“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" - Philippians 4:4 (NIV)

I’ve been learning a lot about joy this year. The irony is that 2024 has been filled with deep sorrow and loss. I never would have believed that sorrow and joy could coexist so seamlessly.

This summer Sossy & I had the privilege of visiting our sister church in Goris and the Young Life Pioneer Camp in Hankavan. Armenia perfectly depicts this union of joy and sorrow. Everyone we met had some connection to the anguish of the ethnic cleansing of Artsakh. We met soldiers who have finished their service yet are prepared to be called up on a moment’s notice.

Mosig & his girlfriend asked to pray with us about their growing relationship and their calling to ministry. We arrived home from our trip to receive a text informing us that he was going back for more training. His attitude? “Praise the Lord! I will serve Him wherever He sends me!”

Another former soldier shared how God rescued him when he was separated from his unit and caught behind an Azeri battalion. After being shot at repeatedly by his peers, after hiding in the undergrowth for three days, he miraculously made it back unfound and unscathed. He describes his experience with joyful exuberance because the Lord met him so personally and powerfully.

Watching the way our brothers and sisters love the people in their communities in both ministries was humbling and invigorating! I so want to be like them! I want to be an open vessel so that the same Holy Spirit that works through them to demonstrate the love of Christ will work through me and through us here in our community!

There is so much to share! I hope the pictures will give you a glimpse of what we experienced, and I’ll be sharing stories and videos in the weeks to come. Thank you, again, for the privilege of the sabbatical. I am refreshed and inspired to serve the Lord with you as a disciple making community that shares the reconciling love of Christ!

Give it a try!

Because He lives

Rev. Greg Haroutunian