Sharing Hope
Changing Lives
Impacting Generations

in Armenia

“ուստի գնացե՛ք և աշակերտ դարձրե՛ք բոլոր ազգերին…”
Մեթյու 28:19
{Armenian}

“Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations” Matthew 28:19{English}

Now more than ever, hundreds of thousands of teens are looking for hope and belonging.

They ask the same questions teenagers around the world ask:

Who am I?
Do I matter?
What’s in my future?

We love them, introduce them to Jesus— and disciple the next generation of leaders.

god is planting beauty in ARMENIA through young life.

Wars, political unrest, and economic hardships have been contributing to the ongoing struggle of the Armenian people, impacting kids in many different ways. But despite these challenges, thousands of teens still get to hear the message of hope.

This is a true testimony to God’s ability always to raise beauty in place of hurt and pain, and we believe He will continue to do His miraculous work in that part of the world.

OUR LEADERS ARE IN LOVE WITH JESUS MORE THAN ANYTHING ELSE

This is what has always been at the center of our work. They are deeply rooted in God’s Word, committed to their calling, often giving up better-paying jobs and putting themselves at risk. And they tirelessly and boldly share His love with the kids.

Our Team

Arman
Asatryan

REGIONAL DIRECTOR
Armenia & Georgia

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Lilit
Asatryan

REGIONAL DIRECTOR
Armenia

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Anika
Brutyan

AREA DIRECTOR
Armenia

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Narine
Manucharyan

AREA DIRECTOR
Armenia

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Sergey
Sargsyan

AREA DIRECTOR, EGHVARD
Armenia

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Arman Asatryan

Arman grew up during a very difficult time in Armenia’s history. The dissolution of the Soviet Union led to a dark and cold time in his country and he felt little hope. Then some missionaries came to his village and showed the film “Jesus.” That was when he became a Christian and found meaning in his life. When he discovered Young Life, he also found his passion to serve God by reaching out to young people. Arman says that his one goal is to reach more kids and make them followers of Jesus. After many years of volunteering and training, Arman is now the Regional Director of Young Life in Armenia and Georgia. Together with his wife, Lilit, he is a strong and encouraging leader over multiple staff and volunteers as they share God’s love throughout Armenia and Georgia.

To sponsor Arman, copy his name, click the button below and paste his name into the appropriate window.

Lilit Asatryan

With the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Lilit felt her life was turned upside-down. She was looking for something to depend on when she heard about Jesus. She says that He came into her life like sunshine, and she was never the same after that. When Lilit and her husband, Arman, discovered Young Life ministry, they felt as though they had found the way they wanted to reach kids. Together they serve in Yerevan, Armenia, as Regional Directors over Camp Pioneer in Armenia and the many Young Life clubs in Armenia and Georgia. Lilit remembers having a lot of questions as a teenager, and now that memory shapes her ministry as she helps teens find their own answers through Jesus.

To sponsor Lilit, copy her name, click the button below and paste her name into the appropriate window.

Anika Brutyan

Ani has been coming to YL since 2005. During her first YL camp, she felt suddenly awakened as she heard about Jesus and what He had done for her. She couldn’t wait to tell other young people about him! Today, Ani serves as an Area Director. She works with kids and leaders, disciplining the next generation of Christ's followers. “I think my gift is building relationships with young people. I want to meet and get to know them everywhere I go.” Ani is a prayer warrior. Many kids and today’s YL leaders are a result of her answered prayers. “I’ll continue praying with the hope of seeing many young lives turning to Jesus and growing in faith.”​ Please lift Ani and her ministry to the Lord as she faithfully follows His steps and serves Him in important ways. ​ ​

Narine Manucharyan

Naro remembers feeling like she had every reason to be happy as a child, but still, an emptiness persisted. At the University, she studied business and thought that the meaning of life was to become a successful business lady and be rich and famous. That opinion changed when she met Jesus through Young Life and found the meaning of life in Christ. Soon after, Naro felt a calling

to introduce that sense of wholeness to other young people through a relationship with Jesus. When the local Young Life leaders left town for a conference, Naro stepped into a leadership role so the club could continue. She discovered it was a great feeling to be used by God.

Now Naro leads a team of volunteers in two clubs in the Nor Hachn area of Armenia — in Abovyan and Byurghavan. “Many young people like me are looking for the meaning of life in different things. I love supporting them and witnessing their growth.” Please pray for Naro and her ministry in this part of the world.

 

Sergey Sargsyan

In 2009, Sergey was invited to a Young Life winter camp. He liked how kind the leaders were to him and the exciting things discussed. He began attending club after camp, and one evening during the club talk, Sergey was struck by how small he was compared to how big God was. He gave his life to Jesus and began volunteering at clubs. ​

Today, Sergey serves as an Area Director, leading three clubs in and around Yerevan: Yeghvard Club, Ararat Club, and Club 36. I lead teams and engage in the spiritual growth of leaders and discipleship. In my teams, we share deep and strong relationships to achieve a common goal: to serve one another and, through that, serve God because that’s the embodiment of Christ: he served His Father by serving people.

Sergey is married and has a daughter. Please pray for Sergey and his growing ministry.

 

ARmida Terteryan

Communications specialist
Armenia

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Teresa Brutyan

Regional administrator
Armenia

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Lusine Zakharyan

Wyldlife developer/expeditions
Armenia

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Narek Ayvazyan

AREA DIRECTOR, SHIRAK
Armenia

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Vahagn Asatryan

Club joyful director
Armenia

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When Armida went to the Young Life camp in 2005, she fell in love with God and the mission. She started attending club, and shortly after, became a volunteer leader. Later, as a DGL student, Armida realized her dream and received an education in communications. She is now using her experience to develop communications strategies for Young Life Armenia and tell stories about God’s incredible work in the hearts of Armenian kids while still volunteering at the Joyful YL club in Yerevan. “I love our ministry because we work with youth, and I love being around young people. Young Life is my warm, irreplaceable family.” Armida’s dream is to one day become a generous sponsor for the Developing Global Leaders (DGL) program and help young people like herself get a higher education. Please pray for Armida as she glorifies God through her storytelling.

Tereza first learned about Young Life in 2002, and she started volunteering in 2006. Today, Tereza serves as a Regional Administrator for Armenia. She assists with regional development, manages teams, and the regional leadership relationships. Although she is a gifted administrator, she still loves being around kids. Because her husband is an Area Director, she also helps out with clubs. “Even though I work in an office, my passion and heart are for kids' lives to be changed. I love Young Life because I met Jesus here. YL is my big family, where we know nothing but love and support.” Please pray for Tereza as she provides key support for the Armenian Young Life ministry.

Lusine has been serving in Young Life for the last 15 years. She has worn many hats during this time, from leading a local Bible Study to being a camp speaker. In her current role as the WyldLife developer, Lusine works with middle schoolers, organizes clubs, coordinates leadership teams, and serves as a role model for young girls. In the summer, Lusine welcomes guests who come to Armenia as a part of YL Expeditions. “We are serving the Kingdom of God through Young Life, and I’m humbled to be a part of it. I hope we can reach as many young people as possible, create a safer environment, and always be there for them.” ​ Lusine lives in Yerevan with her husband and two young kids. Please pray for Lusine as she serves to raise the next generation of Christ-followers.

Narek is an energetic and passionate young man. ​ He discovered Young Life fourteen years ago and has been serving in the ministry ever since. He loves serving because he loves teenagers and youngsters. ​ “Serving is the best way to show God’s love, to invest in the lives of young people, and it’s a joy to serve Jesus by investing in the lives of young people.” Narek’s vision is to unite his teams so much so that they feel like a close-knit family. God gifted him with the ability to lead people in a unique way, which he believes is the key in his ministry. “I hope in the future we can create a strong discipleship school and raise committed leaders who will bring fresh ideas and open opportunities to reach a lot of young lives.” Narek lives in Yerevan with his wife, Lusine, and two kids. Please pray for Narek as he faithfully follows God’s calling in his life.

Vahagn started attending the YL College Club in 2014. Then, the word of God touched his heart deeply, and he decided to commit his life to following Jesus. As a club director, Vahagn lives in the kids' world 24/7, loving and caring for each one. He named his club Joyful to reflect the joy God placed into his heart. Recently, he started another club in one of the Armenian border villages, Vardenis. “God gave me full life, and I want to pass it on,” he says. Vahagn’s wife, Suzi, also volunteers at the club. Their mission is to make disciples who will make disciples. Please pray for Vahagn and the growth of the club leadership team.

Armine
Shahgeldyan

club kievyan director
Armenia

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Gohar
Hovhannisyan

CLUB YEGHVARD DIRECTOR
Armenia

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Arshak
Adamyan

CLUB Shengavit director
Armenia

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Arman
Avagyan

Camp Associate/Club 36 Leader
Armenia

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Michael
Margaryan

CLUB LENINGRADYAN DIRECTOR
Armenia

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Armine was born with the heart of a musical artist. She discovered Young Life in 2012 and has been serving in different roles, always finding a way to use her God-given gift. Today, Armine leads club Kievyan in Yerevan, where God placed several other leaders with a heart for music. Together, they formed a worship band that shares their gift of music and singing with their Young Life community. “Our dream is to share God’s goodness through our songs.” Armine’s deep understanding of Young Life, strong faith, and hardworking attitude allow her to grow new teams and be a role model for the next generation of leaders. Please pray for Armine and her ministry as she shares God’s love through music.

Gohar came to a Young Life camp for the first time in 2011, fell in love with Jesus and the ministry, and has served in the beautiful town of Yeghvard for the last ten years. She enjoys growing her team, starting new ministries, doing contact work, and discipling the new generation of leaders. “I feel happy here. Young Life gives me opportunities and tools to serve God. I also feel I have grown greatly in my ministry.” Gohar loves teenagers and is grateful to be in the place God put her in. She dreams of bringing the Gospel to every teenager in Yeghvard and opening clubs in unreached towns and villages. Gohar lives with her husband, Rafik, and two young kids. Please pray for Gohar, her team, and the dream the Lord put on her heart.

Arshak started reading the Bible, praying, going to the YL clubs, and getting to know God on a deeper level in 2009 after his first trip to camp. Having served in the army, he gained a different perspective and decided to volunteer in Young Life. In 2017, he had his first small group, and after that, he realized he had developed a more profound love for young people. Arshak is a gifted team leader. He uses his passion for soccer to connect with kids on the field and build friendships. “I love communicating with young people and witnessing how their lives change in different stages of their spiritual walk.” Arshak dreams about one day reaching all Armenian kids with the Gospel, but for now, he is focusing on his community in Shengavit, tirelessly pursuing the next kid. Please pray for Arshak as he continues to spread the good news in his town and disciples the next generation of leaders.

Arman learned about Young Life in 2007. During his week at camp, the seeds of faith were planted in his heart. But he wasn’t ready to commit to the Lord for the next nine years, serving some of that time in the army, coming back, and only then realizing God’s great love and sacrifice. He started volunteering, joined the DGL program, and later met his wife Sofya at the Yeghvard Club. Together, they continue to serve, working with kids at Club 36 and helping with operations at Camp Pioneer. Please pray for Arman and his ministry.

Michael was a teen boy when he first came to a Young Life camp and decided to give his life to Jesus. His life was profoundly changed, and years later, he found his calling – to serve kids and raise disciples. “Seeing God changing young lives is what I feel most passionate about.” Michael loves playing sports and uses it as a tool to meet kids and build relationships. As an experienced volleyball player, he trains a group of 25 kids. All are invited to a club Leningradyan in Yerevan, where they hear the Gospel. “I feel God placed teens on my heart. I love working with them.” Michael’s prayer is to always have a heart of David. He deeply loves the Lord and always encourages the kids to study the Word. Michael dreams about raising a new generation of disciples who can spread hope among young people in his country. He and his wife, Ani, live in Yerevan and have a son, David. Please pray for Michael as he follows Jesus in his calling.

HOW YOUNG LIFE Is IMPACTING TEENS IN Armenia

Every day a life is being impacted.

475

kids in outreach clubs every week

270

kids in discipleship groups every week

18

ministries

11

Developing Global Leaders

221

volunteer leaders

14

national staff

Our Ministries

Teens and young adults participate in many activities under the umbrella of Young Life. Here are the ministries currently present throughout Armenia:

Club: High School Ministry
Wyldlife: Ministry for kids ages 10-14
College: Ministry for Young Adults
Campaigners: Discipleship Group

pioneer camp

In 2011, we purchased a former communist youth camp property in Armenia, and after several years of renovations, it welcomed its first campers in 2017. We believe there is no better place than camp for kids to see Jesus live out before them and begin their own transformation. And we always welcome volunteers from near and far to come and share His love through friendships and service.

Get Involved

partner with us

Partnering with us will give you unique opportunities to experience God’s gift of provision. We value thoughtful stewardship and accountability and will ensure your resources are directed toward the most critical needs.

join our community

If you love Jesus and want to share your passion for sharing the Gospel with the kids throughout Armenia with a group of fun-loving adults, consider joining Action Team Armenia!

Go & See

Want to explore Armenia? Come on an Expeditions trip with us and experience ministry on the ground and explore one of the oldest countries in the world! (And do we even mention the hospitality of the people and the deliciousness of the Armenian food?)

Join Us!

We invite you to be part of this life-changing journey that will transform your life and give the next kid in Armenia an opportunity to hear the best love story ever told.