The "Worlds Christian Endeavour Union" encourages our efforts

In their February 2008 issue of their publication, the Worlds Christian Endeavour Union in their "Asia" section mention about the Armenian Christian Endeavor Union of Syria and Lebanon being online and encourage other Christian Endeavour unions to do the same.

Here is what they write:
The Armenian Christian Endeavor Union of Syria and Lebanon can be found in Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Since everybody can write in this encyclopedia all other National Unions are encouraged to follow their example.
Your efforts have not gone in vain :)

For the record, the Wikipedia pages were created, posted and edited by Rev. V. Ekmekjian (CE Central Committee vice chairman and pastor of the Armenian Evangelical Nahadagatz (Martyr) Church, Syria) and Mr. R. Chilingirian (CE Central Committee treasurer from the Armenian Evangelical Emmanuel Church, Lebanon).

It is also worthwhile to mention here that the EMI engineers and architects found out about Kchag through Kchag's website, in communication with Mrs. M. Bakalian and Rev. S. Terzian.

Links:
The Armenian Christian Endeavor Union of Syria and Lebanon
EMI
Kchag

Keeping our spirits high and trying not to lose our hope

Despite the difficult times and circumstances that Lebanon is going through, the youth have come to realize that they have two choices, they can either lose hope, or decide to keep their hope in the Lord, who will never leave the youth alone through these turbulences.

It is a fact that the prices have very much increased, and the youth and university students are obliged to find work, any kind of work, in order to pay for their tuition. Many are running from one job to another and studying during the weekends, in order to try to graduate and find a decent job, and at the same time stay active in their churches.
These issues are new ones that the young men and women face, who used to volunteer in churches, in social work and DVBS. Today, we cannot blame them when they leave their volunteer work because of a new job opportunity that they have found. Also, we pray that they will participate in the summer camps that will take place, despite the difficult situation.

We pray that God would help us during this difficult period and to help us keep our hope and faith in Him, and only in HIM, who will come to our aid.

Raffi

Visiting their church

Cynthia Keverian, who resides in Los Angelos, gave us a visit, while being in Lebanon. She has been a Chanitz member in Emmanuel Church for years, and she has many memories and friends from her years in Chanitz.

Also, Silva Zobian-Sarkissian, who resides in Boston, gave us a visit, while giving Lebanon a visit. She has been a student in Torosian school and has been a member in Badaniatz and Chanitz and has many memories.

Leadership Training in Emmanuel Church

On Sunday, 17 February, 2008, 16 leaders involved in the church ministry with kids, junior youth and youth, were present in Emmanuel Church to participate in the seminar that the Christian Education Committee of the Emmanuel Church had organized.


The seminar started with FOOD, after which the leaders gathered in the church for a worship time led by Mr. M. Chilingirian and Ms. V. Balkjian sharing her reflection. Afterwards, it was time for the leaders to play some games, that Mr. M. Ibitian had prepared.


After the games and action, it was time for hearing the lectures. Ms. G. Vartan presented about Self-esteem and Ms. Th. Sagherian presented about Constructive Criticism.
The leaders were involved in the lectures and they shared, participated and asked questions to the extent that the time for the seminar was extended for an hour. The seminar started at 1pm and lasted till 6pm!



An Effective Prayer

Do you have a prayer request that you would like fellow believers to pray with you?
Did you get an answer from God and want to share it here?

Send your emails to: emmanuelchanitz@yahoo.com from which we will gather and post the prayers and testimonies in a separate section, every month...

"The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much." (James 5:16)

Chanitz Blog, admin

They are keeping the legacy alive and strong

Istanbul, February 2008: Sunday, February 10, 2008. The Armenian Evangelical Church in Gedik Pasha, Istanbul. As you walk into the Church building, you feel as if you are walking through history. One of the churches founded right after the establishment of the Armenian Evangelical Church, it makes you feel the “Spirit” of the same history throughout the building. What makes the feeling strong is the fact that history has not ended or been confined in a “museum”; rather, it is alive and strong. What makes history at Gedik Pasha part of today is the enthusiasm of the parishioners: the daring men, women, youth, and children worshiping the Lord wholeheartedly under the leadership and guidance of Rev. Krikor Aghabaoghlu.
The choir and the band of young committed youth lead the congregation in worship. The hymns create the spirit of oneness through the ONE. The young musicians are vital and energetic. All together they sing aloud with joy and enthusiasm throughout the service. Rev. Krikor had asked me to preach that Sunday. After the sermon, Rachel Dink shared the testimony of the Cross.
With tears in her eyes, she sang “Yerp ayn khatchin yes ge nayim”. The next day, Monday, February 11, 2008, was another date among many at the court, another court hearing in the case of the assassination of her late husband Hrant Dink. Rachel offered this hymn as a prayer for the trial on Monday and a testimony for a life that is worth living, a life of Faith through the Cross.
My visit to Istanbul and the Armenian Evangelical Church in Gedik Pasha were in line with the business trip and meetings I had the following week in Turkey. What made my trip so significant, though, was meeting with a community that was committed to the legacy that had begun on July 1, 1846. Today, our brothers and sisters at Gedik Pasha are keeping that legacy alive.


Hrayr Jebejian