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From the Cradle…

30 Years of Humanitarian Action

AMAA's Health Care Center in Yerevan.
By Rev. Ara Guekguezian*

he Armenian Missionary As- primary education that included Christian children to participate in life skills classes,
sociation of America (AMAA), nurture and a hot meal or two each day. some offered online as well. There is even
celebrating 30 years of serving, So, in addition to infant formula, kitch- the desire of graduates of the Shogh program
Tpartnering with and encouraging en staples and warm clothing, mangabardezs for continuing education.
this Republic of Armenia, has included an (kindergartens/preschools) were established. The AMAA has also provided health
enormous commitment of resources to meet Children from ages 3 to 6 received a strong care in permanent clinics and through
basic human needs. foundation in mind, body and spirit before medical mission trips in communities with
Rather than provide an exhaustive list they entered formal education. limited access to health care.
of resources, I will share stories beginning By the end of the first trip to Armenia, The story may continue on about the
with my first trip to Armenia in 2003. I we were led to a committed relationship various traumas and deprivations experi-
was looking for the best match for a sister between Pilgrim and the Evangelical Church enced in a land devastated by an earthquake
church relationship with the congregation I of Gyumri. For years, we added support for in 1988 followed by a political upheaval in
was serving, Pilgrim Armenian Congrega- a mangabardez connected to the church. 1991. But the greater story is about a strong
tional Church in Fresno, CA. While tour- As mangabardezs and congregations and resilient people: a people of faith that see
ing the Evangelical Church of Armenia in flourished, the need for quality education be- opportunity to live into what they believe.
Gyumri, I was shown the storage rooms in came apparent. A great school was founded Over the years the AMAA has provided
the basement of the property purchased and and resourced in Yerevan ̶ the Avedisian a plethora of humanitarian assistance. The
maintained by the AMAA, by the staff hired School that has grown into a premier K constant has been that we are serving our
and compensated by the AMAA. With great through 12 institution. Another great vehicle Lord, as we serve our people, AND what we
pride, I was shown rooms full of diapers, for enhancing and fortifying the life of the offer is the best, high quality, top tier. Our
infant formula, warm clothing, both new and child was the establishment of Shogh Cen- partners, our sisters and brothers in Christ,
used, cooking oil, pasta, cans of tomatoes ters in Vanadzor, Gyumri and Yerevan, with do not receive our seconds, but the very
and other non-perishable food items. one in Stepanavan planned for fall of 2021. best of what we offer to God from God’s
Later, in conversation with AMAA These Centers address the mind, body and abundant blessing to us.
Armenia leadership past and present, I spirit of 30-70 children in a holistic after- Collectively, as the AMAA, we are able
heard stories of the deprivations of the school program (full day in the summer). to provide the best that is available.
early 1990s. The AMAA had already been The children, who come from deprived Finally, the greatest humanitarian aid
providing the basics for maintaining life situations or who have a history of trauma, the AMAA provides is that what each of
for 12 years. Each moment when a need gather for dance, art, additional vocabulary, us gives of ourselves in treasure, talent and
was met, a new need became apparent. reading and math work, and therapy. It is a time. I am more fully human, more fully
Gathering the children of a village, town or sophisticated response to complex human who created me to be, through offering my
city at a church site for a week of Vacation need and several steps removed from basic two nickels, my two weeks each year, and
Bible School, resourced and staffed by lo- humanitarian assistance. my passable Armenian conversational skills
cal Christians and Christians from around The next step is to provide opportunities through the AMAA.
the world, leads to addressing the need for for the parents and grandparents of these I look forward with great anticipation
to what the next steps we will take in ad-
dressing the needs of God’s people, our
sisters and brothers in Armenia, over the
next 30 years. q

* Rev. Ara
Guekguezian is
a former AMAA
Board member and
Co-Chair of Armenia
AMAA's Infant Formula Program. AMAA's Soup Kitchen Program in Stepanavan. Committee.

Sept 2021 |
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AMAA NEWS, July-Aug-Sept 2021 | 9
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