Aug 2026 – From Jeff: I am writing from our farm in Armenia. To me, it will always be our farm; however, things are changing as we transition to a Christian Retreat Center. As we host more groups, we have realized that the Lord wants to use us to be a place of peace and blessing for the workers and people of this region. Even the non-believers who stay with us remark that something is different about this place. Of course, we know that they sense the peace and presence of God.
The cows are doing well; there are 21 now, with 12 producing milk, but some are being sold. The dairy farm is a lot of work for very small profit, if any. So we are reducing our dairy production to concentrate on our primary purpose of sharing the Gospel and providing a center for training, rest, and renewal.
Summer Camp and Visiting Families In Armenia
A report from MP Board member Pastor Larry at Calvary Murrieta
“I find myself with a renewed appreciation for the missionaries, pastors, and national believers who stay and serve through seasons of conflict, uncertainty, and danger. Mercy Projects has faithfully invested in this region through difficult years, demonstrating the love of Christ not only when it was convenient, but when it was costly. Their perseverance reminded me that some of the greatest opportunities to display the compassion of Jesus are found in places marked by pain. In communities that have experienced profound loss (like the Armenian genocide in 1915, the earthquake of 1988, and the war for their homeland of Artsakh), simple acts of kindness are far more than thoughtful gestures. They are tangible expressions of God’s love and the hope found in Christ.
A Legacy of Ministry
“I was impacted by seeing the legacy of Mercy Projects. This ministry has faithfully invested in the people of Armenia for many years, and today we witness the fruit of that faithfulness. Vika, our camp director, attended the very first camp as a teenager in 2008. She learned about the grace of Jesus Christ and today is a gifted leader pouring her life back into the next generation. What an incredible testimony of God’s redeeming work. A child encountered the Gospel through a summer camp, Christ transformed her life, and now she is leading other children to experience that same hope. That is the beauty of long-term ministry.
Tie-Dye Shirts, Science Class, and Chapel Time
“Paula, Jeff’s wife, and Donna (my wife) taught how to tie-dye shirts, which is an annual camp favorite. Team member Niki captivated students as they learned about the human 
heart and the incredible way God designed our bodies. Daily chapel times included testimonies, worship, and young Armenian believers sharing their faith. It was awesome.
“In the evenings we were treated to a wonderful program filled with traditional Armenian dancing, music, and humor. We loved it, but perhaps the greatest encouragement came through 14-year-old Eric. When camp began, he barely interacted. He was quiet, reserved, and hesitant to participate. By the end of the week, he was singing, laughing, and dancing. Watching his transformation was fun, but we didn’t know yet that we would be visiting him at home in Armenia.”
Eric’s Dream Was To Raise A Pig For His Mom
“His family lives in a home roughly the size of a shipping container. His mother is raising four teenagers on her own while 
working to provide for the family. As we visited, we learned that Eric had built a small shelter himself because he dreamed of raising pigs to sell, hoping to help support his family.
“We listened to his story and knew we had to help. Together with Mercy Projects, we purchased a pig for Eric’s family. In God’s kindness, the family was able to purchase another pig themselves, and because the farmer was already making the delivery, a neighbor purchased a third pig. Young Eric is now helping provide for his family.
A Dream For the Future
“As we walked the property at the farm, it became obvious that God may have something much larger in mind. Armenia
remains one of the few places in this region where believers can openly gather. This strategic property, with God’s help, will become a retreat center, a place for leadership training, seminars, weddings, and a refuge where ministry workers from neighboring closed countries can find rest, encouragement, and fellowship. Walking the trails, grassy fields, and beautiful stone pathways, we couldn’t help but imagine what God might do in the years ahead.”