A Life Changing Experience In Armenia
by John Livoti
How many times have you heard how often a short term mission’s trip will change your life? I have been saying this now for ten years and I will continue to say mission’s trips will change your life.
This years short term mission’s trip is no different. After being in Russia and the Ukraine for nine years the change to Armenia has opened my eyes into a country that did not give up on its faith. They are proud of the fact that the Soviet Union’s domination of Armenia failed to eliminate their Christian faith.
After arriving early in the morning (3:00 am) and after spending the night at a bed and breakfast inn in Yeravan I woke up looking at Mt. Ararat. The biblical story of Noah’s Ark came to life for me after seeing up close Mt. Ararat. With an elevation of over 16,000 feet and snow on top year long, I could not imagine the flood water to be this high. In Genesis 7:19-20 it says
“They rose greatly on the earth, and all the mountains under the entire heavens were covered. The water rose and covered the mountains to a depth of more that twenty feet.” Now I understand why Noah did everything just as God commanded him to do.
During our drive to the small mountain village of Stepanavan I was amazed of the beauty of the mountain and green valleys. I found that the people of Armenia opened their hearts to make me feel at home in their country. Even though this is a very poor county they are rich in friendship and love. I learned more about their culture in a very short period of time. I learned how to make bread and cheese, even milking a cow the way it has been done for centuries by the Armenian people.
The Armenian men took me hunting into the high hills of Stepanavan, hiking on trial that are thousands of years old and seeing God’s creation and beauty of this country that many have not nor ever will see.
The most important part of the trip was being able to witness to children and share the Good News of Jesus Christ with them for several days.
I am thankful that God gave me the courage to step out of my comfort zone and go on this trip to a new country. Are you ready to step out of your comfort zone and go on a short term mission trip?