Balkar are an ethnic group formed when the Kipchak Turks fled to the Caucasus Mountains to escape from invading Mongols in the 13th century. The Soviet government forcibly deported almost the entire Balkar population to Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Omsk Oblast in Siberia in 1944. By October 1946 the Balkar population had been reduced to 33,000 due to death from malnutrition and disease. They were allowed to return home to the Caucasus in 1957. They have traditionally been shepherds, but many have now moved to urban centers to gain education and employment.
Every aspect of life, from birth to marriage to death is governed by folk-Islamic and Balkar traditions.
Pray for the few Christian workers laboring in the Caucasus.
Pray for courage for them, and that they will persevere and not give up.
There are a few Christians among the Balkar of Russia. Pray these Christians will come to understand it is by grace that we are saved, not by works, so that no one can boast.
Pray for peace throughout the Caucasus region, between ethnic groups, and with the Russian government.
Scripture Prayers for the Balkar in Russia.
| Profile Source: Joshua Project |
