We want to share the story of Vlad, one of our students, to help you gain a deeper understanding of the challenges of ministry in Azerbaijan.
Vlad’s journey of faith began 15 years ago when he committed his life to Jesus Christ. Now, at 39, he is not only a devoted Christian believer but also a husband to his wife, Sarah, and a loving father to his daughters, Mary and Sofia. Their family is growing as they eagerly anticipate the arrival of their son, Daniel.
Born and raised in Azerbaijan, Vlad lives in a country where evangelical Christians are a small minority facing many societal challenges. However, God deeply burdened Vlad’s heart to share the message of salvation with those who have never heard the Gospel.
For the past four years, Vlad and his wife have been using social media to spread the Gospel, reaching people online. In 2024 alone, 1,488 people requested a copy of the New Testament through their ministry. But Vlad felt called to go beyond digital evangelism.
Two years ago, after seeking God’s direction, Vlad felt led to begin an in-person ministry in the southern region of Azerbaijan, near the Iranian border—a place where no Azerbaijani missionaries were actively working. With proper training, he embarked on this mission.
For an entire year, Vlad traveled to this remote area twice a month, staying overnight and praying over the land. After two and a half months, the first individuals expressed interest in receiving the New Testament. Vlad learned how to share Christ with Muslims using both the Bible and the Quran, pointing seekers to Isa Al Masih (Jesus the Messiah) as the only way to salvation.
By early 2024, Vlad saw his first convert. Rauf, a radical Muslim and civil servant, encountered the Gospel and surrendered his life to Christ. In June, Rauf was baptized and has since grown in his faith. Today, he actively ministers to other radical Muslims, using his testimony to showcase God’s transformative power.
In August, while balancing a new job, Vlad continued ministering by leading a small Bible study at work with three believers and two non-believers. Through these studies, another man from Rauf’s village came to Christ.
In December 2024, Vlad raised enough funds to return to the southern region. After traveling 170 miles, he witnessed another powerful moment: Nijat, a man seeking Truth, repented and accepted Christ. Now, Rauf and Nijat are the first two believers in an area where the Gospel had never been preached. Vlad firmly believes God is establishing His Church in this region.
Vlad’s ministry continues to expand. His daily Gospel message list has grown to 17 people, most of whom live in the southern region of the country. His records indicate that over 60 individuals in the area have received a copy of the New Testament. The next crucial step is to meet them, disciple them, and help them grow in faith.
Many are still seeking the truth, eager to discuss Jesus but hesitant to take the first step alone. Vlad’s mission is clear: to bring the light of Christ to a spiritually dark place, disciple new believers, and establish the Church of Jesus Christ in an unreached region.
Prayer Requests 🙏
✝️ For Students – Their safety and protection as they bring the Gospel to this unreached nation.
📖 For Faculty – That they would come with practical courses to help the students.
💒 For New Program and Resources – That God would provide the necessary support to open a BA program in Azerbaijan.