Sharing Christ in the Caucasus
Courage and Outreach at MTS's Prokhladny Training Center
In the heart of the Caucasus lies the MTS-Prokhladny Training Center—a place where future ministry leaders are trained. Every student who walks through its doors becomes part of a great mission to spread the Gospel and strengthen faith in our communities. The Prokhladny Training Center is one of MTS’s eight regional training centers, strategically stationed to be a beacon in a heavily Muslim and pagan-populated area that is often hostile to Christianity.
The region has a rich history and unique culture comprised of various ethnically autonomous regions as shown on this map. Prokhladny is in the center of the region:
For many pastors and missionaries who seek to share the message of Christ, the Caucasus remains a region full of challenges and dangers. Evangelism here requires an extra measure of faith, courage, and training because the majority of people groups tend to cling to their cultural/religious identities. They are not as open to the Gospel, and even when some hearts do soften, many hesitate to respond to the Holy Spirit’s call in fear of backlash from their communities.
In this Islamic context, becoming a believer in Jesus Christ can lead not only to rejection by their families and social acceptance, but also a threat to their lives.
Despite the dangers, these unsung heroes of the faith - pastors, evangelists, and missionaries continue their work among the Caucasian people. These ministry leaders are a light in the darkness, testifying to the love and hope they have found in Christ. Their stories serve as a reminder that the Gospel is the power of God for salvation, capable of overcoming any obstacle.
One student's story of courage:
One of the Prokhladny training center students, Suren Babakhyan, was recently arrested for preaching the Gospel on the street in the small town of Izobilny. While at the police station, he continued to share his faith with the officers. Upon hearing his words, the officers began to reflect on what it means to be a believer and how faith can transform a life!
Suren is currently awaiting his court date and will likely face fines, but his spirit remains unbroken. His courage inspires his fellow students to preach Christ, encouraging them to remain true to one’s convictions in trying situations.
Other practical student ministries:
Students actively participate in street evangelism, camps, and ministry at playgrounds. They
not only study for knowledge but also put their knowledge into practice. Even in difficult times, such as Suren's arrest, they continue to preach Jesus Christ.
Ongoing short-term mission trips take place in the city of Tyrnauz, where students visit struggling families. Sharing the love and compassion of Christ, they provide assistance with food, home repairs, and, of course, share the Gospel.
Students take part in prayer hikes through the mountains of Kabardino-Balkaria - a vast and isolated area where time seems to stand still. They visit villages, ask for lodging, and read the Gospel in the homes where they were hosted. These interactions create a deep fellowship that leaves a lasting impression of unity and hope in people’s hearts.
Students come from all over southern Russia to study and become equipped for the rigors of ministry work here —the Volgograd and Rostov regions, the Krasnodar Territory, Kalmykia, the Stavropol Territory—and from all the Caucasus republics. Their hearts are full of faith and a desire to serve, and this is evident in their active missionary work.
The training center is not merely a place of learning head knowledge, but a place where ministry leaders are equipped to serve with their hands, hearts, and feet as they go into communities to preach and serve.
Partnering with this work is an investment in defeating darkness and bringing light! Join us!
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