Khotogoid in Mongolia

Introduction / History

The Khotogoid are a subgroup of the dominant Khalkha Mongols. The Khalkhas make up 70% of the people in Mongolia. 90% of the people of Mongolia understand the Khalkha-Halh Mongolian language.

The Mongolian empire of Genghis Khan and his grandson Kublai Khan began to decline in the late 14th century. The Mongolian people were divided into two large groups. The eastern group lived in an area that became part of China in 1691. Today this region is the Chinese province of Inner Mongolia. The western Mongolian peoples live in the nation of "Outer" Mongolia. Beginning in the 1920s Outer Mongolia came under the control of the Soviet Union. The Soviet Mongolian leaders wanted the Khalkhas and the Khotogolds to settle down in villages and raise large numbers of animals for the good of the nation and Communist Party. These efforts were largely rejected. With the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1990, Mongolia became independent of foreign control.

The complete Bible and the JESUS film are available in Halh Mongolian.

Where Are they Located?

The Khotogoids live in north central Mongolia.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Some Khotogoid still live the traditional, pastoral lifestyle. They raise horses, cattle, camels, goats, sheep and yaks. Their diet consists only entirely of animal products, meat and dairy. Their favorite drink is fermented mare's milk. Their circular tents are called yurts, which can be easily taken down and moved. The nomadic Khotogold move four or five times a year seeking water and grass for their animals. Illiteracy is a major problem for the Khotogold. The nomadic lifestyle is not conducive to the education of their children. Children, who do go to school, often have to quit school early to help with their family business of caring for animals.

Other Khotogoids have moved to the cities for job and educational opportunities. They work in factories and as laborers. Educated Khotogolds own businesses and work in government positions.

Families arrange marriages. Sons inherit their father's tents and animals. The Khotogolds tend to marry within their group. Marriage to one spouse is the norm.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Khotogoids hold to many religious systems. About 40% practice animism or folk religion. According to animism, good and evil spirits inhabit the natural world. The evil spirits must be appeased by various rituals or they will do harm to people and animals. A tribal shaman is the expert on dealing with medical and spiritual problems.
About one third of Khotogoids practice Tibetan Buddhism mixed with folk religion. About one quarter do not belong to any religion. Many urban dwellers fall into this group.

A tiny fraction of Khotogoids profess to be Christians.

What Are Their Needs?

The Khotogolds need help in educating their children. They need help in learning new job skills. Most Khotogoids do not have access to modern medicine. Veterinarians are a particular need for a people whose lives revolve around taking care of animals. Most of all, the Khotogoids need to hear the life-changing message of Jesus Christ who can deliver them from their sins and their fear of evil spirits.

Prayer Points

Pray that the small group of Mongolian believers would receive Bible training and be built up in the faith.
Pray that Khotogoid Christians would be bold and share the gospel with others.
Pray the Lord will start a movement of Khotogoid families experiencing God's blessings.

Text Source:   Keith Carey