from their historical identity: the activity of every church member, their personal witness and lifestyle, and their fellowship in the local churches, scarce as these were.” Now, if you still have any popcorn left,

here is where the story takes an interesting turn. When the USSR came crashing down in 1991, the two churches in Yerevan and Gyumri had only 350 and 70 members, respectively, and there were only three mission points. Asatur told me about the unique challenges of this now post-communist period: “We were the ‘end’ of the now broken

USSR. If other areas were getting attention from the West and resources, we were forgotten. Suddenly, evangelism and theological education were no longer forbidden, but here we were with no base on which to move forward. How could we learn to do what we had no training or resources to accomplish? Who would teach us? What if, during this time, liberal churches or theologians had come to our aid? Instead, the Lord opened a narrow door and allowed the BMAA to come and help us. If it had not been for

“In 1991 there were only

two churches and 420 believers and

today there are over 5,000 believers and

over 150 churches and missions in Armenia, the Land of Ararat.”

the vision of the BMAA, what could have happened to us? You were the only ones who stood with us in those days. I am glad that a flood of money and assistance did not come in from questionable groups to tempt us at this time. This kept us clean and faithful to our Lord Jesus. But you in the BMAA supported us by helping us to retain our own vision and independence. Our simple goal was to preach Christ, and this is what you helped us to do.” Leading this effort was Jerry Kidd, who

in 1993 was Director of International Missions. In 1997 Asatur asked the BMAA for assistance in training the first group of church planters. Their heartfelt goal was to train enough faithful men according to 2 Timothy 2:2 so that they could reach all 11 regions of Armenia.

“And the things that you have heard

from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to

teach others also.” (2 Timothy 2:2-3) Because of the faith and obedience of

these first servant leaders in missions, the day did indeed come when all 11 regions had the witness of a Baptist church. In 2005, the Y-10 project was born from a desire to see Yerevan populated with vibrant churches. I have shared that testimony briefly with you above. In 1991 there were only two churches and 420 believers and today there are over 5,000 believers and over 150 churches and missions in Armenia, the Land of Ararat. The role that God gave to us was humble

and yet significant. Baptist Medical Missions International under Dr. Ralph Izard has done a great deal to help the

Y-10 missionaries succeed in their efforts to render assistance to poor refugee families and bring them the Good News in Christ. Through the Barnabas Touch ministry, Larry Barker has brought much encouragement to the Armenian pastors and church planters. Along the way, many other Baptist churches and groups have come to help the Armenians. Especially significant has been the Baptist Seminary founded in 1999, also directed by Asatur Nahepatyan. Because of their theological education, the Armenian missionaries have a strong understanding and command of the Bible. The BMAA churches cannot take any

credit for this great work of God, for if we had not been ready to join them, help would surely have come from another source. God, however, gave us the privi- lege and joy of supporting the Armenians during that uniquely meaningful post- communist historical period. I believe that as in the story of Esther, it was at just such a time, that we had come into God’s kingdom to do His appointed work. Today, the churches are still small

and the challenges are huge. The pages of their inspiring history are still being written. The Y-10 missionaries and others are laboring under the pressures of poverty, disease, and political and economic strife. Armenia is not an easy place to work as certain visitors from our churches can testify. The needs are great and the door remains open. What about you and your church? Could it be that there are still unwritten pages in your history, pages with the names of Armenians and the pictures of Armenia, Yerevan, and Ararat? n

bmaamissions.org n theGLEANER

7 Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32