Mr. Garabet Orunöz
Preparing a Movie on Camp Armen (Badanegan Doon) in Tuzla, Turkey (by Mr. Garabet Orunöz)
Mr. Garabet Orunöz
Mr. Garabet Orunöz
Habitudes
On January 14-15, 2011, Heart for Lebanon organized a 24 hour leadership seminar held in Harissa, to discuss the book “Habitudes: Images that form leadership habits and attitudes” by Dr. Tim Elmore. Youth groups and organizations from all over Lebanon, Syria and Jordan totaling an audience of 150, participated in this seminar. The key speaker was Morgan Hill, who has served as an associate trainer with Equip, an international non-profit organization which develops Christian leaders on every continent.
(Front, L to R): Anayis Messrian (Armenian Evangelical Nor-Marash Church), Hagop Akbasharian (NEST student)
(Back, L to R): Luder Aritinian (Armenian Evangelical First Church), Badveli Datev Basmajian (Youth Minister of the Armenian Evangelical Churches), Shant Aynilian (Armenian Evangelical Ashrafieh Church), Samuel Kelougian (Armenian Evangelical Ashrafieh Church), Taline Chakerian-Messerlian (Armenian Evangelical Nor-Marash Church), Shushan Artinian (Armenian Evangelical First Church), Morgan Hill, Rosy Sailian (Armenian Evangelical First Church), Silva Chilingirian (Armenian Evangelical Nor-Marash Church).
Morgan, who is also the Chairman of the Board for Heart for Lebanon, began his interactive lecture by introducing the term “ICE” that stands for Image, Conversation and Experience. He stated that images can form leadership habits and attitudes. Today’s generation has grown up in an image rich culture with photographs, movies, television, DVD’s, facebook and therefore, cannot avoid the power of visual image. When I say elephant for example, what pops into your mind: the letters e-l-e-p-h-a-n-t or an image of an elephant?
Thereafter, Morgan began introducing and explaining twelve images (I will mention only five) that represent leadership; in between each image presented, the young leaders were divided into groups of six or seven individuals to brainstorm and discuss each image, that created a conversation between the participants who eventually came up with solutions in order to improve their leadership skills and character.
The first rule of leadership is represented by an image of an iceberg. The 10% of the iceberg above the water represents the skills of a leader, while the rest that is below the water represents his character. Here he brought up Titanic, the great unsinkable ship that sunk due to an iceberg. ”It is what is below the surface (the 90%) that sinks the ship.” The 90% includes character qualities that are not always visible to others, such as self-discipline (ability to do right even if you don’t feel like it), core values (principles you live by), sense of identity (who you are in Christ) and emotional security. Luke 6:43-45 God puts “being” before “doing”.
The second image was that of the “starving baker” who works from 8 am till 8pm and never gets the chance to taste his bread. The starving baker represents leaders that are so busy feeding, nurturing and guiding young people that they themselves don’t have the time to taste the “bread of life” John 6:35. Many leaders fail to tend to themselves up to a point where they can no longer go on serving others. To be able to feed others, you have to feed yourself first.
Another image was “Thermostat and Thermometer”. Are you a thermostat, who acts based on principles and values that you embrace or do you react to situations like a thermometer, reflecting the temperature in the room? Leaders who are thermostats are authentic people who live by principles. Dr. Billy Graham, an American Evangelical Christian reverend, is well respected, not merely for his insightful sermons, but because he lives by his values and is a principle-centered individual.
Next came, the image of a “Half-Hearted Kamikaze” and a personal favorite. Just as Kamikaze pilots, leaders are only useful if they are fully committed to their mission. A half-hearted Kamikaze pilot was interviewed after his 50th mission was completed. Astonished that the kamikaze pilot was still alive after 50 missions, the interviewer asked the pilot: “how is it possible that you are still alive?” the pilot answered, “well, I was very involved. Not committed, but involved.” Matthew 16:24. What is the difference between involvement and commitment? In order to fully comprehend the difference “You should ask a pig and a chicken after eating bacon and eggs for breakfast,” says Dr. Tim Elmore.
Finally, leaders should be like drivers and not passengers (another image). When people are in a difficult situation, they tend to blame others for their problems and don’t assume responsibility. They act as a passenger, not a driver. True leaders realize that they are the drivers and are responsible for their attitudes and destination in life.
The seminar was enriched with an innovative worship session called Liquid Worship. A youth group leader from Youth for Christ (YFC) explained that ‘Liquid’ here, meant movement. Participants were to quietly move in between a maze of worship stations or corners and to meditate in silence. The prayer corner was where people gathered and quietly prayed for Lebanon and its youth. The craft station had tables, chairs and craft materials that allowed the participants to come up with creative yet spiritual crafts. The young leaders also visited the wall covered with colorful hand written prayers, stared at it read the prayers and admired them. Also among the stations were the hall of worship songs, the corner of offerings to God and the station of Thanksgiving. It was quite a refreshing way to worship God; you were surrounded by many serene worshippers, yet you were in solitude, giving thanks and praising God in your own quiet way.
I want to thank God for the opportunities he gives us, to know Him, love Him and serve Him better and would like to finish this article with a famous quote by John C. Maxwell, “A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.”
Reference: T. Elmore, “Habitudes: Images that form leadership habits and attitudes”, 2009.
Shushan Artinian,
Armenian Evangelical First Church
(Front, L to R): Anayis Messrian (Armenian Evangelical Nor-Marash Church), Hagop Akbasharian (NEST student)
(Back, L to R): Luder Aritinian (Armenian Evangelical First Church), Badveli Datev Basmajian (Youth Minister of the Armenian Evangelical Churches), Shant Aynilian (Armenian Evangelical Ashrafieh Church), Samuel Kelougian (Armenian Evangelical Ashrafieh Church), Taline Chakerian-Messerlian (Armenian Evangelical Nor-Marash Church), Shushan Artinian (Armenian Evangelical First Church), Morgan Hill, Rosy Sailian (Armenian Evangelical First Church), Silva Chilingirian (Armenian Evangelical Nor-Marash Church).
Morgan, who is also the Chairman of the Board for Heart for Lebanon, began his interactive lecture by introducing the term “ICE” that stands for Image, Conversation and Experience. He stated that images can form leadership habits and attitudes. Today’s generation has grown up in an image rich culture with photographs, movies, television, DVD’s, facebook and therefore, cannot avoid the power of visual image. When I say elephant for example, what pops into your mind: the letters e-l-e-p-h-a-n-t or an image of an elephant?
Thereafter, Morgan began introducing and explaining twelve images (I will mention only five) that represent leadership; in between each image presented, the young leaders were divided into groups of six or seven individuals to brainstorm and discuss each image, that created a conversation between the participants who eventually came up with solutions in order to improve their leadership skills and character.
The first rule of leadership is represented by an image of an iceberg. The 10% of the iceberg above the water represents the skills of a leader, while the rest that is below the water represents his character. Here he brought up Titanic, the great unsinkable ship that sunk due to an iceberg. ”It is what is below the surface (the 90%) that sinks the ship.” The 90% includes character qualities that are not always visible to others, such as self-discipline (ability to do right even if you don’t feel like it), core values (principles you live by), sense of identity (who you are in Christ) and emotional security. Luke 6:43-45 God puts “being” before “doing”.
The second image was that of the “starving baker” who works from 8 am till 8pm and never gets the chance to taste his bread. The starving baker represents leaders that are so busy feeding, nurturing and guiding young people that they themselves don’t have the time to taste the “bread of life” John 6:35. Many leaders fail to tend to themselves up to a point where they can no longer go on serving others. To be able to feed others, you have to feed yourself first.
Another image was “Thermostat and Thermometer”. Are you a thermostat, who acts based on principles and values that you embrace or do you react to situations like a thermometer, reflecting the temperature in the room? Leaders who are thermostats are authentic people who live by principles. Dr. Billy Graham, an American Evangelical Christian reverend, is well respected, not merely for his insightful sermons, but because he lives by his values and is a principle-centered individual.
Next came, the image of a “Half-Hearted Kamikaze” and a personal favorite. Just as Kamikaze pilots, leaders are only useful if they are fully committed to their mission. A half-hearted Kamikaze pilot was interviewed after his 50th mission was completed. Astonished that the kamikaze pilot was still alive after 50 missions, the interviewer asked the pilot: “how is it possible that you are still alive?” the pilot answered, “well, I was very involved. Not committed, but involved.” Matthew 16:24. What is the difference between involvement and commitment? In order to fully comprehend the difference “You should ask a pig and a chicken after eating bacon and eggs for breakfast,” says Dr. Tim Elmore.
Finally, leaders should be like drivers and not passengers (another image). When people are in a difficult situation, they tend to blame others for their problems and don’t assume responsibility. They act as a passenger, not a driver. True leaders realize that they are the drivers and are responsible for their attitudes and destination in life.
The seminar was enriched with an innovative worship session called Liquid Worship. A youth group leader from Youth for Christ (YFC) explained that ‘Liquid’ here, meant movement. Participants were to quietly move in between a maze of worship stations or corners and to meditate in silence. The prayer corner was where people gathered and quietly prayed for Lebanon and its youth. The craft station had tables, chairs and craft materials that allowed the participants to come up with creative yet spiritual crafts. The young leaders also visited the wall covered with colorful hand written prayers, stared at it read the prayers and admired them. Also among the stations were the hall of worship songs, the corner of offerings to God and the station of Thanksgiving. It was quite a refreshing way to worship God; you were surrounded by many serene worshippers, yet you were in solitude, giving thanks and praising God in your own quiet way.
I want to thank God for the opportunities he gives us, to know Him, love Him and serve Him better and would like to finish this article with a famous quote by John C. Maxwell, “A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.”
Reference: T. Elmore, “Habitudes: Images that form leadership habits and attitudes”, 2009.
Shushan Artinian,
Armenian Evangelical First Church
Bethel School Commencement Ceremony 2010
ՏԱՐԲԵՐՈՒԹԻՒՆՆԵՐՈՒՆ ՀԱՍԱՐԱԿ ՅԱՅՏԱՐԱՐԸ
Christian Endeavour Executive Body's Annual Banquet in Anjar
The Chanitz Kordzatir Marmin's Annual Banquet (CE Executive Body) was held in Arev restaurant, on Sunday, September 19, 2010. Elderly, youth and kids participated from the five Armenian Evangelical Churches (Marash, Ashrafieh, First, Emmanuel and Anjar). The purpose of the banquet was to come together for fellowship and to encourage and support the mission of Chanitz Kordzatir, which has called Badveli Datev Basmajian to be their full time youth minister.
Rev. Raffi Messerlian welcomed the guests and thanked all those who were present. He also introduced the new youth minister, Badveli Datev Basmajian. Mr. and Mrs. Seto and Silva Baghdassarian sang and performed Armenian songs.
Rev. Raffi Messerlian welcomed the guests and thanked all those who were present. He also introduced the new youth minister, Badveli Datev Basmajian. Mr. and Mrs. Seto and Silva Baghdassarian sang and performed Armenian songs.
An Interview with Rev. Hovhannes G. Svadjian, about the Art Exhibition That Was Organized for the First Time
From 24 June to 29 June, 2010, the Armenian Evangelical Emmanuel Church planned and organized an Art Exhibition for the first time in its history. On this occasion, we had an interview with Rev. Hovhannes Svadjian, the pastor of the church, to provide us with the details of the exhibition and its effect on the youth.
(Interview by Raffi)
(Interview by Raffi)
(L to R): Rev. Hovhannes Svadjian, Shant Aynilian, Maria Dekermenjian, Ani Dekermenjian, Dzovag Demirjian, Koko Avessian, Kohar Parseghian (photoshy)
Raffi - Can you tell us how the Armenian Evangelical Emmanuel Church made the decision to organize a painting exhibition?
Rev. Hovhannes - The Armenian Evangelical Emmanuel Church in Dora, Beirut, launched an Art Exhibition, as a part of her mission, in a series of activities occurring in the years 2009 and 2010. The daily topics and concerns of our financial problems, electricity, water or inflation and the economic and political crisis, all consume our abilities and drain us spiritually. In these depressing atmosphere and unhealthy times, we believe that the Church has the role to inspire hope and offer the Good News of Jesus Christ to the people around her. The launching of the Art Exhibition was an attempt to see other dimensions in our lives, discuss about it and see God’s work through the talents of young men and women.
With these concerns, the Art Exhibition was held from Thursday, 24 June till Tuesday, 29 June, 2010, from 5.00 till 9.00 pm, in the Kindergarten Hall of the Armenian Evangelical Torossian School.
It took us months to prepare for this exhibition. After the decision was made in the Church Committee, the idea was conveyed to the six participating artists. After their consent, the Church searched for possible resources. With God’s help, we found our benefactor, for whom we express our gratitude to God. Through his generous aid, the whole project was covered and was successfully launched.
With these concerns, the Art Exhibition was held from Thursday, 24 June till Tuesday, 29 June, 2010, from 5.00 till 9.00 pm, in the Kindergarten Hall of the Armenian Evangelical Torossian School.
It took us months to prepare for this exhibition. After the decision was made in the Church Committee, the idea was conveyed to the six participating artists. After their consent, the Church searched for possible resources. With God’s help, we found our benefactor, for whom we express our gratitude to God. Through his generous aid, the whole project was covered and was successfully launched.
Raffi - Who were the young artists, and can you tell us more about their talent and education?
Rev. Hovhannes - The young men and women, who participated in this Art Exhibition are members of the youth group of the Armenian Evangelical Emmanuel Church. Some of them are trained painters, who have attended art schools or have followed art courses. Others have it as a hobby. Most of them have or on the way of having their Bachelor Degree in Education, in English or Architecture. Here, these artists participated with their 80 art works, representing different schools of thought. The six dynamic artist-painters were: Maria Degirmenjian, Ani Degirmenjian, Shant Aynilian, Koko Avesian, Dzovag Demirjian and Kohar Parseghian.
Raffi - What was the feedback of the people, who came and saw the works of the young talents?
Rev. Hovhannes - The climax of this whole Art Exhibition event was the opening, where many Church members, artists, friends and invitees were present. On Thursday, 24 June, more than 100 people were present for the opening, in order to encourage and support the whole painters. Usually the general response of the people was very positive, because this was the first time that such an exhibition was launched in our campus and with our own talents. Unfortunately, the following days had a very shy presence. Over all 10 art pieces were sold in those 6 days. However, the whole project was an attempt on the part of the Church to convey to the people to enlarge her horizons and to be circumspect, in order to see other topics for discussion and other issues of concerns.
Raffi - What were the reactions of the young artists, after the exhibition days?
Rev. Hovhannes - During preparation of the Art Exhibition and after it was over, the response of the artist-painters was and is very positive. Their enthusiasm spoke louder than words. They were present during the discussions, when preparing the Hall and during the exhibition. They were present to supervise, to explain and to discuss their art works with the visitors. Their spirit of gratitude is seen till this day.
Raffi - Any future plans?
Rev. Hovhannes - We believe that the Church has a role to play and a mission to pursue. The Armenian Evangelical Emmanuel Church is no exception. We have some preliminary thoughts but it needs to be clarified, discussed and pursued by the Church. By time, they will be crystallized and implemented. We appreciate all the voluntary works done during the Art Exhibition by the members of the planning committee and by different individuals. We thank God for the talents in our midst. We hope and pray that the artist-painters use their talents for God’s glory.
Photos of the Art Exhibition Organized by the Armenian Evangelical Emmanuel Church
Armenian Evangelical Emmanuel School's Graduation (Syria)
Mherin Artaroutioun, by Hrayr Jebejian
The Essence of Service
A while ago, a good friend of mine wrote [Տաքցուր, Փակցուր] that today’s Spiritual service leaders are not as competent as they should be, he also stated that there are some teachers in Sunday schools who don’t know how many books there are in the Bible; thus worried that his children would be misled, he preferred that if he had any children he would not send them to such a community. That sentence, on its own, infuriated me since being a Sunday school teacher myself, I don’t know how many books there are in the Bible!
Today, I wanted to write this article because I wanted to remind people that service was never about mathematics, never about laws, and never about numbers: How many books are there in the Bible? How many chapters does the Psalm have? Or how many years have you served in a certain group? I wanted to remind people that the essence of service is the Grace of God and the Guidance of the Holy Spirit. The Bible clearly stated its opinion about law and grace, Romans 8:3 states “for what the law was powerless to do God did by sending his own son”. As for the concept of service, it is saying thank you God for everything you have blessed me with and now I will try to show my appreciation to you through my work and my deeds as much as I can.
I don’t want you to misunderstand me; I am certainly not saying that knowledge is unimportant. Quite the opposite it is very basic, but no one was born with the ultimate knowledge, we all learn through experience, time, and dedication. It is true, some of the leaders do miss some of the traits of leadership, but then again, no one is perfect. And for those people who have learned the mathematics and laws of the Bible, I call upon them, and I ask them one simple question:
Where are you?
As for my friend and I, don’t worry, we talked, discussed, argued and realized that we both were protecting the same cause. We both were worried about our Spiritual community and we were hungry to see it prosper and grow. And those of you who send your children to Sunday school, don’t worry, we know what we are doing, we always come prepared and most importantly we are always guided by the Holy Spirit; since besides the personal and group effort we bring together as a group, we also believe in the power of our prayers.
Thank you.
Aline Tahazian
Today, I wanted to write this article because I wanted to remind people that service was never about mathematics, never about laws, and never about numbers: How many books are there in the Bible? How many chapters does the Psalm have? Or how many years have you served in a certain group? I wanted to remind people that the essence of service is the Grace of God and the Guidance of the Holy Spirit. The Bible clearly stated its opinion about law and grace, Romans 8:3 states “for what the law was powerless to do God did by sending his own son”. As for the concept of service, it is saying thank you God for everything you have blessed me with and now I will try to show my appreciation to you through my work and my deeds as much as I can.
I don’t want you to misunderstand me; I am certainly not saying that knowledge is unimportant. Quite the opposite it is very basic, but no one was born with the ultimate knowledge, we all learn through experience, time, and dedication. It is true, some of the leaders do miss some of the traits of leadership, but then again, no one is perfect. And for those people who have learned the mathematics and laws of the Bible, I call upon them, and I ask them one simple question:
Where are you?
As for my friend and I, don’t worry, we talked, discussed, argued and realized that we both were protecting the same cause. We both were worried about our Spiritual community and we were hungry to see it prosper and grow. And those of you who send your children to Sunday school, don’t worry, we know what we are doing, we always come prepared and most importantly we are always guided by the Holy Spirit; since besides the personal and group effort we bring together as a group, we also believe in the power of our prayers.
Thank you.
Aline Tahazian