Armenia was the first country to embrace Christianity as a national religion in 301 AD. The unique alphabet was invented primarily for translating the Bible into Armenian. Armenia’s neighbours are Muslims. In 1915 Turkey undertook an ethnic cleansing of western Armenia. In the genocide, one and a half million Armenians were massacred. The aim was to murder all the Armenians, about three million in all. Many Armenians still talk about how God saved their people from utter destruction. During the time of the massacre many Armenian’s adopted for their nation the cry “Lord have mercy on us”. Today in their present hardship, this cry is still heard in every church.

In 1988 Armenia suffered a massive earthquake that completely devastated three cities. Three years later Azerbaijan, a neighbouring Muslim country, declared war on Armenia. Once again the Christians had to rely on God’s mercy and strength. It was during this war that we started our work in Armenia, taking aid to the needy in the church. We saw many believers crying out, “God, You are our only hope”, and we can testify that “They looked unto Him, and were lightened: and their faces were not ashamed.” Ps. 34:5. Although this war did not result in a catastrophe as before, the entire country has been put under a land blockade that has not yet been lifted. The country has few natural resources. Its land is dry and rocky, making agriculture difficult. In the early stages of the blockade, the country was without electricity and water, all work had stopped, and the people faced the severe winters without fuel or light. It must be remembered that Armenia is not a third world country. Many of these people were living in modern high-rise buildings with all the comforts offered by up-to-date technology. Suddenly it became impossible for them to wash, or flush their toilets. Drinking water and shopping had to be carried across the city and up many flights of stairs. It is impossible to imagine the effects of the blockade and the consequent privations, unless one travels to that country and shares their life for a short while. At first sight, things look normal, although run down and in need of maintenance. However, there are no resources for repair work.

Up-to-date situation

The situation is now improved, but only on the surface. Whereas many city homes now have electricity and water, there is 90% unemployment and prices are far above affordable. The lifestyle of the Armenians seems to revolve around borrowed money. Many professionals, such as doctors, work unpaid. Medicine itself is unaffordable for the majority of the population. Therefore, a common scenario is one where a patient is diagnosed voluntarily by a doctor and a medicine prescribed but never obtained.

During the time of the blockade many Armenians, fearing a repeat of the genocide, cried out to God for mercy on their country. The result has been a massive revival. Small churches suddenly exploded in numbers and many new churches have been planted. This has emphasised the need for the translation of scriptural literature and the training of Christian workers.