Mongol, Khalka in Czechia

Introduction / History

The name Khalka means "shield." The region of Outer Mongolia has been called the shield since the sixteenth century. In the early 1900s one missionary described the Mongols as "well-built and sturdy. He is fearless, and self-reliant; generous, and comparatively honest, kindly, hospitable, and easily approached and understood when treated with proper consideration."

The Khalka Mongolian language is largely intelligible with the standard language spoken by most Mongols in the Chinese province of Inner Mongolia. Speakers from the two countries have little trouble understanding each other; however, one linguist points out that the two languages "have important phonological and loan differences."

The Khalka Mongols keep carefully preserved genealogies to prove they are descendants of Genghis Khan, their national hero. For centuries they were ruled by a hereditary line of nobles and princes, until these families were stripped of power by the Mongolian and Chinese communist governments in the last century.

A small group of Mongols now live in Czechia, or the Czech Republic in Eastern Europe. The Czech Republic peacefully split from Slovakia in 1993. The Mongols speak Mongolian at home and Czech at work and school. A new revised, Mongolian Bible became available in 2015.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The traditional occupation of Mongols in their homeland is the herding and rearing of animals. They raise and sell horses, cattle, camels, yaks, sheep, and goats. In the Czech Republic, the Mongols have had to find other ways to make a living. Most Mongols in Czechia work low-paying jobs in sanitation, security, factories, transportation and retail. Some have taken advantage of the Czech educational system and now work in middle class and professional jobs.

Since they are such a small minority of Czechia, the Mongols try to keep a low profile. They often have larger families than the Czech majority. The father/husband leads and provides for the family. Women take care of domestic responsibilities. Women frequently have to work outside the home to make ends meet. The Mongols in Czechia are losing their ancient customs and language as their children and grandchildren are educated in secular Czech schools.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The majority of Khalka Mongols in the Czech Republic follow Tibetan Buddhism, also known as Lamaism. These beliefs have been weakened among those living in Czechia.

Portions of the Bible were first translated into Mongolian in the early twentieth century. Early missionary work was slow and difficult. In 1990 the number of Mongolian believers was thought to be only in the dozens. Now thousands of them have become Christians in Outer Mongolia. We can hope that this movement to the Lord extends to the Mongols in China and Czechia.

What Are Their Needs?

The Mongols in Czechia must come to understand that having material wealth will not satisfy the deepest longing of their heart. They must come to Christ to have their sins forgiven and to gain the gift of eternal life.

Prayer Points

Pray that Mongol parents in Czechia are able to provide for their children.

Pray that Mongol elders in Czechia would be moved by the Lord to read the Bible and investigate the claims of Jesus Christ.

Ask the Lord to send workers to the Khalka Mongols in the Czech Republic.

Pray the Lord raises up Mongol churches in Czechia in this decade.

Text Source:   Joshua Project