Sunni Muslim Turkmen People of Turkmenistan

* MUCH MORE about this people group at the JOSHUA PROJECT

Aren't the Turkmen really Turks? No. Their language is based on Turkish, but they are a different people group who live in five Central Asian countries including the one with a Turkmen majority, Turkmenistan. The Turkmen consist of five or more main tribes. While somewhat independent of one another before the Soviet Union was formed, intertribal prejudice and hostility continues between these groups.

Through intermarriage with Shi'ite women, their religion has become a mix of Sunni Islam blended with Sufism, Shamanism, and ancestor worship. Many consider religion to be for old people, and they resent the influence of Muslim countries like Iran. While few understand the Koran, even the more secular Turkmen will sacrifice lambs as a way to get God's attention on special occasions.

According to a report by the United Nations, Turkmenistan is potentially wealthy, with natural gas reserves ranking among the top 10 in the world. But Turkmenistan's dictator, Saparmurat Niyazov, keeps most of natural gas earnings for himself and his own pet projects. This has led to corruption, social decay and increased poverty. He claims to be a prophet, and he forces the ideas of his book on the people of Turkmenistan.


Pray for God to change the heart of the Turkmenistan's president, and for the people being victimized by him. Pray that God will be glorified by raising up Turkmen leaders who will fear God and serve as Christ serves His Church.-PS

Jud. 4:4

"Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lapidoth, was leading Israel at that time"

While many today struggle over the question of what role women should play in the church, the example of Deborah reminds us that in times of crisis, women often give strong leadership. From the early days of Protestant missions, women have carried tremendous responsibilities in overseas service and mission administration. Many times, in areas where men could not (or would not) go, women have taken the gospel to peoples who would otherwise never have had the opportunity to hear. They have shared the work, the joys, and the rewards. Accounts of missionary successes justly include the deeds of many capable women.

Dear Lord, use Your daughters today also to provide leadership in bringing blessing to the families of the earth.

Source from Global Prayer