ORPHAN’S PROMISE NEWSLETTER | NOVEMBER 2017
Orphan’s Promise in Armenia
by Karen Springs, Regional Project Manager, Europe, Central Asia & Middle East
Armenia is recognized as the first country to accept Christianity as its national faith
As a land-locked country at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, Armenia is a distant thought for many Americans. A small nation of fewer than 3 million, Armenia is recognized as the first country to accept Christianity as its national faith, which occurred in 301 A.D. The nation also proudly boasts about being the home of Mount Ararat, where Noah famously landed the Ark as the floodwaters subsided. Armenians, with a wink and a jovial laugh, like to joke that they are the ones who greeted Noah when he arrived.
But beyond its rich Christian heritage, Armenia is a nation that has known much suffering. Fully 1.5 million Armenians perished in a genocide that took place between 1915 and 1917. Tragedy befell the country again in 1988, when a massive earthquake took the lives of over 25,000 people and left hundreds of thousands homeless. With an awareness of the suffering this nation has endured, Orphan’s Promise has been committed to serving the people of Armenia since we began working there in
2009. Partnering with Armenian believers, Orphan’s Promise supports four educational training centers located in the towns of Gyumri, Mrgashat, Yerevan, and Vanadzor. Due to extreme poverty, high unemployment rates, and lingering effects of the 1988 earthquake, many people living in these areas reside in very rundown conditions—some in homes made from shack-like shipping containers. Children living in extreme poverty are often filled with pessimism about the future because they are surrounded by grim living conditions and, all too often, dysfunctional family members. Many children in Armenia live in single-parent homes, as one parent will travel abroad to find work. Sadly, some of these parents end up leaving their families for good. It is not uncommon to meet an Armenian child who has never known his or her father. This is why the outreach of Orphan’s Promise
training centers is so critical. Through the centers, we provide a safe environment, hope and mentorship, along with an education that will help these children build a brighter future for themselves. Among our four training centers, we have a staff of 34 people who have a passion to reach the lost and vulnerable children of Armenia. Each of our centers serves approximately 80—100 children and their families every month. Each summer our centers also hold camps. These camps have proven to be a successful way to reach more children from the community and then to integrate these new kids into the regular school year program. God is truly working through Orphan’s Promise to touch and change the lives of His people in Armenia!
RELATIONSHIP THROUGH RELIEF Each of our centers seeks to reach not only the needy children in their communities, but to reach out to the children’s families, as well. When a child attends a program at one of our Orphan’s Promise training centers, our staff also aims to build a relationship with their family. Staff members travel to the children’s homes to spend time with them and their families—to learn how they are struggling and to determine how Orphan’s Promise can help. Though the earthquake occurred in 1988, effects of its devastation still remain today. Tens of thousands of families continue to live in homes made from old shipping containers. These containers, once used to hold relief supplies for earthquake victims, now serve as makeshift homes. What was meant to be a temporary living solution for those displaced by the earthquake turned out to be permanent homes for many, and now second and third generations are growing up in these containers.
WE BELIEVE THAT EDUCATION IS KEY TO BREAKING THE CYCLE OF POVERTY
EDUCATION AND LIFE SKILLS Our training centers provide courses in English, computer skills, music and theater, baking, knitting, and other vocational skills, as well as Bible lessons. We believe that education is key to breaking the cycle of poverty, and the goal of our centers is to help these children realize that their dreams for a brighter future are possible!
THE GOSPEL At Orphan’s Promise, we love being able to partner with local churches. Thanks to our partnerships in Armenia, we are providing children not only with an education, but also a platform that connects them to the local church for life. Though most children come from a Christian background, very few know what it means to have a personal relationship with Jesus prior to attending the center. Because all of our educational programs are hosted at the local churches, the church quickly becomes a safe and comfortable place—and the majority of kids who attend our program go on to become regular church attenders. One of our centers reported that 80% of the children who have attended the training center are now regular members of the church, and most of these children bring along family members. Entire families have heard the Gospel because of their children attending our centers! There is no doubt that by reaching the youth of Armenia, we are reaching entire families!
LIVES TRANSFORMED BY LOVE Vanadzor Training Center: Sose is 12 years old, and although she has both of her parents, her life remains challenging because of their difficult living situation. The entire family lives together—mother, father, six kids, a son-in-law, and four grandchildren. All 13 people live together in two shipping containers. Sose has been attending the OP-supported program for about a year. Sose says she has learned a lot about prayer since she began attending the OP- sponsored center, and she continually testifies to how God is answering prayers for her family. Sose’s mother shared that since Sose began attending the school, her English grades have drastically improved. Thanks to the OP lessons and support she is receiving, all her marks at school have gone up. Sose’s mother also became more open to the Gospel through the work that the church was doing, and today Sose and her mother regularly attend Sunday services at the church. Sose says she continually prays for the repentance of her whole family and is believing for the day when they will all go to church together! Sose also had some medical needs that OP has been able to meet.
the freedom project Gyumri Training Center:
Khachatur is 16 years old. He lives with his mother and two brothers. His father went abroad a few years ago and never returned. Khachatur began attending Sunday school at the age of 6, and today is growing in his faith. Despite the fact that his family has been through many difficulties, he never stopped believing, praying and dreaming about a bright future. He found a talent for painting and has become one of the best artists in our center. Our program helps the family with food and clothing and invests a lot of time on Khachatur and his brothers’ physical and spiritual development. When we talk to him, his dream is always the same: that he will serve God and become a shepherd of the church one day. We believe that the seeds planted in Khachatur’s life will not only grow in his heart, but will also bear much fruit to those around him.
80%
OF THE CHILDREN WHO HAVE ATTENDED THE TRAINING CENTER ARE NOW REGULAR MEMBERS OF THE CHURCH
’ I am so encouraged by the work we’re accomplishing together in Armenia. We’re seeing children whose lives were full of loneliness now overflowing with love. The Armenian people are strong, proud and resilient, and it’s incredible to see what just a little bit of hope can do to a child, a family, or even a community. Thank you for your partnership in bringing that hope to Armenia. Blessings, Terry Meeuwsen
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Orphan’s Promise, a children’s ministry of The Christian Broadcasting Network, Inc., serves orphans and other vulnerable children around the world, taking them from at-risk to thriving through the transforming power of God’s love. CBN is a non-profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization and your contributions to our ministry are tax-deductible.