Buried in a belt of Islamic nations, Armenia stands small, alone and potentially very vulnerable. Centuries of persecution and genocide have attempted to overwhelm a people who have faced many harrowing experiences. And yet, there is a light in this tiny nation that doesn't simply flicker to survive, but shines brightly. Indeed, Armenia is a light in the darkness, proclaiming the truth and love of God to its people, and to the nations that threaten to dominate.

October 27, 2001 saw some of the fruit of a dramatic revival that has been effective for more than a decade. Over 300 key Christian workers, pastors and missionaries joined in worship, mirroring the powerful movement of the early church in Acts. Global University representative, Paul Dear explained the revelation being experienced in the church in Armenia. They are witnessing a divine implementation of teaching, fellowship, communion and prayer adopted by the apostles in Acts 2:42, "They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer."

Global University's vision to take "All the Word to All the World" cannot be overstated. This mission is being undertaken by people who are committed to seeing a lost world come into a saving relationship with Jesus Christ. The fulfillment of this goal is affecting not just churches, pastors and individuals, but nation after nation as men and women are equipped to effectively share the gospel.

The recent outpouring of the Spirit in Armenia has created a need for intense discipleship and ministerial training. As the world's first nation to declare Christianity as it's national religion in the fourth century, the Armenian church has been a source of stability throughout the country's inclement years. Now, there is an uprising of Spirit-filled Christians who are determined to impact their nation, and the Islamic nations surrounding them.

Bible training institutes are currently being implemented to train missionaries and pastors. There is a sense of urgency as the church runs to keep up with the pace that the Holy Spirit is directing. Using Global's "Cornerstone of Truth" Bible training manual, students are given a foundation in Bible doctrine ranging from the nature and characteristics of God, through all aspects of Christ, humanity, the church, Scripture, the future and more. Having already been translated into 160 languages, the material is impacting the world as many nations adopt this book to facilitate growth and to inspire new converts as well as long-term Christians.

The Pentecostal churches in Armenia are sensing the awakening of a great missionary movement. They are giving paramount priority to see the fulfillment of this vision, and are asking the USA Assemblies of God to help them during this time of revival and rapid church growth, especially with the training of pastors and leaders. In addition to planting churches in Armenia, there is a desire to send people into neighboring Iran, Georgia, Azerbaijan and Turkey. This dream has been partially fulfilled with 30 missionaries currently serving, but there is a hunger for more—a dream to see hundreds trained and sent out.

New schools are ready to be built, with teachers and students prepared and waiting. Global University is priming materials and discipleship level courses are being translated. Further Bible training courses have been published to assist with this need; "Old and New Testament Survey" and "Preaching and Teaching." Paul Dear, Global University missionary and liaison officer for Europe and CIS/Baltic States explained, "A system of training is needed for this dynamic spiritual awakening to move forward."

His eyes lit up as we talked about the scope that is available, particularly in this new field. He explained, "One more field opening up after 23 years of missions work. This is exciting!"

Dear has traveled a number of times to Armenia, preaching and teaching, delivering materials and overseeing the translation and publishing of ICI materials. This latest trip was by invitation of the Alliance of Pentecostal Churches in Armenia. A one-week-long conference in the mountains of the Mount Ararat region was a source of great encouragement to many believers. Paul attended as part of an international team. It was comprised of Dr. George Wood, General Secretary of the USA Assemblies of God and principle speaker at the conference; Luke Yegnazar, a Los Angeles pastor working with Iranians, and Secretary of the Alliance of Pentecostal Churches; and Omar Beiler, Regional Director for A/G missions in CIS and Baltic States.

Luke Yegnazar described the origins of the spiritual awakening in Armenia, "It was in 1988 at the time of the earthquake. At that time there would not have been more than 1,000 believers in Armenia; then came the earthquake. About 55,000 people died or were made homeless. This resulted in a reaching out to God, and now there are tens of thousands of believers."

Many were encouraged at the conference. A tremendous sense of togetherness pervaded as people shared testimonies. One bearded missionary rose to describe his work in one of the hardest and most disputed areas in Armenia that had long been caught in the war between Armenia and Azerbaijan. For 70 years it had become almost impenetrable, worse than the Islamic nations, as witchcraft and atheism dominated. However, through miracles and the hand of God, a church of 250 has been raised up that includes some of the government leaders of Armenia.

Armenia is proving to be possibly the greatest model of evangelization and church planting in Central Asia. Seeing how God has moved through the centuries to bring a nation to this point of breakthrough is exciting and gives tremendous hope as an expectation of increase is birthed. There remains a great need. The work is still in its infancy and the prayers and financial support of many is needed to see it grow to maturity.