Upcoming Ministry Trip to Armenia

Greetings from Rich and Cheri —

We’re excited to fill you in about our upcoming ministry trip to Armenia.

Yes, Armenia is in the Caucasus region of the world – not quite Middle East, not part of Europe. Armenia is a country with an early Christian history! In 301 A.D. it became the first nation to adopt Christianity, 80 years before the Roman empire did the same. Yet today, there are few Bible-centered churches in Armenia. No Christian bookstores, and very little Christian radio. Few missionaries live and serve there full-time. But there’s a hunger for God’s Word in that nation!

What we’ll be doing in Armenia:
Our ministry connection goes back to 2012, when Cheri held a first-ever Christian women’s conference there. She returned many times to continue training women, and she and I also held conferences for pastors-and-wives and young adults. We’re invited this year to conduct twoconferences. The first will be for 150 Christian women leaders, and the second one for 50 believing couples. Our Armenian hosts are Pastor Davit Torosyan of Bethel Baptist Church, Yerevan, and his wife Astghik, who will invite people to the conferences from numerous churches across Armenia. They are godly, faithful believers and our long-time friends. They will join us as teachers for these events. As always, Cheri and I will also teach as needed in Bethel Church ministries.

How you can partner with us:
We wish you could accompany us! But travel getting to Armenia will be a bit tricky. As you can see on the map, Iran is Armenia’s neighbor on its southern border. The current war in Iran – and the impact of the Russia/Ukraine war on the Black Sea – make getting to Armenia a bit more difficult than normal. But it’s possible! We’ll appreciate your prayers as we travel. Lord willing, we’ll depart for Armenia September 26th, and will be there for several weeks.

Funds are beginning to come in, as God directs. We’re estimating the need for approximately $21,000 to cover our travel, housing/food for both conferences for about 250-275 people total, training materials and books, translators, and our expenses in Yerevan. We still need $18,000. You may wonder, why not have the attendees pay to attend? Our desire is to help these dear believers as much as possible, to bless them with a restful and Scripture-filled retreat. They will pay for their own transportation to the conference site (usually by bus) and any necessary child care. (By the way, the mean salary in Armenia is just $770 per month, in a country with a quickly-rising cost of living).

We need your prayers, of course! Besides our travels, pray for us, Davit, and Astghik as we prepare. Pray for lasting fruit among the Armenian believers. And please pray for Armenia as a nation. Russia has recently threatened the country because they are leaning toward connection with the European Union. They will need to be strong in the days ahead. Some of you have been praying for Armenia since Cheri’s very first conference in 2012. Thank you! Many believers trained through the years are now leading ministries and bearing fruit!

Tax-deductible gifts to this ministry can be made:

By check to Equippers Network International, P.O. Box 887, Waxhaw, NC 28173 (memo line: Armenia)

Online via PayPal/Venmo/Debit/Credit card

https://www.paypal.com/donate/?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=RT5ZUXYYSDHHS&ssrt=1750948655203
Lastly, we thank you from our hearts for your faithful partnership in the Gospel. Your prayers, encouragement, and support over the years have carried Cheri and me through decades of ministry, and we do not take it for granted.

Would you pray about possibly giving toward this project?

In Christ’s Name,

Rich and Cheri Strahm

Equippers Network International
(704) 964-8776
rich316strahm@gmail.com