Armenian Missionary Association of America 
AMAA Centennial “All-Armenian Evangelical Youth Conference” in Armenia
A moment of prayer and reflection at the eternal flame Dzidzernagapert (August 3, 2018)
This summer, Armenia was the gathering point for nearly 150 youth and leaders from Armenian Evangelical churches and Unions the world over, as the Armenian Missionary Association of America (AMAA) celebrates the centennial of its founding with an “All-Armenian Evangelical Youth Conference.
The Youth with the Mayor of Choratan Village,
Mr. Kyughabad Varoujan
More than 150 Diaspora Armenian youth from North and South America, Europe, the Middle East, Australia and Artsakh have come to Armenia to participate in this Conference.
With fifteen different countries represented, these youth gathered in the Homeland, some for the first time, to experience a connection with one another, with their culture and heritage, and with their identity as young Armenian Christians. They took in some of the significant touristic sights in and around Yerevan and became acquainted with the educational and benevolent work of the AMAA in Armenia. The Youth split among different groups and immersed themselves in various hands-on projects in communities around Armenia.
A group from the All-Armenian Evangelical Youth Conference attendees at AMAA’s Vanadzor Shogh Day Center. They played some games with the children, such as “Let’s get acquainted” and “Golden words from the Bible.” They also took part in the Muraba jam preparing project by peeling the peaches.
RA Minister of Diaspora Mkhitar Hayrapetyan
On Wednesday, August 15, the RA Minister of Diaspora Mkhitar Hayrapetyan participated in the Closing Ceremony of the All-Armenian Evangelical Youth Conference at AMAA’s Camp SHEEN-SHOGHIG in Hankavan.
Rev. Nishan Bakalian, in his closing message of the conference, directed the youth to I Tim. 6.11 as a concrete plan against which they can evaluate their growth as young Armenian Christians.
A youth talent show revealed the amazing gifts these young people have, whether in instrumental music, singing, Armenian and modern dance, drama, comedy and more.
Wrapping up the evening was a word of thanks to the many in the organizing and planning committees and to the leaders who stepped in as needed during the two weeks. Of particular note was the work of the Rev. Nishan and Maria Bakalian, Revs. Mgrdich Melkonian and Hovik Hovsepyan and the ECA, and Mr. Harout Nercessian, Mr. David Aynejian and Executive Director/CEO Mr. Zaven Khanjian of the AMAA.
Youth Conference attendees, four women and six men went to Dilijan to renovate the external pavement of AMAA’s Dilijan Center and Church. They also put insulation on the roof.
The relationships which began there will now become worldwide networked connections. We pray that these new networks will help sustain the vitality of the Armenian Evangelical Church in every place, well into the future.
