CEE Story From The Mission Field
Interceding for the Udmurt people of Russia
May 16, 2007
Their history is one of pagan worship. Their pockets are empty and their hope is waning, yet the light of Christ is piercing their darkness. Meet the Udmurt, the “people of the woods.”
Practically untouched by modern conveniences and riches, the individuals of Udmurtia make up a centuries-old minority desperately trying to maintain their language, culture and independence from the rest of Russia. Since ancient times their culture has encouraged the worship of nature, ancestors and idols. Poverty is rampant, with many families subsisting on personal gardens. Alcoholism pervades the society and unemployment is high; suicide is on the rise among the young, as they see no hope for the future.
Yet God has not left this culture without a witness. Of the approximately 770,000 Udmurt, nearly 2,000 have come to know Christ and are burdened with their people’s need for a Savior. While many teens throughout Udmurtia lack hope and struggle with depression, a music and drama group of Christian teens tours villages and orphanages, sharing the love of Christ.
Russian and Udmurt evangelicals are pointing people to Jesus. Some have started help centers and hotlines where Udmurts can receive counseling and participate in 12-step anti-drug programs. Young Orthodox priests are gladly accepting Bibles to give to members of their congregations.
Tracts and the New Testament have been printed in the Udmurt language, but the Bible in its entirety is not yet complete. IMB missionary Tim Wicker is the virtual strategy coordinator for the Udmurt and is excited to see all that God can do among these people. He believes now is the time for the Udmurt to see a movement of God.
“It’s only through our prayers that the hearts of the people are going to be opened,” Tim said. “Prayer is essential to reaching the Udmurt.”
Members of International Mission Board leadership have set aside May 27 (Pentecost Sunday) as a day of fasting and prayer for the Udmurt among Southern Baptists. On this day brothers and sisters around the globe will eagerly seek the pouring out of God’s power on this people group as they get on their knees to intercede for Udmurtia.
To help you and your church effectively pray for the Udmurt, explore a new DVD from the IMB that contains multiple resources for churches, small groups and individuals. It includes a video profile of the Udmurt and several virtual prayerwalks through Udmurtia. To order the DVD and other free resources, visit ime.imb.org/dayofprayer or call (800) 999-3113. You can also access hope4udmurt.org to discover more about the people, view videos, read testimonies and plan personal or group prayer times.
Join us May 27 in praying for the “people of the woods”—that God will reveal to the Udmurt His truth and salvation.