Nijat* and Lulieta* did not have a typical first year of marriage. Rather than settling into familiar settings and rhythms, they uprooted themselves and moved to a new city in their home country of Azerbaijan to launch a new OM ministry team. They felt called by God to that place, and before the actual move, they and others had been visiting regularly, meeting with people interested in Jesus and studying the Bible with them.
By the time they moved, they had already formed five Discovery Bible Study (DBS) groups of new believers and those interested in learning about Jesus. At first the groups grew. They connected with more people seeking Jesus and added them to the groups. People were reading the Bible, asking questions and sharing Bible stories with others.
Then, slowly, the groups started to die. For different reasons, people left. Some moved to other cities. Others lost interest — before committing to follow Jesus — or decided that this type of study was not for them. The final two men, who wanted to continue with the group, both began having serious health issues: Ruslan* became too sick to meet in person, and Jamal’s* work schedule and exhaustion from health problems prevented him from attending.
Nijat and Lulieta were faithful, and their obedience never wavered — both when the groups were growing and shrinking. “The Lord gives, and the Lord takes away. Blessed be the name of the Lord” — Job 1:21 (CSB).
As of October 2026, they have two new groups, but these are also slowly losing momentum. Yet it is still worth celebrating that, through them, new people are hearing the good news of Jesus! They and their team desire the groups to multiple, and to that end they have brainstormed new ways to reach people. Rather than forming groups of unconnected people, they are looking for people with common ground already.
Pray for the Lord to strengthen Nijat and Lulieta, give them wisdom and multiply their efforts. Please also pray for full healing for Ruslan and Murad. May every obstacle be removed for them to join a group again!
*name change
