Armenia is an important staging area for ministry in Central Asia. It is located in the southern Caucasus and is the smallest of the former Soviet republics. It is bounded by Georgia on the north, Azerbaijan on the east, Iran on the south, and Turkey on the west. Contemporary Armenia is a fraction of the size of ancient Armenia. One of the world's oldest civilizations, Armenia once included Mount Ararat, which biblical tradition identifies as the mountain that Noah's ark rested on after the flood. It was the first country in the world to officially embrace Christianity as its religion (c. A.D. 300).
In cooperation with proven and respected leaders in the area, Integrity Worship Ministries began ministry in Armenia in 2002. Since then IWM has held two institutes, conducted worship evangelism events and provided ministries of compassion there. Training has been provided for pastors, worship leaders, and worship team members from numerous countries in the region.
At present, Armenia is still recovering from Soviet communism and is facing an unemployment rate of 65-70%. In addition to these challenges, in the northern part of the country there was a devastating earthquake that occurred in 1988. 30,000 people were killed and hundreds were left homeless. It was in this area that the IWM team brought needed food and supplies.
Another aspect of Integrity Worship Ministries’ work in this region is the production and distribution of indigenous praise and worship projects. Reports are already being received as to how these projects are blessing native-speaking believers.
Future plans for this program include additional leadership training, evangelism and ministries of compassion in partnership with leaders in the region.
