The Caucasus region connects eastern Europe and western Asia. It is made up of the countries of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia and parts of southern Russia, and is home to more than 50 people groups. Over the centuries, this small, mountainous region has seen much conflict, including longstanding tension between Azerbaijan and Armenia.
In the summer of 2025, some Azerbaijani teenagers and leaders from OM’s youth ministry team in the Caucasus travelled to Georgia. These Azerbaijani believers, some of whom come from a Muslim background, encouraged local believers and church leaders. While they were serving in a city in southern Georgia, an American family approached them and asked if their friend Anna,* a girl from France, could join their team for the week. Gulnar,* the ministry leader, agreed. After Anna had served with the team for a few days, the family explained her background to Gulnar and asked if Anna could share her testimony with the group.
The next morning, during the team meeting, Gulnar gave Anna permission to speak and asked the team to listen patiently until the end. Anna began, “I was born into an Armenian family, but I have never lived in Armenia. Since childhood, my parents have told me that Turks and Azerbaijanis were our enemies. I grew up with hatred toward these peoples. But after I met Jesus, love for the Turks and Azerbaijanis was born in my heart. Despite pressure from my parents, I have longed to meet Azerbaijanis and serve them. Even if I could not go to Azerbaijan, I still desired to connect with the Azerbaijanis living in Georgia.” Anna finished her testimony in tears, asking for forgiveness.
The Azerbaijani youth had listened until the end, but they could no longer hold back. “If we had known she was Armenian from the start, we would not have accepted her into our group or spoken to her,” they said.
An argument broke out, but Gulnar interrupted: “Young people, remember: our true homeland is heaven. You may be Azerbaijani, Georgian, Armenian or Russian, but your real citizenship is from above. Christ came to free us from hatred and division. Do not get entangled in the affairs of this world or be used for others’ purposes.” After that, they grew calm. The youth embraced one another, peace was restored and love returned.
In Matthew 5:43-44, Jesus says, “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” May the Lord protect teenagers in the Caucasus and teach them to live together in his peace.
*name changed
