ARMENIAN EVANGELICALS PRAISED FOR HAITI RELIEF EFFORTS
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Tuesday March 02, 2010
Honorary Consul of Haiti in Philadelphia in a letter dated January 14,
2010 thanked the Armenian Missionary Association of America (AMAA)
for mobilizing Armenian Evangelical Churches worldwide to come to
the aid of Haitians devastated by a tragic earthquake that hit the
impoverished island on January 12, 2010.
"I received a copy of the January 13 communication from AMAA
headquarters to the Armenian Evangelical Churches urging them to pray
for the victims of the Haitian tragedy and to show their solidarity
through their gifts," wrote Mr. Albert Momjian, Esq. who represents
Haiti in Philadelphia. "I commend the AMAA for taking leadership in
their efforts."
Upon hearing about the plight of thousands of victims whose lives were
devastated or lost, the AMAA appealed to the Armenian Evangelical
Churches and its members to show their Christian solidarity and
provide their moral and financial support.
As a result, over $10,000 was raised in the following few days and
was rushed to Haiti through the Wider Church Ministries of the United
Church of Christ and Samaritan’s Purse two church related organizations
heavily involved in Haiti.
Most touching was the response by Evangelical Churches in Armenia.
They raised 250,000 Drams (about $700) – a significant amount
considering their resources.
As he presented their gift, Rev. Samuel Kiragossian said, "we will
never forget how the world community came to our aid in 1988." This was
indeed a thoughtful gesture on behalf of people who had experienced
a similar tragedy twenty years ago and who still feel the pain and
anguish resulting from it. Rev. Kiragossian is the President of the
Union of Armenian Evangelical Churches in Armenia.
The fundraising effort continues as it will take many years for
Haitians to recover from this tragedy and rebuild their lives. Those
who wish to participate in the relief efforts can send their gifts
to the AMAA Haiti Earthquake Fund or visit the website, amaa.org.
AMAA is a non-profit charitable organization established in 1918 and
serves mainly the needs of Armenian communities in 24 countries around
the world.
From: Baghdasarian