September 2025 – The Bible says in Hebrews 11:1 – “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, and the evidence of things not seen.”
It is tough to stand in faith, believing in some thing you cannot see yet, because you always feel like you don’t have enough faith.
You, however, our friends and supporters of Mercy Projects, make this journey of faith possible. You stand with us, encourage us, support us, and pray; and together, we see God’s plan unfold. The farm in Armenia, now known as Rancho Stepanavan, is a perfect example, as it gradually transforms into a Retreat & Training Center. All that to say, thank you for your trust and support to make this dream come true.
“It’s hard to conceive of a more difficult and unreached region of the world than the Caucasus.”
Patrick Johnstone, Operation World
In this mountainous region called the Caucasus, over 50 ethnic groups coexist with distinct languages, cultures, and customs. Chechnya, Dagestan, Azerbaijan, Iran, and Turkey are all Muslim, considered highly restricted countries with little religious freedom and few missionaries.
However, in their midst sits a small, landlocked, historically Christian country called Armenia. Bordering Turkey and Azerbaijan, which are allies and share a similar language, the Armenians proudly cling to a strong Christian tradition. Today, people from the former Soviet Republics travel visa-free to Armenia, making Rancho Stepanavan an excellent place for groups to meet, train, and renew.
God Called Us Here To Help Share the Gospel
MP does an annual summer camp for Armenian kids; however, we wanted to do something more permanent. Thus, we purchased a beautiful but abandoned old farm that was once part of the former Soviet Union. Our vision, which was really just a dream, was to turn it into a Bible training center. A place where Christian ministries and groups could rest and receive training in a safe and beautiful location. With your support, that dream is coming true at “RS”.
Secret Team Meeting
In this region, bible translator teams work in secret. The area is largely closed to traditional missionaries. They work tirelessly and secretly, alone, without revealing what they are doing and without meeting other team members. That is, until they met together for the first time at Rancho Stepanavan. No one posted pictures online. No posting on Facebook or Instagram. Just committed gospel workers coming together for training, fellowship, and their first physical meeting ever. The strong sense of encouragement lasted until a harsh winter storm arrived, determined to break up the conference.
A Perfect Storm
The wind howled as snow blanketed the area. The electricity shut down immediately. No power, no cell signal, no lights, and no heat. Snow dumped on them for 24 hours. When it stopped,
everything seemed pristine, quiet, and beautiful. The team sang quietly in the dining hall. A generator started up, and someone built a fire for heat.
For the next three days, with no power and no cell phones, this gospel team of translators got to know each other, prayed for one another, and conducted training sessions with no interruptions or distractions. What the devil intended for disruption, God turned into a wonderful time of team building and fellowship. Next year’s conference will be 50 people!
The storm destroyed the plastic cover. $30,000 Is needed for a new permanent aluminum roof.
Each winter, wind, hail, rain, and snow pummel the farm. The storm shredded the heavy plastic cover on the barn. It is time for us to install a permanent aluminum roof. We have put this off for three years due to the cost, but now it is time.
Our 27 cows require proper shelter, and this month is the ideal time to begin construction. A reliable contractor is waiting for our deposit. We appreciate your help. (And so do the cows.)
Designate giving “For Armenia.” The project must be completed by November. Thank you!