Adyghe culture has at its core the values of respect, hospitality and reverence for elders. Their identity and code of conduct comes from an ancient system of rules, etiquette, and ethos known as Khabzeh. According to Khabzeh, a host is expected to give his life to protect his guests. In return guests are expected to be gracious and behave in a way that honors the host.
What Are Their Beliefs?
Ninety eight percent of all Adyghes claim to be Sunni Muslim. There are approximately 100 Adyghe Christians in the world and there is one indigenous church of about 40 members located in southern Russia. The rest are dispersed among Russian Orthodox and Evangelical churches.
The entire New Testament and 12 books so far in the Old Testament have been translated into the Adyghe language. Adyghes in southern Russia also have access to the Central Asian Russian Scriptures (CARS) which uses language familiar to Muslims. We hope those in Turkey, Syria and Iraq also have access to them.
In Adyghe history, most Adyghe were nominal Christians from the 10th to the 17th Centuries. In the past two decades there has been a resurgence in Adyghe self-awareness and ethnic identity. The Bible in authentic Adyghe can potentially make more inroads into Adyghe culture.
What Are Their Needs?
The Adyghe people need to put their identity in Christ. Those in Syria need easy access to the Scriptures in their language.
Prayer Points
Pray that Adyghe believers, renewed with fresh winds of the Holy Spirit, will display the noble qualities of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control—which will stir many Adyghe to the fulfillment of their ancient noble customs through the indwelling grace of Jesus and power of the Holy Spirit.
* Pray for God to break the stronghold of spiritual apathy that holds the Adyghe people in darkness.
* Pray for God to speak to Adyghes in dreams and visions revealing his plan of salvation.
Pray for a movement of House Church Planting among the Adyghes in Syria.
* Pray for translators to complete the whole Bible in Adyghe soon.
* Pray for men and women of peace (Lk 10:6) in each Adyghe town/village, to be keys to welcoming the love of God, the grace of Jesus, and the power of the Holy Spirit into each community in the years ahead.
Use these resources to help pray specifically each day.
John 4:14, "whoever drinks the water I give will never thirst again."
ReadPsalm 117:1, "Praise the Lord, all you nations. Praise him, all you people of the earth."
ReadPsalm 113:3: "Everywhere—from east to west—praise the name of the Lord."
ReadPsalm 107:8: "Let them praise the Lord for his great love and for the wonderful things he has done for them."
ReadPsalm 106:1: "Praise the Lord! Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever."
ReadPsalm 104:1: "Let all that I am praise the Lord. O Lord my God, how great you are! You are robed with honor and majesty."
ReadPsalm 100:4, "...enter his gates with thanksgiving... and his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name."
ReadPsalm 98:4 says, "Shout to the Lord, all the earth; break out in praise and sing for joy!"
ReadPsalm 96:4, we declare together: "Great is the Lord! He is most worthy of praise! He is to be feared above all gods."
ReadPsalm 95:1: "Come, let us sing to the Lord! Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation."
ReadPsalm 86:12: "With all my heart I will praise you, O Lord my God. I will give glory to your name forever"
ReadPsalm 66:4: "…I can never stop praising you; I declare your glory all day long."
ReadPsalm 66:4 declares: "Everything on earth will worship you; they will sing your praises, shouting your name in glorious songs."
ReadPsalms 63:3 declares, "Your unfailing love is better than life itself; how I praise you!"
ReadPsalm 48:1, "How great is the Lord, how deserving of praise, in the city of our God, which sits on his holy mountain!
ReadPsalm 47:6, "Sing praises to God, sing praises; sing praises to our King, sing praises!"
ReadPsalm 34:1, "I will praise the Lord at all times. I will constantly speak His praises."
ReadPsalm 33:1, "Let the godly sing for joy to the Lord; it is fitting for the pure to praise Him."
ReadPsalm 30:4, "...sing to the Lord, all you godly ones! Praise his holy name."
ReadPsalm 29:2 to "Honor [You] for the glory of [Your] name" and "worship [You] in the splendor of Your holiness."
ReadPsalm 19:1, "...Heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display [Your] craftsmanship."
Read“When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them…” Acts 19:6
ReadActs 13:2 records, “The Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul…’”
Read"Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit." Acts 8:17
Read“God anointed Jesus [to bring the Good News]… with the Holy Spirit and power.” Acts 10:38
Read"Jesus…has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit." Acts 9:17
Read"Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit." Acts 8:17
Read“We are witnesses… and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.” Acts 5:32
Read“They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.” Acts 4:31
Read“...in the last days, [You][ will pour out my Spirit on all people..." Acts 2:17
Read"All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them." Acts 2:1–4
Read“You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses.” Acts 1:8
Read"He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." Revelation 21:4
Read"I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well." 3 John 1:2
Read"Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus." Acts 4:30
Read“He welcomed them and spoke to them about the Kingdom of God, and healed those who needed healing.” Luke 9:11
Read