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OM team members working in the North Caucasus are encouraged to see how the Lord is working within the hearts of local youth. In 2025, the team held its first baptism in the region.
Ahmed*, a young man who attends the youth clubs, became friends with the team members and decided to follow Jesus Christ, despite all the risks to his life. In his strict Muslim region, this is a very serious step that could have negative consequences.
“Ahmed’s father is Muslim and doesn’t know about the faith of his son. When he finds out, there is a high probability that Ahmed will be kicked out of the house,” shared Nikita*, one of the team members. “Ahmed studies and can’t provide for himself. Once he finishes his studies and finds a job, he plans to tell his father about his faith and is ready to accept any reaction.
“We pray that the Lord will protect Ahmed and that his parents and relatives will be able to accept his values."
Many of Ahmed’s non-believing friends attended his baptism, and the team is praying that they will continue to think about what they heard about God during the celebration.
In 2025, the team began holding Bible study groups in a new format, with boys and girls studying separately.
The team also took part in an event for children with special needs for the first time. The children and workers of the centre where the event was held were very pleased. “At the very beginning, we felt a negative attitude from the staff, but in the end they thanked us and invited us to take part in the next event,” Nikita* said.
Meetings continue for men and women from the least-reached nations, and the team regularly holds concerts and creative events. They are also actively praying and thinking about new forms of ministry.
Lika*, a team member involved in the creative outreach, said, “It is time for our team to create something new. We understand that we can do more than we are doing now. We are thinking about new events for women and art meetings. We are now planning a photo exhibition.”
Plans are already being made to open new youth clubs, and the team is praying for new projects, including book clubs, English clubs, guitar lessons and sports, to meet new people.
Pray for the youth clubs and creative outreach efforts that OM teams are leading in the North Caucasus. Pray for Ahmed, and others like him, who have chosen to follow Jesus in a region where this decision can lead to rejection and persecution. Ask God to protect Ahmed physically and emotionally, and to provide for his needs as he prepares to share his faith with his family.
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