Nuristani, Urmuri of AfghanistanThe Nuristani people groups are unique amid others living in Afghanistan so unique they cannot be viewed through a single lens. Their common threads may be religion, ethnicity, and remnants of customs pre-dating their collective conversion to Islam a little more than 100 years ago. As early inhabitants of the Nuristani region in northeast Afghanistan, most still reside there, although two groups - the Malakhel and Urmuri - now live among the Pashtun in Paktika Province southeast of Kabul. Physically, the people favor Europeans; blond or red hair and blue or green eyes are seen frequently. Storied warriors of ages past, Nuristani tribes are described as attractive, athletically-built people. Cited as reliable and loyal, they are creative, too, as attested to by their skilled architecture and craftsmanship.Ministry ObstaclesAfghanistan presents many challenges to Christian workers, and physical danger is sometimes encountered.Outreach IdeasPray for Christian NGOs at work in the country to effectively help the people, and do it in such a way that Christ is honored.Pray for the followers of ChristThere are no known followers of Jesus today among the Urmuri Nuristani. Pray the Lord is even now stirring the hearts of many in this tribe to seek forgiveness for their sin, forgiveness that comes only by placing faith in Christ.Pray for the entire people groupPlease pray for peace throughout Afghanistan, and for a national government that is competent and just.Scripture Focus"Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation." Mark 16:15
_________________SI Moderator - Greg Gordon