At first glance, it seems that summer – is a period of recreation and vacations and at this time the ranks of the church at worships are empty. But we have the summer – meaning this in literal and figurative sense, the hottest period in the ministry. Firstly, it is very hot in this year. A several days ago, the thermometer displayed +47°C (however, exposed to the sun). We have a vast humidity, that’s why sometimes it’s hard to breathe.
Besides that, despite of the heat, our new church is growing rapidly. Therefore, we are, as the ministers, sometimes do not have enough time (we should ask wisdom from the Lord). And in addition to all this, the Lord particularly in this period is making a drastic changes in the philosophy of our ministry, and in the practices of ministry, and in the team, and in the relationship.
My friends, at this time I am in a greatest need for your prayers, in order to make right and wise decisions from the Lord.
Baptism. We usually have the baptism in August, during a general church camp. But in June, we had in our church, let’s say, an extraordinary baptism. At that time were getting baptized Rafik and Shushan (they turned to God in September last year), and on the June 15th they had to have the marriage ceremony. And another young brother in July was drafted in the army, so he got baptized in June.
On August 20th we have scheduled baptism and on the list there are 18 people so far, including also our middle daughter, Karina. Dear brothers and sisters, please pray with us for these people.
Marriage. The wedding of Rafik and Shushan had been already the sixth one in our new church in Yerevan. But it is differs from others in that the guys were friends before marriage for 7 years, and they in no way could not decide to marry. But after their conversion to Lord in the past year, they have realized that the Lord wants their relationship to become more serious and responsible.
Camps and hiking trips. We are in a full swing right now preparing for the camps and hiking trips, which are, if the Lord allows us, will be in August and September. We are planning two camps, one of them for the unbelievers. At this time we are preparing the program. Within five days we will be speaking on the Gospel, each day will take one chapter:
- 1st day – what the life is, and Who the Creator of life is;
- 2nd day – who the man is (man is sinful);
- 3rd day – Who the God is;
- 4th day – Who Jesus Christ is and what He has done;
- 5th day – how to get what Jesus Christ is giving (we are talking about genuine faith and calling to make a decision).
All that is being supported by a small groups every evening after the service.
The second camp for those, who came to believe and going through the course of discipleship. There is a very good program for them too, called “Five vitamins of spiritual growth”. On each day is one vitamin:
- The Word of God;
- Prayer;
- Church;
- Communication;
- The preaching of the Gospel.
Plans for the future. Right now, we really need a premises for a worship services. The room that we rent (this is a small hall) from the Yerevan Evangelical Church is very little for us. We have already more than 100 people coming for worship services. We just must look for a new place for worship from September.
As I wrote earlier, we want to resume studies at the Bible College “Ararat” for an ordinary church members. We pray that the Lord has sent the funds.
Prayer needs:
- For wisdom in making decisions;
- For the team of ministers in the new church;
- For the premises of worship;
- For the baptized people;
- For the resumption of the Bible College “Ararat”;
- For camps and hiking trips.
We are very grateful to the Lord for you, our dear brothers and sisters. Thank you for your prayers and support. It is very important for us and for our precious Lord.
“And my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:19).
In Christ, your brother, Arthur Marandyan