On the streets of Yerevan, Armenian Evangelical Youth from around the world (2 Aug. 2018)

Over a hundred people in eight hours! As the Directors of the AMAA’s 100th anniversary youth conference, my wife Maria and I joined forces with the AMAA and ECA (Evangelical Church of Armenia) staff members to welcome Armenian Evangelical young people and their leaders from all over the world. It was a non-stop information booth, check-in assistance, money exchange guide, SIM card dispensary, water distribution station, and on, and on.

The youth were pretty tired, with some having traveled almost 24 hours – whether by airplane from Southern California or by car from Moscow. The best part was seeing young, yet old, friends reuniting. Especially meaningful were seeing childhood best friends from Syria, now living in Europe or the U.S., seeing each other in person for the first time in 4 years, or 7 years.

Today’s activities, aside from checking in, included having supper at the AMAA Center in Yerevan and joining the throngs of people strolling up and down Northern Boulevard, where the hotel is located.

We’re not up to our full numbers yet. There are still thirty-plus more youth arriving tomorrow from Lebanon, Syria and Canada. We are praying for them all, as they embark on what we hope will be a transformative experience in Armenia. You too, join us in prayer! And watch for our daily updates for the next 15 days.

–Rev. Nishan Bakalian

Youth from Tehran enjoying fellowship after supper at AMAA (2 Aug. 2018)

Childhood friends, back together after seven years apart (2 Aug. 2018)

Welcome Table workers take a breather after a long day and a job well done (2 Aug. 2018)