Bayad in Mongolia

People Name:	Bayad
Country:	Mongolia
10/40 Window:	Yes
Population:	68,000
World Population:	68,000
Primary Language:	Mongolian, Halh
Primary Religion:	Buddhism
Christian Adherents:	1.50 %
Evangelicals:	1.20 %
Scripture:	Complete Bible
Ministry Resources:	Yes
Jesus Film:	Yes
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	Mongolian
Affinity Bloc:	East Asian Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

In the 13th century the term "Mongol" grew into an umbrella term for a large group of tribes united under the rule of Genghis Khan. One of these groups that were once independent were the Bayads. Ethnic distinctions among the Mongol subgroups are relatively minor. Tribal differences are usually not a political or social issue as the Mongols are a generally peaceful nation. The Bayad live in western Mongolia.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Mongolia is a very large country with limited travel facilities. Access to remote tribes is very difficult. Most likely, members of the Bayad community are nomadic.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Almost half of the Bayad people are Buddhists. The form of Buddhism in Mongolia is the Tibetan form that is mixed with shamanism and spirit appeasement. Orthodox Buddhism is based on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama or the Buddha, who lived in the 6th and 5th century BC in ancient India. The Buddha taught the Four Noble Truths by which one can gain spiritual knowledge and escape the endless cycles of reincarnation. Theravada, one of the two major branches of Buddhism, declares that by following the Noble Eightfold Path of right intentions and right actions that a Buddhist can achieve nirvana or a state of freedom and salvation. Mahayana Buddhism, the other main branch of Buddhism, asserts that by following the six perfections that a Buddhist can move along the path to Enlightenment. Tibetan Buddhism falls within the Mahayana school. To most Buddhists, however, these things have far less meaning than their traditional beliefs, which are usually animistic. In animism, evil spirits must be appeased through prayers, sacrifices and rituals. Buddhism allows people to mix Buddhist teachings with traditional religion. Two of the important Buddhist yearly holidays are Vesak, the Buddha's birthday celebrated in May or June and Bodhi Day, the holiday which commemorates the day that the historical Buddha experienced enlightenment under a Bodhi tree.

What Are Their Needs?

The Bayad people need to submit to Jesus Christ so they can experience the abundant life he offers them in John 10:10.

Prayer Points

Pray for the few believers in Jesus among the Bayad community, that they will find believers in other tribes to fellowship with and be zealous to know and follow Christ. Pray they will be a favorable testimony to their own people. Pray for the physical and material well-being of the Bayad people, that they will make schooling of their children a priority and will be able to care adequately for their families. Pray for an unstoppable movement to Christ among the Bayad people.