Neil and Joanna

Ministry alongside the local church in Tbilisi, Georgia

The vast majority of Georgians adhere to the Georgian Orthodox church. Only 1.35% of Georgians are evangelical Christians, that’s less than 50,000 people, and the number is decreasing.

For many in Georgia, to be Christian means to be part of the Orthodox church, but they may not hear the Bible read or the gospel explained in a language they understand. God has given us an opportunity for trips to Tbilisi, to support gospel ministries of a local church to Georgians, and also to international students who are in Tbilisi studying medicine.

Calling

In 2024, at a time in our lives with fewer family responsibilities, we visited a church in Tbilisi. Neil had a link from a business trip, years earlier. To our surprise, instead of tourist sightseeing, God showed us various ministries where the people were seeking to serve Him faithfully and reach out to their community. We were excited by their passion and willingness to share God’s message of salvation. We became eager to encourage and serve alongside them. Now, a few trips later, we have come to love many of the Georgian people there and have an increased desire to see God develop faith in the international (mainly Indian) students.

Vision

We hope to make regular short mission trips to support the outreach and discipleship of the church. We will serve in areas to support: international student Bible study and discipleship, Georgian youth groups and camps, Village church planting and encouraging the fellowship there.

Neil and Joanna

Neil and Joanna live in Loughborough, UK and are learning what it means to serve God faithfully in a new season of life. As Joanna continues to learn Georgian, they are discovering how to balance regular ministry in both the UK and Georgia, seeking to serve well in two places at the same time. Alongside this, Neil is learning how to integrate the practicalities of mission with work and serving in their local church.