Our First Mission Trip with Flame

When the Armenia trip opened it seemed apparent that the Lord had opened a door for us. We had prayed for Armenia for many years, and Dave had visited Yerevan with an Aid organisation only three years before.

We had some experience of short-term mission, but it soon became clear that the level of preparation was going to be more thorough and rigorous with Flame. The Forge course has relevant teaching, but as well as weekly Team Prayer in the build-up we also had a special Zoom preparation as ‘first timers.’ This was all very reassuring, and we felt that we were ‘in good hands’, albeit with the comment from an old hand that ‘Mission with Flame is not for the faint hearted!’ Amongst other things we noted the strong emphasis on unity, trusting the Lord, keeping flexible and practicalities like keeping away from alcohol and politics!
So, we set off into the unknown and began our sharp learning curve... new culture, new team and new roles. Annette oversaw the props with Dave taking pictures and praying over the conference room alongside Steve. Everyone was to lead some of the morning and evening devotionals and many were participating in the teaching slots during the Conference. This seemed to us a time of ‘opportunity’, both to serve and to be stretched, coupled with ‘responsibility.’ And not for the ‘faint hearted!’

Possibly unlike mission to other places, the Armenia Mission didn’t present great practical challenges for us as first timers. The Hotel was quaint but comfortable, the food was plentiful and mostly familiar, and we were only a stone’s throw from shops and cafés in the nearby village. The challenges came from different sources.

Dave found the initial couple of days quite challenging, Annette less so. Despite all the theoretical preparation it’s only in the real-life outworking that issues emerge. He describes the working out as to what’s appropriate, what nurtures and what erodes spiritual unity as the real culture shock for him. On reflection, this underscores the wisdom of the initial couple of days where the team were busy from morning to night with devotions and breaking bread, rehearsing dramas, as well as reading words and scriptures sent by those interceding for us back home. All necessary activities… but also excellent for team bonding.
 
Particularly helpful, and unifying, was the teaching on prophetic intercession. This emphasised keeping our hearts right before God and each other. We declared three times over, ‘Jesus is Lord! Jesus is My lord! Jesus is Our Lord!’. Corporate humility leads to corporate unity which leads to corporate authority – this was our experience the entire time. Everything was bathed in prayer under the fear of the Lord. The use of declarations and the process of crafting a declaration for Armenia was also an eye opener. This is just one example of how, in going to serve, the Lord blessed with insights, teaching and equipping which came as an unexpected treasure to bring home.

We were also privileged to be involved with the trialling of a new prayer ministry model. We were to listen to the Lord in pairs for the delegates, both to encourage them in their callings and to identify any strongholds designed to oppose them. We received initial training on this from Graham and looked forward to applying this with the delegates.
 
On the first Sunday we divided into groups to visit three churches. Gail had spoken in our Devotions on Mary pouring costly perfume on the feet of Jesus so that they carried that perfume with them. We both felt that we carried this to the church at Charentsevan where Jan spoke about Generational Blessings and Curses. The drama was well received, and we prayed for 48 people before heading to the Pastor’s house for a wonderful lunch. Meeting the people was a great experience and gave us further insight into the Armenian culture. 

The Conference then began later that evening, and the team worked seamlessly together. We all knew our roles, encouraging and covering each other. For most of the talks two or three people were interceding outside as the worship, teaching and dramas proceeded. Then, each evening after the meal, we returned to minister in pairs to individual delegates. Although relatively inexperienced in personal ministry we both were encouraged at how our revelation was in harmony with our partners, at the enthusiastic response of the delegates and how the Lord was working. By Thursday there was such a sense of freedom and relief as God had clearly spoken and touched many lives. Testimonies were given of healing from long standing pain and sleeplessness and delegates shared how they had received new freedom and new vision for their future ministry. It was wonderful to break bread together and to present certificates in an atmosphere of fun and real affection.

On Friday we had a day off – and what a day! Beautiful weather, a visit to two monasteries – one on the border with Turkey in full view of mighty Ararat with eagles flying overhead. We finished with a tour of the beautiful countryside and a then meal gifted to the team in a lovely, secluded garden.
 
On Saturday we had the privilege of praying with Pastor Vardan and his wife Anush. Pastor Vardan is a significant figure in the unfolding story of the Lord’s work in Armenia and surrounding nations. He has worked to foster unity amongst diverse church leaders and has facilitated the Flame missions in recent years. He has suffered health problems recently and we were able to pray for this wonderful couple, for their health and their envisioning for Armenia’s strategic positioning on the Silk Road and the Isaiah 19 Highway. Afterwards, as a team, we prayed for Flame’s emerging role in Armenia. Our prayers for Vardan and for the future work continue here in the UK.

On Sunday we were again out to the churches. With Jan and Tom, our interpreter and driver, we went to Chambarak in the eastern mountains and just 1km from Azerbaijan. Only three years ago the two nations were at war! Again, we received wonderful hospitality, shared on Generational Influences and the Father’s Love and we either hugged or prayed with most of the congregation. As we drove back along the shore of beautiful Lake Sevan surrounded by snowcapped mountains, we felt deep gratitude both to the Lord and the Flame Leadership.
 
Monday was a day of individual debriefing then packing, rest and the long journey home. With Jan we were able to reflect on our experience and contribution. As we expected there was nothing of sentimentality in that final process, just realistic appraisal, lessons to be learned and lots of encouragement. Mission with Flame may not be for the ‘faint hearted’ but, for us, it far exceeded expectations and whatever price we paid in terms of cash, time and sleepless nights, we can only recommend the experience.