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Baloch, Western in Tajikistan

Baloch, Western

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Population [2] Language Religion % Christian % Evangl Online NT Jesus Film Progress
6,900 Balochi, Western Islam 0.00 % 0.00 % No   

Baloch, Western in Tajikistan

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Introduction / History
Their name, Baloch, is shrouded in controversy. Some say it means nomad, while others claim it is an old Persian word meaning "the cock's crest." Their history is just as mysterious. Some have traced their origins to Nimrod, son of Cush (Noah's grandson). But while some things are uncertain, we know that they first moved to the region in the twelfth century. During the Moghul period, this territory became known as Balochistan. The various Baloch groups speak different languages, each with distinguishing characteristics. Their original homeland reaches from eastern Balochistan to southwestern Punjab, which borders India. This high, dry region was once a very populated country, watered by many flowing rivers. Today, it is a barren area of rocky mountains and dry river valleys mixed with desert land.
It is difficult to make a living in the Baloch homeland, so there is a large Baloch diaspora. This diaspora reaches India, Sri Lanka, the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, and even Turkmenistan and Tajikistan.

What are their lives like?
Baloch marriages are arranged between the bride's father and the prospective groom. His family pays a bride price of livestock and cash. Once a woman is married, she passes from the authority of her father to that of her husband. Marriages are monogamous and lifelong, and marrying a non-Baloch is strictly forbidden, though they sometimes make exceptions for the Pathans.
Baluchmayar, or the "Baluchiway," is the honor code by which the Baloch live. These principles include extending hospitality and mercy, dealing with each other honestly, and offering refuge to strangers. Songs and poetry preserve these virtues. Children learn proper behavior by watching their elders and are taunted whenever they misbehave.
Many Baloch could not read or write and until the 20th century partly because their language was unwritten. However, they have a long tradition of oral poetic compositions. The Baloch people give high status to poets and professional minstrels.

What are their beliefs?
The Baloch are Sunni Muslims who in theory are part of several schools. They identify with Sunni Islam, but for specifics, only the religious intellectuals actually adhere to the schools of Sunni Islam. A typical Baloch is likely to be involved with pre-Islamic practices that involve jinns, the evil eye, etc. They believe it is necessary to appease the spirit world for their practical needs since Allah is so distant.

What are their needs?
The Baloch need to understand that Jesus Christ is only one way to abundant life and eternal salvation.

Prayer Points
Pray for a movement of Jesus to heal and strengthen Baloch communities in Tajikistan.
Pray for a "Book of Acts" type of movement to Christ among the Baloch in Tajikistan.
Pray for the Baloch people to understand and embrace that Jesus wants to bless their families and neighborhoods.
Pray for Holy Spirit anointed believers from the Baloch people to change their society from within.
Pray for a movement in which the Holy Spirit leads and empowers disciples to make more disciples.
* Pray for completion of Bible translation in this people group's primary language.

References
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baloch_people

View Baloch, Western in all countries.

Prayer Links  
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Country: Tajikistan
Continent: Asia
Region: Asia, Central
Persecution Rank:44 (Only top 50 ranked, 1 = highest persecution ranking)
10/40 Window: Yes
Location in Country:Scattered
   
 
Maps
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Country Map:Political map
Ethnolinguistic Map:University of Texas or other map
Linguistic Map:Ethnologue language map
 
  Peoples [3]
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People Name in Country: Baloch, Western
People Name General: Baloch, Western
Alternate People Names:
BalochBaluch
SarawaniWestern Baluch
ROP3 Code: 110770
Joshua Project People ID: 15356
Indigenous: No
Population in Country: 6,900
Population all Countries: 1,364,000
Least-Reached: Yes
   
 
Affinity Bloc: South Asian Peoples
People Cluster: Baloch
People Name General: Baloch, Western
Ethnic Code: CNN25
Ethnic Relationships: Affinity Bloc -> People Cluster -> Peoples Ethnicity Tree
   
 
Language
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Primary Language: Balochi, Western (6,900 Speakers)
Language Code (ISO): bgn    Ethnologue Listing
Total Languages: 1
   
 
Religion [4]
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Primary Religion: Islam
Major Religions:
Buddhism0.00 % 
Christianity0.00 %(Evangelical: 0.00 %)
Ethnic Religions0.00 % 
Hinduism0.00 % 
Islam100.00 % 
Non-Religious0.00 % 
Other / Small0.00 % 
Unknown0.00 % 
Christianity Segments:
Anglican0.00 %
Independent0.00 %
Protestant0.00 %
Orthodox0.00 %
Other Christian0.00 %
Roman Catholic0.00 %
 
(Evangelicals distributed across Christianity segments)
   
 
Progress Indicators [5]
Progress Scale[6]   Few evangelicals and few who claim to be Christians. Little, if any, history of Christianity.
Least-Reached: Yes
 
 
Bible Translation Status
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Bible Portions: 1984-2020
New Testament: None Reported
Complete Bible: None Reported
Possible Bible Sources: Forum of Bible Agencies
 World Bible Finder
 World Christian Resource Directory
 Gospel Go
 
 
Ministry Resources [7]
Audio RecordingsMegaVoice Audio Bible and Stories
Audio RecordingsAudio Bible teaching
Film / VideoIndigitube.tv Video / Animation
Film / VideoJesus Film: view in Balochi, Western
Film / VideoWorld Christian Videos
GeneralGospel resources links
Text / Printed MatterIBT, Russia - resources
 
 
Ministry Activity
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Networking: Visit LinkingGlobalVoices.org for networking possibilities.
Description: Register your ministry activity among this people group. Contact the Adopt-A-People Clearinghouse and Unleashed for the Unreached to learn about others that might be focused on this people group.
 
Data Notes
Data Sources
 
 

Baloch, Western in Tajikistan

Peoples
               
Geographic
Global                 Global
           
  Affinity Bloc             Global  
           
   
People Cluster
       
Region
   
    Baloch     Asia, Central    
     
People-Group-Across-Countries
   
Country
   
      Baloch, Western Tajikistan    
            People-by-Country (Profile)          
            Baloch, Western in Tajikistan          
      Religion Language  
      Islam     Balochi, Western  
    Global    
Language
 
    All Religions                              
   
Religion
                             

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