On Sunday, 10 July - the chanitz youth of the Armenian Evangelical Emmanuel Church had their picnic at Nahr Ibrahim, where they had fun preparing the kebab in the wilderness and then enjoying the cold water of Nah Ibrahim.
Chanasser (Ջանասէր) May-June 2011 Issue
Ջանիցականի մը Վկայութիւնը (The Testimony of a Chanitz Youth)
Click on the image to read the testimony (original version is in Armenian).
The testimony in English:
I got to know about Chanitz approximately one and a half years ago, in the fall of 2009 - and I am a member of Chanitz for a year now.
How I became a member of Chanitz
During that period, I was going through difficult circumstances. I was at a turning point in my life. After the end of the two-year relationship, that had left traits of feeling vague, lost and skeptical; I was living a period of uncertainty.
That relationship that grew slowly, had taken me to a place that I didn't want to be. Like a labirynth, it had taken me away, losing me and changing me.
I had become sel-centered, and a many times materialistic, that I have disregarded many Christian principles; I had gone astray. The relationship ended and what remained was waste, pain, anguish, hopelessness and feeling of guilt. I could see how much I had been weak in many circumstances. How much I had been wrong. My conscience was torturing me and the only way out was... God.
I remember that many nights, being hopeless and my eyes closing up from fatigue, I used to repeat, "Give me hope, O Lord, give me hope."
After a period, I met Dsovag (my fiance who is also a Chanitzagan). We used to talk about spiritual topics and about faith.
She used to assure me that God always forgives. Many times, I used to take her to Chanitz, without going in myself, despite her invitations.
And I thought to myself, that if I never wanted to go back to my mistakes, to hopelessness, I would not be able to do it alone. I had passed through periods, when I was close to God, I had made an oath, but with time I got distracted with other things; I got lukewarm. If I wanted to straighten up my life and be pleasant to God, I had to be in an environment that encouraged me, inspired me, taught me and cleaned me.
Dsovag's constant invitations became fruitful. And for the sake of trying it, I went. I confess that, at first, there was a battle in me. From one side, it seemed strange, and on another side, I felt calm and secure. The battle continued, but I had decided, there was no way out. I will stay strong.
In the beginning, I used to feel odd, and I've had fears and doubts, but I got acquainted slowy, I met the guys, I started reading the Bible. I sensed how others, like me, were praying, which was a kind of security for me to see that they could take hope, vigor and courage from God. It was very interesting...
And I accepted Jesus Christ, and asked Him to change me and guide my life... Where to? I don't know accurately, to the better and the good. But I know for sure that everytime I remember the bad days, face temptations or be in a difficult situation, I pray and continue praying until the weight becomes lighter or it gets solved, or I have the courage to overcome it.
Now that the past troubles are over, there remains worries, fears, work-related problems, future plans, and thousands of other things, but inspite of this, I admit my weakness as a man, and I surrender to Jesus and I have the help of the Chanitz.
For me, Chanitz has become a calm station, after one week of commotion, tire, we carry worries, doubts - whatever it is - to bring them to Jesus, we get inspired from each other, we discuss, we get encouraged and armed we return to our lives.
In today's valueless world, where everything is permissible, specially the harmful ones, I, as a young man, yearn for spiritual direction, guidance and motivation. A warm environment that defends the soul and leads with God's grace. This environment I found in Chanitz. I would like to encourage you all. As the Bible says in Roman 12:11:
"Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer."
A Chanitzagan
Translated by Raffi Chilingirian
The testimony in English:
I got to know about Chanitz approximately one and a half years ago, in the fall of 2009 - and I am a member of Chanitz for a year now.
How I became a member of Chanitz
During that period, I was going through difficult circumstances. I was at a turning point in my life. After the end of the two-year relationship, that had left traits of feeling vague, lost and skeptical; I was living a period of uncertainty.
That relationship that grew slowly, had taken me to a place that I didn't want to be. Like a labirynth, it had taken me away, losing me and changing me.
I had become sel-centered, and a many times materialistic, that I have disregarded many Christian principles; I had gone astray. The relationship ended and what remained was waste, pain, anguish, hopelessness and feeling of guilt. I could see how much I had been weak in many circumstances. How much I had been wrong. My conscience was torturing me and the only way out was... God.
I remember that many nights, being hopeless and my eyes closing up from fatigue, I used to repeat, "Give me hope, O Lord, give me hope."
After a period, I met Dsovag (my fiance who is also a Chanitzagan). We used to talk about spiritual topics and about faith.
She used to assure me that God always forgives. Many times, I used to take her to Chanitz, without going in myself, despite her invitations.
And I thought to myself, that if I never wanted to go back to my mistakes, to hopelessness, I would not be able to do it alone. I had passed through periods, when I was close to God, I had made an oath, but with time I got distracted with other things; I got lukewarm. If I wanted to straighten up my life and be pleasant to God, I had to be in an environment that encouraged me, inspired me, taught me and cleaned me.
Dsovag's constant invitations became fruitful. And for the sake of trying it, I went. I confess that, at first, there was a battle in me. From one side, it seemed strange, and on another side, I felt calm and secure. The battle continued, but I had decided, there was no way out. I will stay strong.
In the beginning, I used to feel odd, and I've had fears and doubts, but I got acquainted slowy, I met the guys, I started reading the Bible. I sensed how others, like me, were praying, which was a kind of security for me to see that they could take hope, vigor and courage from God. It was very interesting...
And I accepted Jesus Christ, and asked Him to change me and guide my life... Where to? I don't know accurately, to the better and the good. But I know for sure that everytime I remember the bad days, face temptations or be in a difficult situation, I pray and continue praying until the weight becomes lighter or it gets solved, or I have the courage to overcome it.
Now that the past troubles are over, there remains worries, fears, work-related problems, future plans, and thousands of other things, but inspite of this, I admit my weakness as a man, and I surrender to Jesus and I have the help of the Chanitz.
For me, Chanitz has become a calm station, after one week of commotion, tire, we carry worries, doubts - whatever it is - to bring them to Jesus, we get inspired from each other, we discuss, we get encouraged and armed we return to our lives.
In today's valueless world, where everything is permissible, specially the harmful ones, I, as a young man, yearn for spiritual direction, guidance and motivation. A warm environment that defends the soul and leads with God's grace. This environment I found in Chanitz. I would like to encourage you all. As the Bible says in Roman 12:11:
"Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer."
A Chanitzagan
Translated by Raffi Chilingirian
Armiss Recital 2011
The Opening of the Kassarjian Rooms
On Sunday, July 10, the opening of the Kassarjian rooms took place in Kchag (Christian Endeavour Summer Center), organized by the the Executive Body of the Armenian Evangelical Christiean Endeavor Association.
After the opening speech of Rev. Raffi Messerlian, Mr. Anto Messerlian presented a hymnal. Mr. Garbis Deyirmenjian talked about Kchag and the vision and mission of Kchag. Afterwards, Rev. Dr. Paul Haidostian thanked and announced all the sponsors of Kchag.
Rev. Megerdich Karagoezian invited Mr. George Kassarjian for the official opening of the rooms by uncovering the curtains of the plaque of the Kassarjian rooms. After the opening, Rev. Karagoezian, Mr. Kassarjian and his wife cut the cake of the event. Rev. Sebouh Terzian requested all the members of the Friends of Kchag to come forth for a memorial photo and renewal of their friendship with Kchag.
Photos courtesy of Rev. Vicken Cholakian
After the opening speech of Rev. Raffi Messerlian, Mr. Anto Messerlian presented a hymnal. Mr. Garbis Deyirmenjian talked about Kchag and the vision and mission of Kchag. Afterwards, Rev. Dr. Paul Haidostian thanked and announced all the sponsors of Kchag.
Rev. Megerdich Karagoezian invited Mr. George Kassarjian for the official opening of the rooms by uncovering the curtains of the plaque of the Kassarjian rooms. After the opening, Rev. Karagoezian, Mr. Kassarjian and his wife cut the cake of the event. Rev. Sebouh Terzian requested all the members of the Friends of Kchag to come forth for a memorial photo and renewal of their friendship with Kchag.
Photos courtesy of Rev. Vicken Cholakian
Mr. Hagop Akbasharian Preaching in the Mrouj Church
On Sunday, July 24 - the third worship service, for the summer of year 2011, was held in Mrouj Church. Mr. Hagop Akbasharian, studying theology at NEST, gave the sermon. Ms. Ani Baboghlanian, a member of Elders' Committee of the Emmanuel Church, led the worship. After the service, the church had fellowship and reception.
The Summer Camps are HERE!
SUMMER CAMPS ARE HERE!!!!!!
- Kids' Camp, 8-15 August in Anjar, Lebanon (Speaker: Ms. L. Hekimian, Leader: Mr. H. Akbasharian, Topic: Yes, No, Wait) Price: 75$
- Junior Youth Camp, 15-21 August in Anjar, Lebanon (Speaker: Badveli H. Cholakian, Topic: The Right Click) Price: 75$
- Youth Camp, 25-28 August in Kchag, Lebanon (Speaker: Rev. Dr. P. Haidostian, Topic: Signs) Price 60$
- Ladies' Camp, 29 Aug till 1 Sept in Reyfoun, Lebanon (Speaker: Ms. V. Balekjian) Price: 115,000LBP
Kchag Café Is Back!
KCHAG CAFE is BACK!
The Armenian Evangelical Summer Camp Center - Քրիստոնէական Ջանից Ամառնային Կեդրոն - will hold its Sunday Nights, starting at 5:00pm.
Everyone is Welcome to enjoy the cooler weather, and have fellowship and enjoy the food with all of us together.
The new team that will prepare the food is Mr. and Mrs. Raffi and Anita Andonian.
Invite your friends and bring them with you!
The Armenian Evangelical Summer Camp Center - Քրիստոնէական Ջանից Ամառնային Կեդրոն - will hold its Sunday Nights, starting at 5:00pm.
Everyone is Welcome to enjoy the cooler weather, and have fellowship and enjoy the food with all of us together.
The new team that will prepare the food is Mr. and Mrs. Raffi and Anita Andonian.
Invite your friends and bring them with you!
An Interview with Mrs. Yester Kilaghbian, on the Young Men and Women of Today
Many of the youth today have a wide range of options to select from, a chance or a challenge that their preceding generation didn't have. They face enormous challenges in their lives and they have to make the right decision at every opportunity or obstacle that they encounter. In order to receive further light about the youth today, we contacted Mrs. Yester Kilaghbian, the yeretsgin of the Armenian Evangelical Church in Anshrafieh, to share with us from her several years of experience with the youth.
(Interview by Raffi)
(Interview by Raffi)
Yester - Love is the basic need for every person and especially for young men and women. It is important for them to feel that they are loved by parents, extended family, teachers, leaders and friends. They need to be loved as they are and that love will help them become better. So, they need to be understood and appreciated.
Raffi - How different are youth today, compared to 10 years ago?
Yester - Well, there are many common things between youth today compared to ten years ago. They fear the uncertainty of the future, are afraid of commitment, feel that the older generation does not understand them, want independence and look for change. Few of the differences that I have seen is that 10 years ago, university students did not need to work along with their studies but nowadays they study and they work in order to pay the tuitions. This is one of the reasons that they are absent from church and youth activities. Today’s youth are indifferent to many issues like spiritual and social. Ten years ago they didn’t have this much access to technology and whenever they are not careful, they are misusing technology meanwhile they can benefit from it.
Raffi - What is the biggest challenge and trouble that youth face today?
Yester - There are many challenges that youth face today.
- Spiritual: when spiritual values are diminishing and becoming less important.
- Financial: the increasing expenses and the importance of comparing oneself with others which results in dissatisfaction and unhappiness.
- Moral: The moral standards are changing and moral beliefs are presented as old fashioned.
- Social: Many people believe that honesty is diminishing and everyone is worried about himself/herself and does not care for the other. People help in order to benefit or else they will not stretch their helping hands.
- Losing hope: Many young people have drug and drinking addictions when they think that these are the only ways to handle their problems.
Raffi - How can today’s youth overcome these troubles?
Yester -
- By being a fish and not a log. The fish has the ability to swim against the current whereas the log can not choose its direction and is led by the current.
- By being followers of Christ and being obedient to Him and putting all their trust and worries in God’s Hands.
- By being leaders and not following of moral values and setting good standards and becoming good examples to others.
- By having faith and hope that tomorrow is full of options and living today while waiting for a better tomorrow.
Raffi - How can the youth have effective involvement within the church life?
Yester - “Once a chanitsagan…always a chanitsagan…”. I believe in this motto and I live accordingly since I was 18 years old. This may mean that I will remain part of the church as far as I believe that I am a member of the youth group.
Youth can have effective involvement in the church life first of all by being there, being present in church and that should be wholeheartedly and especially physically.
As the Apostle Paul has advised Timothy, youth should be examples of faith and by proving their spiritual and mental maturity, they will be given leadership roles within the church. They will be misunderstood, judged, criticized by the older generation but also they have the chance to be loved, advised and trusted. The only thing they need is patience.
Youth can have effective involvement in the church life first of all by being there, being present in church and that should be wholeheartedly and especially physically.
As the Apostle Paul has advised Timothy, youth should be examples of faith and by proving their spiritual and mental maturity, they will be given leadership roles within the church. They will be misunderstood, judged, criticized by the older generation but also they have the chance to be loved, advised and trusted. The only thing they need is patience.
