Chukchi in Russia
Photo Source:
Magadan - Flickr
Creative Commons
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Map Source:
People Group location: SIL / WLMS. Map geography: ESRI / GMI. Map design: Joshua Project.
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| People Name: | Chukchi |
| Country: | Russia |
| 10/40 Window: | No |
| Population: | 16,000 |
| World Population: | 16,000 |
| Primary Language: | Chukchi |
| Primary Religion: | Ethnic Religions |
| Christian Adherents: | 4.00 % |
| Evangelicals: | 1.25 % |
| Scripture: | Unspecified |
| Online Audio NT: | Yes |
| Jesus Film: | No |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | Ural-Siberian |
| Affinity Bloc: | Turkic Peoples |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
The Lord did not set his affection on you and choose you because you were more numerous than other peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples (Deut. 7:7 - NIV). The Bible teaches that the Lord values a people group regardless of its size. We know from his word that small groups like the Chukchis of Eastern Siberia are as dear to his loving heart as those from large people groups like the Russians. The Russians identified them in the 1930s.
What Are Their Lives Like?
Like most of their neighboring peoples, the Chukchis live by reindeer production, fishing, fur trapping, and mining. Summer temperatures barely make it above freezing in their eastern homeland along the Bering Sea, and winter temperatures fall well below zero.
The industrious, artistic Chukchis skillfully carve bone objects. Their culture considers songs and dances as an integral part of their traditions. They value education and literature very highly.
What Are Their Beliefs?
The Chukchi practice a traditional ethnic religion which includes animistic elements. Only a small number of Christ followers exist amongst the Chukchi. It is easy to understand why missionaries and others have overlooked the Chukchi people since better-known cultures surround them.
What Are Their Needs?
The Chukchi need workers to share the gospel in their Chukchi language and within their culture.
Prayer Points
Pray the Lord will send loving ambassadors of Christ to take Jesus's ways to the Chukchis.
Pray for the distribution of the available Chukchi audio Bible and gospel recordings as well the translation of the Bible into the Chukchi language.
Pray for open, responsive hearts among the Chukchi when hearing the gospel.
Pray for the establishment of a viable, indigenous and reproducing Chukchi church.