Azerbaijan is situated on the west coast of the Caspian Sea.

In 1991 Azerbaijan was the first Soviet republic to declare its independence. Officially there has been 'religious freedom' since then, but in reality Christianity is negatively associated with Russians and Armenians. The majority of the population are Muslims.

The Azeris have been oppressed throughout history by the Arabs, Persians, Turks and Russians. Recently Azerbaijan tensions with Armenia led to a full-scale war, fighting over who should own the Nagorno-Karabakh region.

War and corruption have had a massive impact on the whole country and 60% of the population live in poverty.

In 1990 there were only a few Azeri Christians in the whole world - now there are Azeri churches for the first time ever, with around 2,000 believers!

Most Christians in Azerbaijan are Russian speaking. Pray that they would have real sensitivity and wisdom in evangelising to the majority Muslim population.

Most towns and villages have never heard about Jesus and foreign missionaries aren't allowed to evangelise. Pray that Christians in Azerbaijan would be able to reach people who don't know God.

Unfortunately most people think of Christianity as the religion of the Russians or Armenians who have invaded Azerbaijan in its past. Pray that God will break down these barriers and prejudice so people can open their hearts and minds to Jesus.