
We Will Win This War
We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair, persecuted, but not abandoned, struck down, but not destroyed. 2 Corinthians 4:8-9
As I inscribe these lines, a heinous beast is loose in the Near East, raging a barbaric assault on, literally, all its neighbors and beyond. Through the direct involvement and support of Turkey, the Azeri-Jihadist aggression on Artsakh is systematically shelling, burning and destroying thirty years of civilized development, displaying the creative brilliance of Armenia and Artsakh. My heart bleeds with the unfolding events. Homes, hospitals, schools, houses of worship are shelled and destroyed using the latest in new and destructive technology. Civilian life has no sanctity in the eyes of the wicked. A super courageous generation of young defenders is on the frontlines shedding blood for the safety and security of family and nation. They are engaged in a fierce battle of survival against a combination of evil forces set to commit another round of genocide or set to ignite the wick of a global fire in the Caucasus far beyond anybody’s imagination.
Counting the compounding crises that the world and Armenians in particular, have experienced so far in 2020, I would not dare predict what the next two months have in store for us.
Uncertainty is standing at our door. With the aftermath of the Presidential election in the US looming, Europe is literally on fire (with its recently welcomed guests set on a rampage of hate, killing and violence) and the traditional Near East sitting on the mouth of yet another volcano, the immediate future does not bode well.
We tackle priorities as they face us. Our dictum is to support the shoulder; a rock-solid shoulder of support of our kin in Armenia and Artsakh who remain under an existential threat. Our individual and collective fervent prayers come first in line. Humanitarian relief, food, shelter, medicine for the displaced, and infrastructure build-up urgently follow.
I call on every decent human being to contribute time, talent, and token in this battle of survival. The battlefronts are many and there is certainly one for you to join. You can challenge the misinformation campaign, spread and disseminate the truth, raise awareness, and contribute more, even if you have done so already.
Our collective streams will turn into a river, a sea, an ocean. We are not crushed, not in despair, not abandoned, and not destroyed. We will win this battle of survival. We will prevail. God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. We will not fear. Nevertheless, we need to act as passionate and conducive Christians to come to the rescue.
The need is enormous and the battle long. We are bound to double, triple, and multiply our reach.
We wholeheartedly welcome the support demonstrated by Christian friends who courageously came out in condemnation of the assault and/or lent material aid.
When all the dust settles and the dark clouds wither, from the obscurity of the murky haze a rainbow will emerge revealing the resilient image of the mission. Whether in supporting youth who pursue a degree in higher education, or feeding the hungry, quenching thirst and sheltering the displaced and rebuilding the Homeland, AMAA unconditionally will carry the mission forward.
Please support the AMAA now more than ever.
Thank you for your support.
Zaven Khanjian, AMAA Executive Director/CEO
October 29, 2020