Badkamavoragan Joghov in Emmanuel Church

On Nov. 3, 2007, the Badkamavoragan Joghov (Representative's Meeting) was held in the Armenian Evangelical Emmanuel Church in Lebanon.
This meeting is held annually, where different Chanitz (youth) and Badaniatz (junior youth) representatives from Syria and Lebanon come together.

The following representatives were present from Lebanon:
  • Ms. A. Khederian, Nor Marash Church Youth
  • Mr. N. Karavartanian, Nor Marash Church Youth
  • Ms. T. Geukgeuzian, Nor Marash Church Junior Youth
  • Ms. P. Keoseyan, Anjar Church Youth
  • Ms. N. Shanlian, Ashrafieh Church Youth
  • Ms. P. Kilaghbian, Ashrafieh Church Youth
  • Ms. N. Kelenjian, Ashrafieh Church Junior Youth
  • Mr. Z. Manjelikian, Trad Junior Youth
  • Ms. K. Parseghian, Emmanuel Church Youth
  • Mr. H. Gojikian, Emmanuel Church Junior Youth
  • Mr. A. Kojadelian, First Church Youth
  • Rev. R. Messerlian, UAECNE Central Committee
  • Ms. R. Cholakian, Kchag Committee
The members of the Executive Body of Lebanon were: Rev. R. Messerlian, Mr. R. Chilingirian, Mr. S. Ohanian (finishes his term), Mr. V. Khederian (finishes his term), Ms. H. Barsoumian, Ms. V. Balekjian (absent), Ms. G. Kelougian (absent).

The following representatives were present from Syria:
  • Ms. S. Chirishian, Petel Church Youth
  • Mr. S. Kahkejian, Nahadagatz Church Youth
  • Ms. A. Aynilian, United Junior Youth Group
  • Ms. H. Torosian, United Junior Youth Group
  • Ms. S. Kilaghbian, Kessab and surrounding Church Youth
  • Mr. S. Der Sahagian, Kessab and surrounding Church Junior Youth
  • Rev. D. Basmajian, pastor of Damascus Church (present as guest)
The members of the Executive Body of Syria were: Rev. V. Ekmekjian, Mr. A. Aynilian (finishes his term), Mr. H. Bardakjian, Ms. S. Chirishian, Ms. H. Apartian (absent).

Each member presented about their group, discussed their issues and problems, each gave their solutions and suggestions. Kchag Summer Camp was discussed, as well as the treasury of each Body; also the future of kchag and the eMi plan.

The following new members were elected:
  • Mr. G. Deyirmenjian (Ashrafieh Church, Lebanon)
  • Ms. A. Andonian (Marash Church, Lebanon)
  • Mr. A. Messerlian (Marash Church, Lebanon)
  • Pastor S. Trashian (Kessab Chucrhes and region, Syria)
  • Dr. Tz. Basmajian (Nahadagatz Church, Syria)

Here I am to Worship


Light of the world
You stepped down into darkness.
Opened my eyes, let me see.
Beauty that made this heart adore You
Hope of a life spent with You

Here I am to worship,
Here I am to bow down,
Here I am to say that You're my God
You're altogether lovely
Altogether worthy,
Altogether wonderful to me

King of all days
oh, so highly exalted
Glorious in heaven above
Humbly You came
To the earth You created
All for love's sake became poor

Here I am to worship,
Here I am to bow down,
Here I am to say that You're my God
You're altogether lovely
Altogether worthy,
Altogether wonderful to me

I'll never know how much it cost
To see my sin upon that cross
I'll never know how much it cost
To see my sin upon that cross
I'll never know how much it cost
To see my sin upon that cross
I'll never know how much it cost
To see my sin upon that cross

Here I am to worship,
Here I am to bow down,
Here I am to say that You're my God
You're altogether lovely
Altogether worthy,
Altogether wonderful to me.

The Armenian Blogs and their Presense on the Web

Blogs have been around since the 2000 and before that. However, it was only after 2005 that we saw the sprouting of Armenian blogs in USA, France, Armenia, Syria, Russia, Egypt, Australia, Israel/Palestine, Germany, Iran, Iraq, and Lebanon.
I want to note here that the Lebanese non-Armenian bloggers have been active much earlier. Some, today, even organize meetings among different Lebanese bloggers. Here is an example: http://lebanonheartblogs.blogspot.com/
Perhaps, when the Armenian bloggers in Lebanon grow, we can organize events together.
Today, the Armenian blogs are diverse, but they also have very common issues, mostly about the Genocide of the Armenians and news related to Armenians and Armenia.

At first, the blogs were used like diaries. But later on, groups, organizations, and news agencies started to make use of blogs as their news space, and the place where people can voice their comments and be heard.

In the Armenian blogosphere, it is only lately that we have seen the launch of the AGBU blog, and very recently, the Armenian Times.


Here, I would like to add that one of the very first Armenian bloggers is Raffi Kojian, blogging within his Cilicia website.

I've seen blogs that started very passionately, were active, but did not survive their first year. It seems that as time passes they lose their vision and their reason behind their blogging. Most do not even have a mission. They blog about anything and everything, whatever amuses them. These blogs are meant to die, since they are established on the ups and downs of the person blogging.

There are interesting Armenian blogs that are online. Perhaps a review of each of the blogs would be a good idea, for the next post.

Today, the Armenian bloggers in Lebanon are few and can be counted on the fingers. The idea of blogging is fairly new to the Armenians here and not many organizations, groups, teams, or NGOs make use of blogging. Yes, there are many websites, but the problem with these websites is that they are static and too objective and non-personal. Most of them start to post news and gradually the number of posts goes down, and if after a year you go and check the website, you would find out that the website hasn't been updated for almost a year, if not even more.

One of the noteworthy bloggers is Ara Ashjian (he recently settled in Armenia like many Iraqi Armenians) from Iraq, who is the only one who writes about the Armenians in Iraq, and he is doing the work that perhaps news agencies should do. The name of his blog is Armenian Issues.This is the niche of the blogs. The small communities and individuals can now make themselves heard, seen and read worldwide. What makes blogs different is their news and posts that would not be found on newspapers. You will be able to read about events, news, and issues about which you've never read before.
More and more people are reading blogs, since bloggers write about the events the way they see them, without much politicizing of events. You will hear about the news from the inside and get a glimpse from a point of view that is not broadcasted or published on corporate media.

According to Blogactionday.com, "Blogs are just a tool, of course. It’s the bloggers behind the blogs that will make the difference. Here’s why:
  • Freedom of speech
  • Power of the pen
  • Reaching the public
  • Raising awareness
  • A global discussion
  • The power of many
  • The speed of change
  • Interaction
  • Instant news and opinions
  • Cover-ups are uncovered
  • Easier to research an issue
  • Viral ideas
  • Created a new world
  • Government-influenced media bypassed
  • No central control
  • It gets you thinking"
Through the Armenian Evangelical Emmanuel Chanitz blog, we were able to come in contact with different people from around the world, from the different churches asking about various information about churches and people.

As Mr. Hrayr Jebejian has told us: "This is the era of communication."

Raffi

Hamahavak in Marash Church

On Nov. 2, 2007, the youth from Marash Church, Emmanuel Church, Ashrafieh Church, Anjar Church, First Church, and youth from Armenian Evangelical Churches in Syria (Aleppo, Kessab, Damascus) joined together and gathered in Marash Church to have their awaited Hamahavak.


The Kordzatir Marmin (Executive Body) of Lebanon organized the Hamahavak, which started with a time of worship and singing and prayer, led by Mr. V. Khederian. After which, the chairman of the Executive Body, Rev. R. Messerlian, shared with the youth the message of hope and commitment; committed to Christ and hopeful in Christ.
Rev. V. Ekmekjian, co-chairman of the Executive Body, presented about the Badkamavoragan Joghov (Representative's Meeting) that will take place tomorrow. He explained that their representatives come together to discuss their issues, and to suggest new procedures and elect the new members for the Executuve Body.

We appreciate your support

I would like to write this post to show my gratitude to friends who have been supportive in our endeavor and encouraged us to keep this website updated and alive.
  • Rev. Hovannes Sevajian (our pastor), has been one of the very early supporters, and recently took the initiative to edit the blog's Armenian posts.
  • Mr. Hrayr Jebejian (Bible Society Gulf), is very appreciative of our enthusiasm and hard work, adding that we are doing a very good job in keeping the communication lively.
  • Mr. Hrant Guzelian (the hero who passed away recently in France), was very quick in responding to our emails and encouraged us dearly to continue in our endeavor.
  • Ms. Nora Parseghian (Aztag editor), is supportive, and has encouraged communication and participation in Aztag. She has also encouraged us to be more accurate in using our language.
  • Mrs. Rita (Lao) Manjelikian (Social Worker of the Armenian Evangelical Social Center, Lebanon), is very supportive of what we're doing through this blog and is a strong believer in the work.
  • Rev. Nshan Bakalian (Armenian Evangelical Church, Philadelphia, USA), is still supportive, gives us feedback regarding the website's accessibility and usability.
  • Mrs. Maria Bakalian (Rev. Bakalian's wife), encouraged us and pushed us to write better and suggested corrections and changes wherever needed.
  • Rev. Raffi Messerlian (Armenian Evangelical Church, Anjar, Lebanon), supports our team and has been very quick in sending us a letter of encouragement.
  • Rev. Calvin Sagherian (Armenian Bretheren Church, California, USA), from the moment we told him about the launch of the youth website, he sent us an encouraging letter, and still supports the youth here.
  • Mrs. Maral Haidostian (wife of the president of Haigazian University), supports us with her kind words and smile, whenever she gets the opportunity.
  • Rev. Vahan Tootikian (Executive Director of Armenian Evangelical World Council), never hesitated to give us from his valuable time and always replies back.
  • Rev. Nerses Balabanian (Armenian Evangelical Calvary Church, San Francisco, USA), helps us morally and practically. Whenever we are in need of him, he is always ready.
  • Pastor Datev Basmajian (Armenian Evangelical Church, Damascus, Syria), is supportive of our work and the hours spent in keeping up this website.
  • Pastor Sevag Trashian (Armenian Evangelical Churches, Kessab, Syria), whenever we ask for his help, he's ready.
  • Pastor Sebouh Terzian (CEO UAECNE, Lebanon), is supportive of our work.
We are also appreciative of the many encouraging comments that we received and still do receive from many people from different sectors of the Lebanese community, from different groups, clubs and individuals within our Armenian community here in Lebanon and abroad.

I also do not want to forget the chanitzagans, most of whom were supportive. And also, to all the youth, pastors, preachers, church members and friends of Chanitz who kept their subscriptions.

Update (Nov. 8): Just recently, we also received an encouraging letter from Rev. Mgrdich Melkonian, the pastor of First Armenian Presbyterian Church, Fresno. Also, from Rev. Aren Balabanian, the associate pastor of the same church.

God has called YOU!

In His eyes we all have a ministry. Many serve Him in a local church through a variety of ministries, such as music, teaching, youth work, or by being a part of the church staff. Others serve on the mission field, on the job, at school, or at home.

God knows you and He knows your heart desires to serve Him. You are someone that He will use to make a difference, to share His love, and to touch the hearts of others. What has qualified you for this high privilege of being used by Him? Is it your talents, your personality, your education, your influence, or your resume? It is none of these; rather, it is the response of your heart toward Him. God is always searching for those whose hearts are yielded to Him so that He can work mightily through them.

Sometimes we can be led to think that God's work is dependent upon us, upon what we do, and upon what we know. The truth is that God wants us to be totally dependent upon Him. He is the Treasure, we are the vessels; He is the vine, we are the branches; He is the living water, we are the channels through which He flaws.

The apostle Peter was someone who needed to learn this important truth. Jesus taught him the futility of trying to get results through his own efforts by allowing him, an expert fisherman, to labor all night and come up empty. Afterward, after he followed Jesus' word to cast out into the deep, Peter pulled a catch that was beyond his dreams.

It is our prayer at DaySpring that God will encourage you today as you faithfully serve Him, and that He will use you to bring encouragement.

Roy Lessin, Co-Founder DaySpring cards