agul, both in written and audio form. A second publication on the Parables of Luke was also prepared, with illustrations. A gifted young couple has come to serve the Agul with needed linguistic skills. The Agul language is like a rare butterfly and, so, this linguistic service is most appropriate.

Prayer Points

Pray for loving Christian friends, carrying the kindness of the Savior, to come near the Agul people.
Pray for translation projects which include the Lord’s Prayer and oral translation of two books of the Bible.
Pray for people of peace (Lk.10:6) to notice when representatives of the gospel of grace come near to them.
Pray for the Lord of the Harvest to continue to send the right servants at the right time into the right relationships in the midst of Agul culture.