I thank God for a safe and productive trip to Armenia!
One of the most impactful parts of my trip was spending time with refugees from the Artsakh region. These individuals were forced to flee their homes with only what they could carry, escaping a harrowing situation for the safety of their families. Our ministry has been working closely with churches in Armenia to provide these refugees with essential resources such as food, clothing, and support.
Listening to their stories was both heartbreaking and inspiring. They shared their struggles of finding employment, paying rent, and ensuring their families have basic necessities. Despite these challenges, their resounding message was one of gratitude for the gift of life. They reminded me of the importance of being thankful for the things we often take for granted, especially in the face of adversity.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 says, “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” Paul emphasizes words like “always” and “without ceasing” as excellent reminders to keep in our minds: God calls us to be joyful and thankful. When we obey God’s will to have this attitude, it is a good witness to others and an encouragement to other believers—and seeing this thankfulness in these Armenians who were suffering certainly encouraged me!
Let us hold these dear people in our thoughts and prayers, continuing to support them and be a beacon of hope. Let our joyfulness and thankfulness spill over to each other!
-Richard Parrish
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