A New Mission

Every new year, every birthday, every anniversary we tend to sit back and think about our lives. What’s going on? Where are we headed? Where can we improve? How? Let’s also think, evaluate and look forward, about our church.

The theme of our church for the year 2010 was “A New Creation,” based on 2 Corinthians 5:17 – If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. In other words, we were concentrating on our personal salvation and assurance of being a new person in Christ. The theme of our church for the year 2011 was “A New Community,” based on Acts 2, where individual Christian believers coming together form a new community with God – God’s community.

If God initiated, planned and implemented the salvation plan for us to be a new creation in Christ, if God initiated, planned and implemented the fellowship of believers, the church through His Holy Spirit, then He must have a plan for this “new community.” Now, what do we do? Does God have a purpose (mission) for our church? Actually, I strongly believe that He doesn’t make up a mission FOR our church. He prepared the church FOR His mission.

God created the world and everything in it (Genesis 1-2). We messed up because of our disobedience and a chaotic situation was the result of our sin (Genesis 3-11). Then, God announced His redemptive plan (mission) for us (Genesis 12:1-3). God renewed His promise and blessing to the creation He initially performed so beautiful, in His image. God’s mission for the creation is having a relationship with Him and with each other, which is a blessing. This is what God wants for His creation, for our church, for our families, for the whole humanity and nations. The apostle Paul also refers to this in Galatians 3:8, when He says the scriptures announced the gospel in advance… So, in order to have the whole picture (as much as it is revealed to us in the scriptures), we need to understand that our mission is God’s mission for us. He saved us, trained us, molded us, shaped us, qualified us, gave us different experiences, gifts and some maturity in order to be able to take part in doing His mission in this world, His mission in our local area wherever God planted us.

These thoughts lead me to an extreme sense of responsibility. If God has planned my life, all I have, all I am and He has a plan for me, I feel a deep sense of responsibility. I can not, and better not, be an unfaithful steward of my self. Pleasing God is my first priority and responsibility. These thoughts also lead me to an extreme sense of awe! The God of the universe, the Creator of the heaven and earth not only is interested in me, but loves me and entrusts me with His plan, to be part of His mission. I am so honored and blessed beyond my imagination.

Now, church members and friends, I pray you have a blessed New Year with a New Mission!

In Christ’s love,
Rev. Mgrdich Melkonian,
Senior Pastor, First Armenian Presbyterian Church
Fresno, CA, USA

Youth Summer Camp in KCHAG (August 25-28, 2011)

Youth ministry is a vital part of the mission of the Armenian Evangelical Churches in Lebanon. Summer camps are considered the highlight of youth ministry.


In 2011 we were blessed to have a full time youth worker, Pastor Datev Basmajian who also was the leader of the youth camp of this year. The speaker was Rev. Dr. Paul Haidostian, who talked around the theme of this year called “Signs”. The first session was about the “Signs of Integrity” using signs as elements that can lead to integrity. The second session was about the “Signs of Times”, the end times, the here and now times, and focused on our calling as Christians to be the people of genesis, new beginnings. The third session was about the “Worldly Signs vs. Godly Signs”, that there are different signs around us, and he challenged the youth to be signs of God to others. And the fourth session was called “Christ, Our Sign” based on 1 Corinthians 1:22-24. It was challenging for the youth (60 young people) to be aware, learn to discern, and be active signs of God for those around them.


The counselors were 9, Mrs. Maral Haidostian, Miss Shushan Artinian, Miss Silva Chilingirian, Miss Liza Barsoumian, Pastor Sebouh Terzian, Mr. Krikor Aynilian, Mr. Serop Ohanian, Mr. Hagop Akbasharian, and Mr. Jiro Ghazarian. They have committed their time, effort, service, focus, and availability to make this camp an event that would glorify our Lord Jesus Christ.


Our daily schedule was full. The youth woke up refreshed in KCHAG, had a good breakfast, quiet time with God, worship, session, break into study groups, coffee break, workshops (wooden cross, banners, news), lunch, leaders meeting, debate, outdoor activities and games, shower time, dinner, evening activities and games, sing song, and ended our day with prayer time.


The commitment worship and session time, the youth marched to the top of the hill and re-installed the Cross of KCHAG (our sign), which was made by the workshop group, under which we had our group picture later on. And as a sign of their commitment each young person made his/her cross using nails and wires.


As a follow up, each study group leader committed themselves to pray for their groups. Also, a Facebook group was formed to keep in touch with the campers, encourage them daily, share prayer topics, verses from the scripture, pictures and videos taken during the camp, and post new events and gatherings and news about youth ministry.


I thank the leaders, the speaker, the AMAA, local supporters, KCHAG staff, and last but not least God, that made this camp happen. I believe that from the first of our planning meeting until now, we were blessed by his presence, guidance, grace, and power. For His Glory, Amen.












Junior Youth Summer Camp in Ainjar (August 15-21, 2011)

Junior Youth ministry is a dynamic part of the mission of the Armenian Evangelical Churches and Schools in Lebanon. Summer camps are considered the climax of our ministry.


In 2011 we were blessed to have a full time youth worker, Pastor Datev Basmajian who also was the leader of the junior youth camp of this year. The speaker was Pastor Hrayr Cholakian, who talked around the theme of this year called “The Right Click”, which was about challenging relationships. For example: “Social Media vs. Real Relationships”, “Relationship with Parents”, “Relationship with the Needy”, “Relationship with the Opposite Sex”, and “Relationship with God”. It was challenging for the campers (66 teenagers) to be aware of the relationships around them, the importance of being healthy in those relationships, prioritize them, and take serious decisions according to God’s Word.


The counselors were 9, Mrs. Seta Kejelian, Mrs. Talin Meserlian, Miss Shushan Artinian, Miss Nanor Kelenjian, Miss Arine Baghdoyan, Mr. Shahan Kilaghabian, Mr. Shahe Demirjian, Mr. Hagop Akbasharian, and Mr. Jiro Ghazarian. They have committed their time, effort, service, focus, and availability to make this camp an event that would glorify our Lord Jesus Christ. I should also add that this year we had the privilege of inviting Rev. Greg Haroutunian to do a seminar for our leaders before camp, which was very helpful to focus on Christ, remembering our mission, and be filled with the Holy Spirit.


Our daily schedule was full. The campers woke up, had breakfast, quiet time with God, worship, , break into study groups, session, snack break, lunch, leaders meeting, workshops (NEWS, Video-Clip, Drama, Dessert, and Dance), outdoor activities and games, shower time, dinner, evening activities and games, sing song, and ended our day with prayer time.


The commitment worship and session time, the campers and leaders painted the stained glass cross and wrote their names as a sing of their commitment and renewal. Many campers devoted their lives to Christ for the first time, and others had the chance to renew their vows in Christ Jesus our Savior.


As a follow up, each study group leader committed themselves to pray and meet with their groups. Also, a Facebook group was formed to keep in touch with the campers, encourage them daily, share prayer topics, verses from the scripture, pictures and videos taken during the camp, and post new events and gatherings and news about junior youth ministry. Soon, we are planning a follow up retreat in KCHAG.


I thank the leaders, the speaker, the AMAA, local supporters, Ainjar boarding school staff, and last but not least God, that made this camp happen. I believe that from the first of our planning meeting until now, we were blessed by his presence, guidance, grace, and power.


For His Glory, Amen.






























Haigazian University Launches its Newly Established Armenian Diaspora Research Center

On Wednesday, January 25, 2012, Haigazian University held the formal opening ceremony of the Armenian Diaspora Research Center with the unveiling of the plaque in the new Heritage Building by the University President Rev. Dr. Paul Haidostian and Mr. YerchoSamuelian, whose donation made the launching of this center possible.

The center was established to study diverse aspects of the Armenian Diaspora communities in the Middle East and the rest of the world, with particular focus on their history, culture and issues of identity and integration. Using the most advanced research techniques, the center aims to conduct and publish primary research that will further understanding of the Diaspora and Armenian culture and protect its heritage. In addition, it will organize annual academic conferences, public lectures and internship programs, among other things.

This initiative which had officially been announced on September 5, 2011, opened in the presence of the President of the Lebanese University, Former Minister H.E. Dr. Adnan El Sayed Hussein,the Center’s Benefactor, Mr. YerchoSamuelian, Archbishop KeghanKhatcherian, Armenian Ambassador, H.E. Mr. AshodKotcharian, Members of ParliamentJean Oghasabian, HagopPakradouni, BassemShabb, Shant Chinchinian, former MP Dr. YeghiaJerejian, Vice Governor of the Central Bank, HaroutiounSamuelian, Head of the BourjHammoud Municipality, AntanigMesserlian, political party and cultural associations’ leaders, media representatives, intellectuals, in addition to Haigazian Board of Trustees, staff and faculty members.

After a welcoming note by Dean of Arts and Sciences ArdaEkmekji expressing her gratitude for the realization of this long-awaited project, the University President, Rev. Dr. Paul Haidostian outlined the significance of the Armenian Diaspora Research Center and the results that its research will hopefully produce.Characterizing the Armenian Diaspora as a “vast world of people, symbols, dynamics and relationships,” Haidostian emphasized the importance of researching these communities, taking us “deeper into revisiting what we thought we knew.” “We present our research to the academic community so that future generations may be reconciled with their past,” Haidostian added. He also showed his appreciation for the generous financial support of YerchoSamuelian and announced Dr. Antranik Dakessian as the appointed director of the center.

Lebanese University President Dr. Adnan El Sayed Hussein praised Haigazian’s role as a leading university in the country and particularly its importance as a center for the Armenian Diaspora. Hussein also emphasized the memorandum of understanding between Haigazian and the Lebanese University and their upcoming projects.

This was followed by the word of the Center’s Director, Dr. Antranik Dakessian, who elaborated on the extended contact between Lebanon and the Armenians, which can be traced backseveral hundred years but has been particularly prominent within the last century. Stressing on this interaction, Dakessian added that “it is the story of the intermingling of the Armenians and the local populations and is of immense cultural value.” Dakessian emphasized the planned collaboration of the research center “with local and international relevant centers” and expressed his appreciation for all those who contributed to the realization of the center.

A letter from the Armenian Minister of Diaspora, Mrs. HranoushHagopian, was then read by H.E. Mr. AshodKotcharian, the Armenian Ambassador, to offer her congratulations to Haigazian University and its dedicated staff and faculty.In the letter, Hagopian expressed her wish that the center becomes a scientific research center that will tackle Diaspora challenges and issues, greatly contributing to the cooperation between Armenians and the entire Armenian Diaspora.

The opening ceremony concluded with the presentation of an honorary trophy to Mr. YerchoSamuelian, in recognition of his generous donation which helped make a dream of eleven years become reality.

U.S. Celebrates Merit-Based Scholarship Students at Haigazian University




U.S. Ambassador Maura Connelly congratulated scholars who received merit-based scholarships to Haigazian University upon their upcoming completion of their first semester in this unprecedented program in Lebanon. The 65 scholars are part of the United States Agency for International Development’s(USAID) University Student Assistance Program, which awards merit-based undergraduate scholarships to students from Lebanese public schools to attend Lebanon’s most prestigious universities.

USAID has devoted $27.5 million over the next several years to provide full merit-based scholarships to qualifying public high school graduates, many of whom are the first in their families to attend university. Scholarships cover tuition fees, books, living expenses, housing, and medical insurance.This academic year, 117 students were awarded merit-based scholarships to attend Haigazian University and the Lebanese American University (LAU), and more than half of the recipients are women. An additional 103 public school graduates will enroll at American University of Beirut and LAU in 2012 during the second phase of the program. Selectedscholars pursuean American-style education that promotes tolerance, gender and social equality, and challenges students to develop leadership skills, critical thinking, and initiative.This program is part of USAID continuous support of education in Lebanon over its 50 year history, supporting programs that have reached approximately 87,000 students.