Pray for Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan is one of the few countries where nine of the world’s eleven climate zones are present, from its Caspian coastline to the mountains. It is famous for its handwoven carpets, a trade that has been passed down from generation to generation. In the early 2000s, the country rapidly began to modernize due to easy access to oil and wealth. Since the country sits on some of the world’s richest oil and natural reserves, the ground would occasionally catch on fire, giving Azerbaijan its name, the “Land of Fire.”

For decades, Azerbaijan has been in conflict with Armenia over a mountainous region along their border. Although it lies within Azerbaijan’s internationally recognized borders, this region has been home to tens of thousands of ethnic Armenians. Although peace negotiations continued for decades, Azerbaijan regained full control of the region in 2023, causing more than 100,000 ethnic Armenians to flee their homes. Even as the two nations have continued peace negotiations, tensions remain high. Within the country, there is political unrest. The President has restricted the media and cracked down on political opponents and activists who criticize the government. Azerbaijan faces an escalating public health crisis regarding narcotics trafficking and substance abuse, fueled largely by its geographic location along international transit routes.

Eighty-six percent of people in Azerbaijan are Muslim, while 12 percent are non-religious. Out of fear of Western political influence, the government treats all independent organizations — including evangelical house churches — as potential security threats that must be closely monitored by state intelligence. Christian materials, foreign missionaries, and religious activity must be registered with the government. Ministries focus on sharing the Gospel through personal relationships, small groups, and humanitarian aid rather than through large public events. Many Azeris are Muslim in name only and are open to hearing the Gospel. While there were only 40 known Azeri Christians in 1991, there are now an estimated 10,000 believers living there!