By Candice Nahigian
Visiting the Armenian Genocide Memorial – Dzidzernagapert
Romans 1:8 “First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being reported all over the world.”
Today, as we traveled to Armenia, we were reminded of the vastness and diversity of this world that God created. Our day consisted of security checkpoints, baggage claims and in-flight entertainment as we crammed airplanes and vans, sharing stories and laughter. Our group of 20 comes from five countries, can speak six different languages including Eastern and Western Armenian dialects and represents over ten 
churches across four continents. However, we are all connected as the Body of Christ and feel instant unity as we each have longed to return to our homeland to serve our Lord.
Romans 1:11 “I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong–that is, that you may be mutually 
encouraged by each other’s faith.”
At Shogh Day Center
At Shogh Day Center
We each have our stories and histories which reveal how our families became Armenians of the diaspora. Imagine our excitement to be seated on a plane from Moscow to Yerevan when a simple announcement over the plane’s intercom is read in Armenian. As we walked off the plane, we saw a poster with a pomegranate reading “Welcome” in Armenian letters. We were officially home.
It’s important to note that while this trip will be one of celebration, it is also marked with the specific purpose of showing Christ’s love to this community. We sat next to many individuals on our plane traveling back to see their families because they live and work elsewhere to financially support them. We saw protestors gather at the Opera house in hopes to have affordable electricity. In talking with citizens and presenters from the AMAA and EPC, we understand that this place faces harsh realities. It is our prayer that God will use us to glorify his kingdom during our time here and continue to manifest his kingdom here. May He bring joy to endure through generations of the Armenian people and to this group of interns.
In Christ,
Candice Nahigian, 20
Fresno, California
Armenian Missionary Association of America 