What is my role in church?

By Jon Khoshafian

Issue #8: December 2005, CAMP AREV NEWSLETTER, USA

God has given everyone talents and gifts that we need to use to minister to others. For some the gift or talent is public speaking. For others, it is music. Everyone has a talent…everyone. God did not create boring, untalented people. God has a plan for you. In Romans 12, Paul talks about a body. He begins to explain that a body has many members and different parts of the body have different functions.We are the different parts of the body and the different functions are our talents. Paul also wants to do away with any type of superiority when it comes to talents. He says, “Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought” (Romans 12: 3). Don’t feel intimidated that your talent might not be as up front and popular as others’. Paul says that all functions of the body are important. So the question is: Are you using your talent for God’s kingdom? There are brothers and sisters around you using their talents to encourage, comfort, and teach you about the character of God; but are you doing the same? Or are you simply wasting the talent God has given you by either not using it to edify the church or by not using it at all? I recommend a book called, Don’t Waste Your Life by John Piper. The book talks about living a mediocre, inactive Christian life, which seems to be a waste of God’s gift to you. Ask yourself, “What is my talent? What am I good at? Sports? Music? Acting?” Only you and those close to you know your talents. After you have assessed what your talents are, you must understand what Paul says in the beginning of Romans 12:1 : “…offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God.” Ask the leader at your church how you can use your talent in a church ministry, or how you can start your own ministry. Don’t think that if you’re young you can’t do great things for God.
Because at the end of your life you don’t want to look back and say, “I wasted it.”

Chanasser (Ջանասէր) October 2007 Issue

Բովանդակութիւն՝
  • Դպրոցը՝ Մանկավարժական Հիմնարկ... Երուանդ Հ. Քասունի
  • Բարեկարգութեան Հիմնական Ուսուցումները... ًՎեր. Եսայի Սարմազեան
  • Տոքթ. Մկրտիչ Սմբատ Գաբրիէլեան (1856-1919)/Մտաւորական Ժառանգը... Երուանդ Հ. Քասունի
  • «Հայրս Հայ էր»... Վեր. Յովհաննէս Սարմազեան
  • Ընտանիքին Գործակցութիւնը Դպրոցին Հետ... Յովհաննէս Թ. Հինդլեան
  • Հայ Դպրոցին Մաշտոցեան Առաքելութիւնը... Երուանդ Հ. Քասունի
  • «Սիփան»ը Վաթսուն Երեք Տարեկան... Արամ Տէմիրճեան
  • Համագործակցութիւնը Հաճելի Է... Լարիսա Արամեան
  • Քեսապի Դպրոցը (1949-1951)... Վեր. Եսայի Սարմազեան
  • Կենսագրութիւն Կամ Օրական Գրութիւն... Հայկ Ստեփան Խ. Իւթիւճեան
  • Վերջին Լուրեր Ատանայէն... Թարգ.՝ Եւնիկէ Եագուպեան
  • Երեխաներին Հայկական Դպրոց Տանելու Համար Հայ Ընտանիքներում Քարոզչութիւն Է Պէտք... Աղաւնի Յարութիւնեան
  • Ծննդեան 90-Ամեակ- Ժագ Ս. Յակոբեան... Ե.Հ.Ք.
  • Նամակ Ժագ. Ս. Յակոբեանին... Արամ Ա.
  • Ժագ Յակոբեան... Տոքթ. Ռոբովթ Չորպաճեան
  • Վնասին Շահը - Հաշուեկշիռ/Աշխարհաշարժիչը... Ժ.Յ.
  • Յիսուսի Թուաբանութիւնը... Ժագ Յակոբեան
  • «Արաբ Մատենագիրներ Թ-Ժ Դարեր», Ներածութիւնը եւ Բնագրերից Թարգմանութիւնները Արամ Տէր-Ղեւոնդեանի... Ե.Հ.Ք.
  • Հայ Աւետարանական Կեանք
  • Մահագրութիւն՝ Յովհաննէս Եագուպեան (1914-2007)... Միքայէլ Եուսուֆեան
  • Լուրեր Հայաշխարհէն
Սեփականատէր՝ Մերձաւոր Արեւելքի Հայ Աւետ. Եկեղեցիներու Միութիւն
Հրատարակիչ՝ Մ.Ա.Հ.Ա.Ե. Միութեան Հրատարակչական Մարմին
Owner: Union of the Armenian Evangelical Churches in the Near East
Publisher: U.A.E.C.N.E. Publications Committee

The Armenian Evangelical Church of Cyprus, Interview with Luther & Ruth Nassanian

Interview with Mr. Luther Nassanian about the Armenian Evangelical Church of Cyprus.

  • Can you give our readers a brief history about the Armenian Evangelical Church and community in Cyprus?
The first Arm. Evangelical Church started in Nicosia in 1946. Until then the Armenian believers were worshiping the Lord along with others in the Presbyterian church. But for some reasons they wanted to have their own place so they started to gather by themselves, first in the premises of the American academy, and later they built their own Church building. Rev Aghbabaian, Mr.Kassouni and Rev. Dermugurditchian were some, who led and preached and took care of this new Church. Later in the fifty's, they also started to gather in Larnaca too. Rev Sagherian, Mr. Mihran Jismedjian, Mr. Levon Yergatian, and Mr. Aram Sarkissian were some who led the flock and nurtured them. After the Turkish invasion, as many left the island, the Church building was also in the occupied area, so the rest of the Armenian believers joined other Churches. In 2002, with the encouragement of Mrs. Nvart kassouni and Lydia Gulesserian, we restarted to gather as Armenian evangelicals [inviting all the Armenians] to gather in the Larnaca Evangelical Greek Church, once every month.
Since 2005, after Hrayr Jebedjian moved to Cyprus, Nicosia, we started having these monthly gatherings in the Nicosia Evangelical Church.
We try to reach the whole community, so the meetings are announced from the Armenian radio hour, and also in the Gibrahayer [Armenian magazine].
We have had quite a good number of people from the different backgrounds come and hear God's Word and the message of Salvation through Jesus Christ.
  • Are there any Armenian Evangelical Churches on the Greek side? If no, where do you meet?
We do not have an Armenian Evangelical Church building, but the Greek Evangelicals gladly let us use their premises both in Nicosia and Laranca.
  • What are the issues that the Armenian community in general and the Armenian Evangelical community in particular face in Cyprus?
The Armenian community here is self sufficient and complacent. Most of them are financially in a good position. We pray that God will work in their hearts and create the hunger for Himself. Please pray that, they will respond to the call when we invite them, and after they come, to respond to the call of Jesus. Those who have come always appreciate the ministry. The Armenian Evangelicals: Most of them are members of other [English speaking, or Greek] churches. So, some find it hard to commit themselves to this new Armenian church gatherings. A special prayer request: Soon, in October, we will have pastor Krikor Aghabaloghlu visit us and preach in all three cities [we will use the Anglican Church premises in Limassol]. We are inviting all Armenians to come and hear God's Word through his servant. Note: Rev. Krikor AghabalOghlu arrived in Cyprus, preached and met the Armenian community, in October.
  • Are there any Armenian (Orthodox, Catholic, Evangelical) churches on the Turkish side? If yes, what is their condition?
There is one Arm. Orthodox and one Arm. Evangelical Church on the Northern [Turkish] side of Cyprus. They both are in a poor condition. We also have the Magara Vank, which is destroyed [almost completely]. There is no Armenian catholic church on the island.
  • What would you like to say to the Armenian youth in Lebanon?
As for the youth in Lebanon, we do pray for you, as we know you are living in difficult circumstances. God give you peace in your heart, and use the opportunities to reach out to people who still are living without the Hope you have in Christ. You have great potentials and opportunities, use it to the utmost to spread the Kingdom of God. Keep the unity in Spirit amongst yourself, and love one another, so that people around you will know that your are the disciples of Jesus.

In His love,
Luther and Ruth Nassanian

* The pictures of the Armenia Evangelical Church in North Cyprus are provided by Hrayr Jebejian. You can see that the church building is being used for sewing purposes.

AMAA has put on new clothes :)

AMAA (Armenian Missionary Association of America) website has taken off its old clothes and has put on the new one. The new seems more lively and neat, with more pictures. Congrats!

By the way, the 2nd picture, at the bottom of the first image, is the picture of Armenian Evangelical Secondary School of Marash (Shamlian Tatigian).

New website
Old website
AMAA Website: http://www.amaa.org/

Rev. Dr. Kenneth Bailey in Lebanon, lecturing in NEST

On Nov. 12 and 13, Dr. Kenneth Bailey lectured in NEST (Near East School of Theology). The hall was almost full. The youth and pastor of the Armenian Evangelical Emmanuel Church were also present and listened to the Bible Scriptures explained in the Middle Eastern point of view.

For more information about Dr. Bailey, you can click here.





KHOROVADSI YEREGO ...


The Chanits Varchoutoun is organizing a KHOROVADSI YEREGO ... on FRIDAY 16th of November, at 9:00 PM (after the football game) in the church courtyard ...
Come and ENJOY ...

Sipan, the Shamlian-Tatigian dance group cheered the crowd

On Nov. 10, 2007, the Emmanuel Chanitz members attended the Hovannes Boghosian Theater House, where Sipan, the Armenian Evangelical Shamlian-Tatigian Secondary High School's dance group filled the crowd with joy and enthusiasm, for more than one and half hours. They danced different folk dances and showed a joyous attitude through their performance. Moreover, even though they are not professionals, they danced very well.



On Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FzLUGbBhYk0

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