The Ararat Valley blossomed as soon as the spring sun began to warm it. This is an incredible sight. Inhaling the aroma of blooming apricot orchards, you can enjoy the landscape of the Ararat mountains covered with snow. These large blocks of stone rise high, directing the gaze of a person to the sky. Watching the contrasting landscapes of either spring or winter, you understand that to some extent, this is emblematic of the state of society. In someone's life, there is spring and joy, which are reflected by an ardent desire to study the Holy Scriptures and strive for God, but in someone else's heart, there is winter—a lack of interest in spiritual realities.
The special time in which the modern generation lives confirms the truth of the words of the Saviour. It is time to think about spirituality, and therefore God, directs all the forces of the church to preach the gospel. Spring is yet to come in many hearts. Every believer understands only God can do this. He can melt the ice in people's hearts and warm them with His love.
The “Different Perspective” program in Ararat was exactly such an event that God used for His glory and the salvation of people. Pastor Roman Mikhailovich Kisakov, director of the Youth Ministries Department of the Euro-Asian Division, helped listeners delve into the words of Jesus Christ, which are filled with deep meaning and life. For nine evenings, the small congregation would come together to sing and meditate on the Word of God. This has not happened in the city of Ararat for a long time. The number of visitors exceeded three times the number of members of the local Adventist Church. It was truly God's providence and a response to the ministry of Pastor Gregory Sahakyan and the local community. God blesses when his children work.
[Photo Courtesy of the Euro-Asia Division]
Intensified prayers, carrying out the Mission Jeremiah project in the local community, the renovation of the church building itself—all this is a dedicated work that God has blessed.
Pastor Kisakov, thanks to deep reflections, openness to communication and acquaintance, and visiting guests in their homes, also endeared himself to the audience.
Dr. Samvel Sargsyan, from Yerevan, helped the audience learn the principles of a healthy lifestyle and shared inspiring tips, while Mariam Sargsyan brightened the meetings with her wonderful singing.
In nine days, the church and all the guests became a real family, and thus, the parting was filled with genuine sadness.
The “Different Perspective” program ended with the baptism of two sisters who made a covenant with God and wished to start new lives. It was especially joyful that among the people who attended the program, there were those who wanted to continue studying the Bible and make a covenant with God in the near future. Program participants received Bible lessons, books and a special gift: Bibles, in printed and electronic versions, to continue their spiritual path in the future.
The community of Ararat thanks God for His care and the administration of the Euro-Asian Division for helping to conduct a blessed evangelistic program. Adventists in Armenia believe God will bless the service of the church to society, helping to change the spiritual winter into the eternal spring of spiritual rebirth.
This article was originally published on the Euro-Asia Division’s news site