Armenian Missionary Association of America 
A Gift That Sustains Life in Lebanon
AN UPDATE FROM THE ARMENIAN EVANGELICAL SOCIAL ACTION COMMITTEE OFFICE IN BEIRUT, LEBANON
Whatever you do, do it all for the Glory of God -1 Corinthians 10:31
In spite of the increasing economic difficulties and challenges faced, the Armenian Evangelical Social Action Committee (SAC) of Lebanon reported that the first phase of its relief distribution project is completed.
Two large trucks full of food and household items arrived at Trad Center of SAC on June 16, 2020. The goods were stored in the warehouse by church Youth Group volunteers in Beirut.
The following two days were the most laborious ones for the young team. Along with their hard, meticulous work and passionate service, they were able to complete the task before the deadline.
The youth were totally organized. They packaged the items into two different bags to differentiate between edible and non-edible supplies and placed them in boxes to deliver en masse. They distributed a total of 200 boxes and 400 bags to 200 needy families. Each family received one box and two nylon bags.
The youth distributed most of the food parcels at the Center, while they delivered the rest to the designated houses. Short prayer opportunities were also created upon delivery.
The families who received this support included those who have long suffered from financial difficulties and many others who have just recently lost their jobs or are receiving 25% of their salaries due to the economic situation or the pandemic.
Thanks to contributions from supporters, the AMAA was able to help 200 families in need. The Armenian Evangelical Social Action Committee Office received calls from the families the next day, stating that it was the first time they received such an abundant and good quality parcel donation.
VOLUNTEER YOUTH TESTIMONIALS
“In times of darkness and uncertainty, it is necessary to find a light, some kind of hope to get us through the day. I saw that light in each youth member when we were preparing and distributing the food packages. I also saw the light in each package receiver. After distributing a package to an old lady, I asked her whether she had any prayer requests I could pray for. Her face lit up and she thanked me repeatedly. What I realized was that as important as material needs are, we as Christians are called to help people meet their spiritual needs as well.”-Talar Haidostian
“I had the privilege of serving our community with good friends over a few short days, it was a good experience and gave me good feelings, particularly because I was serving for people who are truly in dire need of aid in the midst of an economic crisis…and seeing the happiness in their eyes, that is in itself enough to be grateful.”-Harout Melikian
“Despite the current situation that encompasses Lebanon, the Chanits youth were asked to be involved in a community service to help benefit the most vulnerable 200 families with household necessities. More than 30 youth were ready to contribute to this project and be of help to our community. We contributed in organizing, packing, and delivering boxes for five consecutive days. Throughout the week, each member put aside his/her own worries and economic burdens and concentrated only on alleviating the burden of others, thus representing a sense of community. After being away from one another for more than three months, our gathering was a true blessing. We had missed interacting with one another, even from a distance. The teamwork was so apparent and effective since everyone was dedicated to the same purpose. The service was an actual opportunity for us to put our patience, trust, cooperation, and support into practice. I thank God for giving us the chance to give back to our community and to serve Him by serving others. My prayer is that this service that went to the families be recognized as God’s doing and not our own for He gives us strength, endurance, and joy to serve Him.”-Garin Atamian
“According to what I experienced, the present difficult circumstances made the community service even more impactful. The crisis in Lebanon has hit everyone, and not only a certain group of people. This, according to what we shared as a small group of volunteers at the Social Action Center, made us perform our tasks with more compassion and empathy, both during preparing packages and handing them to the people. Moreover, the fact that the crisis was accompanied by the newly immersed COVID-19, which had forced us to cancel all youth meetings for months, made the community service period seem like a camp. As we could have fellowship, and share words and food during our break times. I felt a lot stronger throughout this event because staying at home had started to weaken me. I did not want this to end. This was also the opinion of another fellow youth member who was there. Wrapping up, sometimes difficulties make things more beautiful. This was the case with our community service in June at the Armenian Evangelical Social Action Center.”-George Sahili
AMAA’S ONGOING SERVICE TO REACH OUT TO COVID VICTIMS IN LEBANON
“Despite an ominous outlook of things to come pressing on our minds and souls, the impact from distributing food to families in need and the testimonies of the young volunteers gives us a glimmer of hope, encouragement and fulfillment.
This is not and should not remain an isolated act, but rather an ongoing ‘must do’ service to a community, innocent of local, regional and foreign dark elements, who have applied this unfair collective punishment and created the current tragic situation in Lebanon.
AMAA is committed to reflect God’s love to man and share the blessings received with those in need.”
-Zaven Khanjian, AMAA Executive Director/CEO
PLEASE CONSIDER HELPING US CONTINUE TO REACH OUT TO ALL AFFECTED BY COVID-19 ANYWHERE AND OUR TROUBLED COMMUNITIES IN THE NEAR EAST. MAKE A DONATION TO AMAA’S COVID RESPONSE FUND TODAY!
