Hasmik Babayan

Catch the Vision Facilitator

My testimony:

I was born in a nominal Christian family. Since my youth, I remember talking and dreaming with God. At age 14, I was presented a New Testament by my teacher at public school. I was extremely excited about the book – this was my first encounter with Scripture.

In 1998, on a hot, summer day, I was sitting on my small balcony at home in Armenia, and I was meditating upon God and his mystery. Suddenly, God’s presence became very strong, and for a second I saw a vision of an African woman. The woman was working on her knees. When I saw this vision, I told myself that I would go to Africa one day. However, in my historical and cultural context, this vision did not make any sense.

I kept this vision in my heart, and for the first 3-4 years did not dare to share it with anybody. I waited for years. The years of waiting were very difficult, but deep in my heart I knew that Africa was going to be a key place for my ministry. After seven years, I had an opportunity to go to Africa.

Because Armenia and Kenya do not share an official relationship, it was only one day before my departure that I was officially permitted to travel. I had only a one-way ticket, about 150 dollars in my pocket, and I did not know when I would be able to return to my country. But I had only one passion in my heart: to realize the vision, regardless of the cost.

My calling:

Into my third year in Africa, SVM2 invited me to join their international staff. After about two months of prayer, I realized that I should join SVM2. Even more, as I looked back and analyzed my time in Africa, I concluded that God used Africa to prepare me for joining SVM2.

I am very excited about working with SVM2. My excitement is multifaceted, but one reason for my excitement is that SVM2 will open doors for me to invest , empower, and encourage this emerging generation to follow Jesus, and to bring about radical changes in this world.

Life Verse:

“ If you try to save your life, you will lose it. But if you give it up for me, you will surely find it.” – Matthew 10:39

Favorite Christian Author:

Raphael Erwin McManus