The 99th Annual Meeting of the Armenian Missionary Association of America (AMAA) was held at the United Armenian Congregational Church of Los Angeles, CA on Saturday, October 20, 2018. AMAA President Nazareth Darakjian, M.D. presided over the meeting. Rev. Haroutune Selimian, President of the Armenian Protestant Community of Syria offered a prayer and a short devotion based on Jeremiah 29:11 “For this, we are called to embody this Word of God: ‘I know the plans that I have for you’, declares the Lord. ‘They are plans for peace and not disaster, plans to give you a future filled with hope’.” Reflecting on people’s pressures, problems and pain, he said hope liberates people from hopelessness and gives them direction and purpose for life. “We simply cooperate with God,” he said, “for He has plans for us.”

AMAA Executive Director/CEO Zaven Khanjian

AMAA President Dr. Nazareth Darakjian

During the meeting AMAA Officers, Directors and Committee Chairs, as well as delegates of the Armenian Evangelical Unions, the Armenian Evangelical World Council and affiliated organizations shared their joys and concerns and praised God for another successful year.

The general membership of the AMAA elected the following nine members to the Board of Directors Class of 2021 for a term of three years: Bryan Agbabian, Bryan Bedrosian, Rev. Dr. Avedis Boynerian, John Cherkezian, Mark Kassabian, Esq., Louis Kurkjian, Heather Ohaneson, Ph.D., Michele Simourian and Ken Kevorkian.

Armenian Evangelical World Council

In conjunction with the AMAA Annual Meeting, the Armenian Evangelical World Council held its meeting on October 18 and 19.

Installation Service of the AMAA Board of Directors

On Sunday, October 21, members and guests joined the United Armenian Congregational Church of Los Angeles for a special Worship Service. Rev. Dr. Paul Haidostian, President of Haigazian University, preached in English and Rev. Hovhannes Hovsepyan, Pastor of the Evangelical Church of Armenia in Yerevan, preached in Armenian. A special prayer was offered in memory of AMAA members and friends who made the transition from this life to Life Eternal during the past year. Rev. Dr. Vahan H. Tootikian officiated at the installation of the newly elected members of the Board of Directors.

We take this opportunity to thank the members of the United Armenian Congregational Church and their pastors for hosting the Annual Meeting and for welcoming us with great warmth, hospitality, delicious meals and enthusiasm. We pray that God will continue to abundantly bless this congregation and their ministry.