Nogai in Romania

The name Nogai means "dog" in Mongol and may come from the Emir Nogay of the Golden Horde and the territory he ruled. After Emir's death in 1300, two large, loosely grouped tribes of Nogai Tatar evolved: the "lesser" Nogai of the north and the "greater" Nogai of the south. The Nogai Tatar are part of a very small population of Tatar people living in Romania. Larger groups are scattered across Russia, with the majority living on the Volga steppe region between the Terek and Kuma Rivers and in the Crimea.

Ministry Obstacles

Today, virtually all of the Nogai profess to be Sunni Muslim. Islam is part of their identity. To them, following Christ means switching to a foreign religious system.

Outreach Ideas

Islam literally means "submission," and a Muslim is "one who submits." Perhaps someone can convince the Nogai Tatar people that Christ offers the only way to true submission.

Scripture Focus

"Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name."  Acts 5:41

Scripture Prayer

Pray that believers in this people group are willing to endure persecution for the name of Christ.

Prayer Focus

As far as we know, there are no Nogai Tatar people who follow Christ. Ask the Lord of the harvest to send forth laborers to live and work among the Nogai Tatar of Romania. Pray for their hearts to be receptive to Jesus Christ. Pray for a massive movement to Christ among the Nogai Tatar people of Romania.