Soyot in Russia
Photo Source:
Anonymous
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Map Source:
People Group location: IMB. Map geography: ESRI / GMI. Map design: Joshua Project.
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| 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 |
| Ministry Resources: | Yes |
| Jesus Film: | Yes |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | Ural-Siberian |
| Affinity Bloc: | Turkic Peoples |
| Progress Level: |
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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. Before the Soviet Era, their chief occupations was reindeer herding. The Soyot live in Russia, near the Mongolian border.
What Are Their Lives Like?
After the fall of the USSR in 1991, the Soyot people have been trying to revive their culture. They established the Association of the Soyot Nation in 1993. Some hope to return to reindeer herding. It is unlikely they will be able to make a sustainable living this way, but it is the way of their ancestors.
What Are Their Beliefs?
Although most practice Tibetan Buddhism, they are trying to go back to their shamanistic roots to revive their dying culture. Their language is close to extinction.
What Are Their Needs?
The Soyot people desperately need job training. They need to find new ways of making a living.
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 that only Jesus Christ can protect them from the spirits.
Ask God to open the hearts of the Soyot to make them receptive to the gospel.
Ask the Lord to raise up strong local churches among the Soyot.