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Training Leaders in Armenia and Lebanon
A Note from Naji Abi-Hashem,
PhD,
West Representative to the
CAPS International Board
While spending two full weeks in Yerevan, the capital
of Armenia, I lectured twelve times at three different
places, the Center for Leadership Development, the Theological
Academy of Armenia, and the Armenian Missionary Association.
I spoke about two to three hours each session through
a friendly interpreter.
This is my second volunteer trip to Armenia, an ancient
and lovely country. It was the first nation in the world
to adopt Christianity, officially in 301 A.D., and Christians
there became known as the Apostolic Armenian Orthodox
Church. People here are highly educated, a heritage from
the Soviet times, and yet humble, vibrant, unassuming,
and struggling financially. The weather is very cold right
now but very dry and fresh.
I was well received and welcomed in warm hospitality.
I also led Bible discussion groups and devotionals and
had a few opportunities to meet privately for personal
consultation or counseling. I am considered as a visiting
lecturer or faculty and am planning to go back there again
next year, Lord willing.
In Beirut, Lebanon, I am working among churches, expatriates,
and pastors, networking with friends and professionals,
teaching an intensive course at a local seminary attended
by students and community leaders, helping at two orphanages
(the girls’ & boys’ homes), preaching
or sharing in churches almost every Sunday, counseling
and consulting, learning about the struggles of the people
in this region, and building foundations for future ministries,
among many other things.
Peace from the Land of Cedars: —Naji
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