Soyot in Russia

Soyot
Photo Source:  Anonymous 
Map Source:  People Group location: IMB. Map geography: ESRI / GMI. Map design: Joshua Project.
People Name: Soyot
Country: Russia
10/40 Window: No
Population: 4,400
World Population: 4,400
Primary Language: Tuvan
Primary Religion: Buddhism
Christian Adherents: 0.00 %
Evangelicals: 0.00 %
Scripture: Complete Bible
Online Audio NT: No
Jesus Film: Yes
Audio Recordings: Yes
People Cluster: Ural-Siberian
Affinity Bloc: Turkic Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The Soyot people were once part of a cluster of peoples that eventually split into three groups. Then the Soyots themselves were nearly engulfed by the much larger Buryat groups that migrated into their homeland from Mongolia. One of their chief occupations was reindeer production, but were forced into other work under the Soviet Union. Now they are trying to revive that part of their culture since becoming a recognized people group after the fall of communism.

Where Are they Located?

The Soyot are located in Buryatia, Russia.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Although most practice Tibetan Buddhism, they are trying to go back to their Shamanistic roots in an effort to revive their dying culture. Their language is close to extinction.

Prayer Points

Pray for culturally sensitive workers to take Jesus to the Soyot people in such a way that they realize that they can embrace Him without jeopardizing their culture.
Pray that the Soyot will know the great power of Jesus Christ over the power of spirits.
Pray that God would send Russian, Buryat & Mongolian Christians to share the Good News of Jesus with the Soyot people.
Ask God to open the hearts of the Soyot to make them receptive to the Gospel of Christ.
Ask the Lord to raise up strong local churches among the Soyot.

Text Source:   Anonymous