But God will never forget the needy;
the hope of the afflicted will never perish.
Psalm 9:18
Imitating the game show ‘Jeopardy,’ I am in search of a question that would best conform to the above answer. They might not be scarce.
The above ‘answer’ constantly roamed in my mind as I swept through the countries I visited in May and June. Syria and Lebanon; which have constituted the historic lion’s share of AMAA’s global mission and ministry field and Armenia and Artsakh; which prize the current lion’s share.
The ‘answer’ always employed my mental vision even long before I have come to think about the question.
At every step of my trip, with every interaction I had, I have seen the impact AMAA has on the lives of people all over. One life at a time.
From the depth of the eyes of the faithful to the gleeful eyes of achievers. From the gazing eyes of the dreamers to the misty eyes of the hopeful, I have seen the fulfilment of the above ‘answer.’
Some of you followed my mission trip on AMAA’s Facebook page. Others may follow the trip in this issue of the AMAA News. This has not been an unusual trip for the AMAA Executive Director who visits the mission field on a regular basis. What was unusual this year were the circumstances on the ground in all these geographical areas.
The heartbreaking loss of vast territories in the Artsakh war of 2020.
A national mourning for the loss of thousands of Armenia’s youngest and brightest in the war.
The overnight conversion of a middle class in Lebanon to poverty and despair.
Hardly overcoming a ten-year war, a community suffering from super inflation caused by sanctions in Syria.
The assault of a global virus shutting down an unprepared world.
What an unprecedented year due to the multiple layers of crises experienced in all these countries, including in our own backyard, the USA.
“In the world you will have tribulations. But take heart, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
Upon my return from a four-week emotionally packed trip, I was asked to summarize what I took with me and what I brought back. It did not take me long to pack the answers in two simple but lauded words.
I carried HOPE and brought back INSPIRATION.
Carrying HOPE has always been the AMAA’s core mission. HOPE has been the most treasured resource AMAA has spread, distributed and disseminated. In HOPE, the Good News of the Gospel taken to the ends of the world is bundled. HOPE is the remedy to despair and depression, the eye drop to a blurred vision and the magical key to revival, rejuvenation and resuscitation.
HOPE is a LIFELINE. Lifeline to Success, Happiness, Independence, Life and Salvation.
AMAA has the Great Commission inscribed on its official letterhead where it says, “Go into the world and preach the Gospel to all creation.” The Gospel is the Good News. The Good News that “God will never forget the needy; the hope of the afflicted will never perish.” AMAA carries Hope wherever it goes, and HOPE lays the foundation of Success, leads to Happiness, achieves Independence, embraces Life and anchors Hope in Salvation.
How would you describe AMAA’s mission around the globe?
IMPACTFUL!
Impactful is the answer I have seen, touched and felt all across my mission trip.
Our collective reward is in our realization that the mission is IMPACTFUL.
Thank you for being part of the mission.
Zaven Khanjian
AMAA Executive Director / CEO
