Darkhad in Mongolia

People Name:	Darkhad
Country:	Mongolia
10/40 Window:	Yes
Population:	26,000
World Population:	26,000
Primary Language:	Mongolian, Halh
Primary Religion:	Ethnic Religions
Christian Adherents:	0.16 %
Evangelicals:	0.16 %
Scripture:	Complete Bible
Ministry Resources:	Yes
Jesus Film:	Yes
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	Mongolian
Affinity Bloc:	East Asian Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

At one time the Oirat or Khotgoid tribes were independent, but they became subgroups of the Mongols. Likewise, the Darkhad, meaning "protected ones" or "untouchables," are a Mongol subgroup today sharing a similar language and culture. Their traditional language is called Darkhat. Darkhat speakers are known in Mongolia by the name Oirat. Darkhat and standard Halh are closely related. Nearly all Oirat can read standard Mongolian, even if they may pronounce words differently from standard Halh Mongolian. Many can read both the traditional vertical script, as well as the Cyrillic script promoted during the period of Soviet influence. Apparently, the literacy effort in standard Mongolian has been very successful and the Darkhad are bilingual enough to read and comprehend literature in Halh Mongolian.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Mongolia is a large country with limited travel facilities. Access to remote tribes is very difficult. Most likely, members of the Darkhad community are nomadic like most other Mongolian subgroups.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Darkhad differ from other tribes in Mongolia in that they still adhere primarily to their own traditional religion. They have less of a Buddhist or Muslim influence than the others. Shamanism is an important element to Darkhad spirituality. They believe their shaman preserved the soul of Genghis Khan. The Darkhad recognize a uniform spiritual power, localized in the celestial vault. They also worship natural phenomena and believe in a life after death in the form of spirits.

What Are Their Needs?

The Darkhad 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 Lord to provide for their physical and spiritual needs as a testimony of his power and love. Pray that the Darkhad people will have a spiritual hunger that will open their hearts to the King of kings. Pray for workers to go to them who are driven by the love and boldness of the Holy Spirit. Pray for a movement to Christ among them to begin this decade.