May 2023 – Farmers have a deep understanding of the scripture in Ecclesiastes 3. Keeping your eye on the weather is crucial and this was true during my recent trip to the farm in Armenia. Winter was not leaving without a fight, though the capital of Yerevan three hours away was 10-15 degrees warmer. One day was sunshine and the next was snow. The spring planting effort must begin soon, but what’s the weather report?
For everything, there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance. Ecclesiastes 3:1-4
The birth of a calf; the planting of hay; plucking up old trees and clearing brush; killing a lamb for dinner; letting staff go and finding new people; there was a time to worry and a time to have faith. In the midst of working and planning, our bookkeeper quit. This turned out to be a good thing, but quite stressful. The Lord quickly provided a new bookkeeper and the farm manager, Sargis, found a new cow to purchase that same day. At last, before we departed, the local dairy co-op informed us the fat content of our milk was so high they will pay more and buy everything we can produce!
For everything, there is a season and a time for every purpose under heaven.
$300 Sponsors A Camper
The next stop on our journey was the Republic of Georgia. After a three-hour drive from the farm, we met missionaries in Tbilisi, the capital, and made plans for a summer camp on the Black Sea. Since the start of the war in Ukraine, over 19,000 children have been abducted or transported from Russian-occupied areas and taken to Russia. Some were taken under the guise of being evacuated to safety, most were transported away not knowing where they were going. Through a long, arduous, and perilous journey, some very fortunate Ukrainian orphans landed safely in the Republic of Georgia.
Orphans, MP Ukraine Staff, & Armenian Kids
With your help, we hope to provide a place of healing, rest, and fun for Ukrainian orphans, our staff and their families, and children from Armenia affected by the war with Azerbaijan. A popular activity at camp is a daily masterclass teaching English. In addition, there will be an art therapy class to help children express their emotions through art, swim instruction, evening dance classes, sports, crafts, and lots of relaxation time to heal from the war.
Each day begins with calisthenics, breakfast, and morning devotions. We talk about who Jesus is and why that is important, steering away from doctrinal questions, and focusing on the historical person of Jesus. Whether Orthodox, Armenian Apostolic, Baptist or atheist, we pray the Holy Spirit will communicate the truth of the Gospel and touch their hearts. This is always challenging when using multiple languages like Russian, Ukrainian, and Armenian.
There Is A Season
The summer camp in the Republic of Georgia will be a special time together. Please start praying now for this camp taking place July 8—18. The total cost of the camp is $20,000 (about $300 pp) which includes flying our staff to Georgia. We are thankful for your support for this summer camp! What the enemy has tried to destroy or break down, God desires to heal and build up. Thank you for contributing to the healing process for these kids.