Antsukh in Russia
Photo Source:
Marco Fieber - Flickr
Creative Commons
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Map Source:
Withheld by request
Copyrighted © 2024
Used with permission
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| People Name: | Antsukh |
| Country: | Russia |
| 10/40 Window: | No |
| Population: | 60,000 |
| World Population: | 60,000 |
| Primary Language: | Avar |
| Primary Religion: | Islam |
| Christian Adherents: | 0.00 % |
| Evangelicals: | 0.00 % |
| Scripture: | New Testament |
| Ministry Resources: | Yes |
| Jesus Film: | Yes |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | Caucasus |
| Affinity Bloc: | Eurasian Peoples |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
Identity is a complicated thing high in the southern mountains of the Russian province of Dagestan. A member of the Antsukh people might identify with being Antsukh, Avar, Dagestani, yet have Russian citizenship.
But even with a scattered identity, the Antsukh people are noted for their pride. In the second decade of the 21st century, Antsukh Avars are justifiably proud that one of their own was selected as president of the Russian province [Republic] of Dagestan. Pride—both a strength and a weakness—has never been in short supply among the Muslim Antsukh people. They are renowned for high levels of pride, resistance to change, and xenophobic suspicion toward outsiders. All these traits have kept the people from being humble enough to embrace the sovereign Savior.
The Antsukh Avars live mainly in Dagestan, in Russia's North Caucasus Mountain region.
What Are Their Lives Like?
Like the other people groups in this region, life is hard. They live in a land of harsh winters and harsher neighbors. For centuries the region has been beset by power struggles and violence. Most of them make their living through their livestock.
What Are Their Beliefs?
The Antsukh people are devoted to Sunni Islam, though they do not practice it well.
What Are Their Needs?
The Antsukh people desperately need to be released from the clutches of pride and lack of forgiveness.
Prayer Points
Pray for grace and the power of the Holy Spirit to come to the Antsukh people.
Pray for the people of peace within the Antsukh culture to be deeply touched by the overflowing love of the Holy Spirit and to open doors to Christ’s ambassadors.
Pray for representatives of the love of Jesus to find culturally appropriate ways to tell the Antsukh about Christ.
Pray for open doors to the gospel. This will be difficult since the Antsukh are prone to be suspicious of outsiders.
Pray that those who want to know God personally will rise above what they have known for centuries and have courage to respond to the gospel.