Fellowship with the AMAA interns at Kchag

On Sunday, 31 July - a small group of youth from various chanitz groups joined the AMAA interns at Kchag, for fellowship, sharing and worshipping together.
Rev. Nishan and AMAA interns shared about their ministry in Armenia and the situation in Armenia. Badveli Datev Basmajian led in worship time and fellowship.











Armenian Evangelical Christian Social Center - DVBS 2011

SUMMER FUN 
Armenian Evangelical Christian Social Center
DVBS 2011


Behold, children are a gift of the LORD… (Psalm 127:3) 


As God calls children "blessing”, the Armenian Evangelical Social Center in Trad, Bourj Hamoud was blessed with more than 100 children this year, through the Daily Vacation Bible School that took place from July 11- August 19, 2011.


The children coming from the area of Trad and its neighborhood, gathered every weekday from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm and became part of the exciting Summer Playground activities. Having in mind the mission of the Daily Vacation Bible School , which is to provide an opportunity for the children to learn about God and offer community service through fun and interactive activities like music, Bible stories, crafts, games and more, thirteen leaders joined their efforts to become part of the ministry. They actively became part of this challenging service, genuinely showing God’s love and care. The leaders were socially conscious and very careful to spend quality time with them through playing and listening to what they had to share.


The program was designed to meet children’s needs and interests in a positive and interactive learning atmosphere. It included worship, Bible lesson, Psalm memorization, continuous story, and free games. In addition, on Tuesdays and Thursday, the children had the chance to choose one of five different activities: drawing, cooking, dance, drama and sports. The cooking club prepared yummy food for the whole students to eat and enjoy. The dancers and theatre crew got prepared to perform in front of their parents during the closing event that took place in Kchag on September 19, 2011. As for the sports and drawing groups, the members followed the leaders’ directions in guiding the activities.


The Bible lesson theme was The Women of the Bible, through which the children learned the importance of “Trusting God” “Depending On God”, “Obeying God” and “Loving God”.

  1. Mary, an ordinary woman with a special calling 
  2. Mary Magdalene, a woman who showed her gratitude 
  3. Miriam, A woman who saw the answer to her prayers 
  4. Hannah, A woman who kept her promise to God 
  5. Deborah, A woman who brought an entire Nations back to God 
  6. Ruth, A woman whose loyalty was stronger than her grief. 

Thursdays were announced as “Cultural Day”. During those days, the children were introduced to the history, culture, arts, and songs of each of Mexico, Hawaii, Egypt, India and China. They even got to taste some of those countries’ cultural recipes. The Kindergarten children had their special program of crafts, story-telling, worship, games, other recreational activities. This year they also had the chance to learn about different cultures like Lebanon, Armenia, Italy, France and Brazil.


Fridays were reserved for outings. The children enjoyed visiting and playing at Beirut Mall’s Adventure World, Yuppie Park, Mousa Castle, Fun Zone and Living Colors. Mothers also had their share of activities this year. Every Friday different sessions were held addressing different issues that families face, which ended with an outing accompanied by Mrs. Rita Mangelikian, appreciating their attendance and participation. 


The sessions were as follows:

  1. Violence and its effect on children – Mr. Manoug Ibitian 
  2. Drugs – Miss. Houry Jinbashian 
  3. First aid and home safety- Miss. Nanore kulunjian 
  4. Discipline – Mrs. Vera Svadjian 

The whole program wouldn’t have been possible without the readiness of 13 leaders who chose to play an active role in making this summer remarkable for the children: Miss. Marina Tcheulmekian, Mrs. Dzovinar Gumushian, Miss Sandra Tcheulmekian , Miss. Shogher Doudaklian, Miss. Alice Iprajian, Mrs. Maral Festekjian , Mr. Vartan Doudaklian, Mr. Mgo Kurumian, Miss. Areni Svajian, Miss. Caroline Keshishian, Miss. Roubina Margossian, Miss. Dzovig Arnelian, Mrs. Vartoug Barsoumian. 


We thank God for making the DVBS a blessing both to us and the children. 


SAC Children’s Worker 
Liza Barsoumian










































Children's Camp 2011

At the pool
Once again, I had the privilege to be a leader at the Children’s Camp in Anjar. My first experience last year was so amazing that I decided to volunteer again. Therefore, I would like to thank the committee for selecting me and giving me the chance to serve as a leader at the Children’s Camp.


Games
We were overall 61 children and 14 leaders. The number of leaders may sound big, but I still ask myself how we could have run this Camp smoothly without each and everyone’s help. The leaders’ group included: Hagop Akbasharian, our main leader, Liza Hekimian, our badkamaper, Jiro Ghazarian, Jano Baghboudarian, Zaven Bardakjian, Sero Kelougian, Gassia Danaoghlian, Aline Tahazian, Garin Haidostian, Anita Andonian, Arine Baghdoyan, Lory Aintablian, Palig Kilaghbian and myself, Vahe Jebejian.


Lunch
Everyday the children woke up at 8 o’clock, did some physical exercises, and then had their breakfast. Afterwards, they had their devotion, menig bah, with their room leader. Worship was led by the leaders. The band (Lory Aintablian – piano and Jiro Ghazarian – guitar) added warmth and enthusiasm to the time of worship and singing. Right after this session, Liza Hekimian presented the message of the day in a very creative manner, using puppets and drama to explain her message. The children had teamwork, where they discussed the daily message and did some crafts according to the message of the day. Lunch was followed with a break of approximately one and a half hours that was followed by games, shower, and dinner.


Menig bah
The theme of this year’s Camp was Prayer, a topic which I consider and find very appropriate to teach young children as they come to know, understand, read and grow their interest in the Bible and Jesus Christ. Liza Hekimian presented many aspects of prayer and about how we should pray for the well-being of others and not just for ourselves. One subject that I liked the most and I think generated a lot of discussion among the children was about forgiveness. The children asked questions such as: “But baron how many times should I forgive?” “Should I forgive without even someone saying sorry or asking for forgiveness?”


Sunday at church
Every night we had a different program: a general knowledge quiz, where the children were just as out of control as they were having fun, an Armenian night, where the children sang on top of their voices! And so it goes on… The last day I think was the best night for the children. They enjoyed the company of the marching band of Anjar! The smile on the kids’ faces was just priceless! Children who had been quiet for different reasons during the Camp were now clapping and moving to the beat. They were so happy!


Worship
This Camp was not only a great time for the children but also a very inspiring time for us leaders. I think all of us during this Camp grew in the Lord much more. Thanks to Hagop Akbasharian, who organized creative prayer times every morning before the children woke up, we enjoyed the Lord’s presence among us. I even remember one leader say, “During different moments of the Camp, the little child in me woke up. It was as if my spirit was enjoying and rejoicing in the Lord as a little child!” Praise the Lord!


Finally, I want to express my deep gratitude to the people who made this year’s Camp an amazing experience for both the children and us!


Vahé Jébéjian

Mrs. Maral Deyirmenjian Preaching in the Mrouj Church

On Sunday, August 21 - the eighth worship service, for the summer of year 2011, was held in Mrouj Church. Mrs. Maral Deyirmenjian, principal of the Armenian Evangelical Central High School, 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.











Book Launch Announcement: Towards Golgotha

Title: Towards Golgotha

Location: Haigazian University (Auditorium)

Date: Friday, September 9, 2011

Time: 7:00pm - 8:00pm

Description:
HAIGAZIAN UNIVERSITY PRESS cordially invites you to the launch of:

TOWARDS GOLGOTHA
The Memoirs of Hagop Arsenian, a Genocide Survivor
Translated and Annotated by Arda Arsenian Ekmekji

Guest Speaker: H.E. Dr. Tarek Mitri