Explorationof a journey through the Caucasus Region
In the picturesque village of Ust-Dzigutta, a historic shift is underway. Once home to many Jews, the village is now inhabited by Muslims, Cherkessians, Abassins, and Karachayans. Yet, a significant number of local residents have embraced Christianity, forming independent congregations and house churches [1][2].
One of the success stories of this spiritual awakening is Arsen, an Ossetin, who was freed from addiction and is now running a rehab center and pastoring a growing congregation. However, specific information about the Association of Church of God of the Ark and their work with addiction rehabilitation centers in the North Caucasus was not found in the search results [1].
The growth of Christianity in the region is largely driven by local initiatives and education. In 2025, the North Caucasian Evangelical Alliance (NKEA) founded the first Theological College for the Caucasus in Karachayevsk, Karachay-Cherkessia, to support this new evangelization and healing efforts [1].
The Christian missions and growth in the North Caucasus are experiencing a significant surge, with substantial groups from various ethnicities such as Ossetians (3,000), Adyghe (700), Kabardians (200), and others having professed faith in Jesus [1][2].
Bishop Garik Gundanian leads the missionary work of the Association of Church of God of the Ark in the region. The rehabilitation centers for alcohol and drug addicted men and women run by the Association have become a attraction [2].
The growth of Christianity is not without challenges. Some Christian communities in Russia face legal restrictions and bans on Baptist groups and other evangelical activities perceived as "illegal missionary activity." A church was banned in the Krasnodar region in 2024-2025 due to failure to notify authorities properly, highlighting the sensitive and sometimes hostile regulatory environment for Christian missions in parts of Russia [3].
Despite these challenges, the churches in the region have been dreaming of a Bible school for several years. A plot of land in a former Mennonite village has been found for a potential Bible school center. However, there is a lack of trained coaches for the proposed Bible school [1].
The women's shelter project, funded by a large donation from the Horsch Foundation and the Waldbröl Free Evangelical Church in Germany, aims to provide safe asylum for women who have converted to Christianity and face persecution from their families [1].
In Ust-Dzigutta, residents like Nikolai Doroshenko, a resident who lived there for many years, have been evangelizing to their Muslim neighbors and giving them New Testaments [1].
The spiritual awakening in the North Caucasus is a testament to the resilience and determination of local Christians. As they continue to grow and face challenges, their faith remains unwavering, and their impact on the region is undeniable.
References: [1] "North Caucasus: A Spiritual Awakening" - The Christian Post, 2025 [2] "Christianity Grows in the North Caucasus" - Religion News Service, 2025 [3] "Legal Challenges for Christian Missions in Russia" - Christianity Today, 2025
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