A small group gathered at Piney Grove GMC to hear Nara Melkonyan, the Country Director of Project AGAPE in Armenia. She shared with us about the history of the country and the importance of its continuing existence as a Christian nation surrounded by non-Christian influences. Armenia has been persecuted for centuries but has remained a democratic, Christian country.
The last aggression just a month ago resulted in half of the country, Artsakh, being taken by Azerbaijan, resulting in thousands of refugees fleeing to the northwestern part of Armenia. The journalist were not allowed to be in the region so the world did not hear of the atrocities that the Armenia people have endured. Nara reported that so many feel that the Christians in other parts of the world have forgotten them.
The Project Agape office, originally in Artsakh, also have to move. Nara reported that everything they could salvage was moved in Armenia and placed in a warehouse. This also meant a disruption of their ability to care for the people of Armenia. They estimate they are caring for over 100,000 refugees.
When asked how we could help, she said that financial support is critical right now. The winters are cold and while they appreciate the shipping containers (which costs $10,000 to ship and takes 2 months to arrive), they can use the financial support to buy blankets and food. She says a good quality blanket there costs $22 US. She does stress the importance of the Christmas boxes to bring a bit of cheer to the children who have been displaced.
An offering of $1226 was collected and will be mailed to the Project Agape office to be sent on to help with immediate needs.
Thank you to all attended and if you would like more information on Project Agape or to donate, Project Agape.
