Armenia – April 2025 Outreach
This past April, I had the profound honor of serving in Armenia as part of a multi-national missionary outreach. Our mission was simple, yet deeply significant: to intercede for the land, share the gospel of Jesus Christ, and minister to the hearts of the people.
Our team—comprising believers from the U.S., Russia, Iran, and beyond—gathered in downtown Yerevan four times a week. Though we came from different nations, we were united in Christ and communicated in English. Armed with just a guitar, a small speaker, and songs of worship, we took our place in the city plaza. As we worshiped in the open air, we witnessed the spiritual atmosphere shift. Young people and travelers paused to listen. Some asked questions. Others were moved to tears. Many received prayer—and some rededicated their lives to Jesus Christ.
I vividly remember standing in that square as a gentle breeze passed through—almost like the whisper of the Holy Spirit, breathing hope and encouragement over the nation. Armenia, often referred to as a “sleeping” country, long burdened by oppression and hardship, felt as though it was beginning to awaken.
Worship in the Streets, Unity in the Spirit
Another beautiful part of our time in Armenia was the connection and unity among the missionaries. From the beginning, we were welcomed and felt like part of a family. We stayed in touch through a group chat, coordinating outreach efforts, spontaneous worship sessions, and intercession gatherings across the city. It felt like a living network of Spirit-led activity flowing through Yerevan.
A Hub of Revival: Altar Coffee & Books
One of the most impactful locations we visited regularly was Altar Coffee & Books, a Christian-owned café in Yerevan. More than just a coffee shop, Altar has become a spiritual hub for believers—quietly cultivating revival in the heart of the city.
Opened two years ago by a missionary from Fresno, California, the vision behind Altar is “business as mission”—a welcoming space for prayer, discipleship, and deep conversations about Jesus. Inside, there's a dedicated intercession room set apart for worship and prayer. Our group often gathered there to lift up Armenia, intercede for the city, and invite the presence of God. The atmosphere felt like holy ground hidden in plain sight.
It was a powerful reminder that missions don’t always look like large crusades or loud preaching. Sometimes, it’s as simple and sacred as worshiping Jesus over a cup of coffee in a space designed to host His presence.
Reviving Ancient Roots
This ancient land—home to the first nation to officially adopt Christianity in 301 AD under King Tiridates IV—is stirring again. Through street evangelism, worship, and authentic conversations, hearts are being revived.
I spoke to many local taxi (Yandex) drivers. Some were curious, others cautious. Many told me, “We are already Christian,” yet as we talked, they realized they had never encountered Christ personally. Still, they were joyful—almost surprised—to see foreigners ministering in their land.
Youth on Fire for the Nations
Outside the capital, we traveled an hour over broken roads to reach a youth camp nestled in the countryside. There, alongside members from YWAM and Pastor Jacob Pursley’s team, we ministered to 80 Armenian-speaking youth who had already spent a week seeking God.
The Holy Spirit moved powerfully. That evening’s service extended until nearly midnight, filled with tears, laughter, and deep commitment. When the invitation was given to be discipled and sent to the nations, 60% of the youth came forward—ready to go to Iran, Georgia, Turkey, Russia, and Azerbaijan, all neighboring countries in desperate need of the gospel. The hunger in the room was undeniable. God is raising a generation of Armenian missionaries.
Healing, Prophecy, and the Pursuit of Love
During my time in Armenia, I also led a prophetic women’s meeting focused on hosting the presence of God in our homes. At the end, the Lord gave me a specific word for a woman who had recently lost her husband. I didn’t know her, but I heard the Holy Spirit say:
“I am your husband. Do not fear. I am with you. Submit your care and your children to Me.”
Then I felt led to pray for her knees. As I laid hands on her, she was instantly healed. Stunned, she asked, “How did you know? I didn’t tell anyone about my knees.” A sister beside her gently explained, “It’s the Holy Spirit.” She wept—first in disbelief, then in joy.
But God wasn’t finished. Later that same day, she witnessed a creative miracle—a body part restored right in front of her eyes. Overcome again, she asked, “Why me? How can God love me this much? Why is He pursuing me like this?” Her tears this time were tears of healing, joy, and a deep recognition of God’s love—even after the grief and trauma she had endured through recent wars.
A Table of Joy in a Time of Mourning
On April 24th, the national day of mourning for the Armenian Genocide, the Lord gave me an unusual instruction: to host a joyful tea party under a blooming apple tree at YWAM Yerevan. While the nation grieved, He wanted to create a moment of unity, joy, and healing.
Women from various nations gathered. We shared food, prayed, and laughed together. It was a sacred space—light in the midst of sorrow. Even as Armenia remembered its pain, God was creating a celebration of life, healing, and hope.
Final Reflections
Armenia is awakening.
I believe the Spirit of God is moving through this land with a quiet but powerful force. The people are not just hungry for tradition—they are yearning for truth, for relationship, for encounter. From the crowded plazas of Yerevan to the quiet hillsides of village youth camps, Jesus is calling hearts back to Himself.
He is calling Armenia back to her first love—to cast off the ashes of war and the garments of communism, and instead wear the robe of righteousness and beauty. I believe Armenia will not only be revived—but will be used to draw other nations near to Christ.
Let us continue to pray for Armenia—to heal from the tragic wounds of genocide, to be strengthened in her identity in Christ, and for the many missionaries, pastors, and local believers sowing seeds faithfully in this ancient land.
The harvest has only just begun.
To God be the glory.
Stella Nazari - Missionary and Board Member
"I’m packing my bags, readying to once again leave Armenia. I leave tonight with such faith and anticipation of what our Lord has for this region I have just visited. A region with much historical religion, but for generations they have lived with no Word of God, no NT ministers introducing them to the living Christ, no Bible Studies and no gathered prayer meetings. I have viewed their friendliness, experienced their hospitality, and watched their hunger for the love of God. They will have the gospel brought to them.
I owe this opportunity to be a part of this coming to two men: Missionary Bobby Mills and Missionary Jacob Pursely.
Bobby Mills (Crosspointe International) invited me time and again to travel with him to Armenia. When I finally had the opening in my schedule, Bobby’s love for the Armenian people was contagious. I saw this country as a crossroads for evangelization. I am forever indebted.
Two years ago Jacob Pursley (Ambassadors for the King in the Middle East), and I drove together for a few hours to speak at a meeting and he shared his heart with me to reach the people groups surrounding Armenia. People who have never had the gospel. I was challenged as never before to do what I can to be a part of this great task.
Bobby and Jacob, I thank you from the bottom of my heart!"
James A. Setser - Senior Pastor @ Abundant Life Tabernacle