Kyrgyzstan

The Muslim Dungan originated in the Gansu and Shaanxi provinces of north-western China. Today, Dungan from those areas live in Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan. Here they speak a dialect of Mandarin Chinese and are primarily arable farmers. Many raise dairy cattle, too, and some also grow opium. They are well known for their hospitality. The Dungan in Kazakhstan are more committed to Islam than are those in Kyrgyzstan. The older people observe Islamic law strictly and the elders run village mosques, but young people tend to be indifferent towards Islam. Pray for the Dungan: that they will be open to the gospel and have many opportunities to hear the good news of Jesus.