February 2025 – The farm in Armenia is expanding, changing into an amazing place where believers are encouraged and inspired. In addition, the Lord brought new staff to MP to help develop the farm’s potential as a training center for the unreached people groups of the Caucasus. David LeCompte who worked with EEO many years ago, has now rejoined MP and shares the story here.
God’s Call To Help People
On a cold, snowy, overcast morning, Mercy Projects director Jeff and I walked along the long gravel road leading into the MP dairy farm in northern Armenia. Just a few months before we had walked this same pathway pondering what the farm could become with Gods help. As a dairy farm, it provided employment to local Armenians. But we also hoped it could serve as a summer camp for children from the villages and the war-torn area of Nagorno-Karabakh. As we walked, we asked, “what else did the Lord have in mind?” Having spent many years working among the people of the Northern Caucasus, the dream of a facility like this gripped my heart.
Support the Farm
With each step we realized the Lord was calling us to a greater more strategic vision. The farm, now called Rancho Stepanavan, would become a haven for new believers coming out of Islamic and Orthodox backgrounds to find fellowship, community, and discipleship. God wants to use it as a place to nurture a new generation of Christ followers to reach the Caucasus region for Christ.
Why the Caucasus?
The Muslim people groups of this region are isolated and tribal. Patrick Johnstone of Operation World wrote:
“It’s hard to conceive of a more difficult and unreached region of the world than the Caucasus. Local wars, ethnic rivalries, religious hatred, harsh Russian control, corruption, suspicion, and frequent hostilities towards foreigners. On top of that, the diversity and complexity of local languages, the death of active churches, and the lack of scriptures in most of the tribal languages.”
Rays of Light
We walked down this path dreaming of what the Lord could do with the farm. Despite this dire description, there are rays of light poking through the darkness. This Spring and Summer our Rancho Stepanavan, in it’s strategic location, is hosting believers from the surrounding Caucasus. From new believers, to new bible college students and seasoned bible translators, the MP farm is becoming a haven of renewal in this region.
Steps taken in 2024
Rancho Stepanavan now has twenty four milk cows and three BnB type lodges fully furnished to accommodate tourists, families, and mission teams. In 2024, a major addition was the completion of a picturesque dining hall, complete with a nice fireplace and view of the nearby mountains. We are now ready to host groups for training and renewal.
The Vision Is Becoming Reality
Fatima was 8 years old the last time I saw her at a camp for kids from the Caucasus. Now, over twenty five years later, the Lord has reconnected us. Presently, she is a vibrant businesswoman serving the Lord and her small group of believers in a nearby republic of Russia. She has a burning desire to see her friends grow in their faith and become future ambassadors in their region. Recently, she wrote me:
“Hi David! Thank you so much for your ideas and for believing in us. My brain can’t stop thinking about Rancho Stepanavan (RS). That IS such a great place! You know what’s unique about it for me? For example – I don’t see myself in this season of life going to my home republic and serving there, BUT I do see myself bringing people from my home republic to RS and serving them there. I want to do for them what you have done for us!
It’s a great opportunity to serve! Also, my brother, who can’t go to Russia, he could come there and serve. My friends from the USA can come as well!” – With Love, Fatima
Pressing Forward into 2025
Groups from Colorado, Germany, Holland, and the Caucasus are already booked for 2025. David and Dottie will run a combined work and study program tailored to each group. If you would like to support the LeCompte’s, please go to our website, click on Start New Sponsorship/Sponsor A Missionary.
With these Bible student groups coming, the need for more long term housing is needed. In 2025, it is our desire to build a large lodge to house Bible students and serve as a worship and prayer center. Thank you for your prayers and financial support. We need it. Please consider joining us to reach the Caucasus for Christ!