To Armenia With Love
I have spent the last weeks preparing another ‘fatherheart story' to share with you. I intended to post it today, but my heart is too heavy for a beloved nation and the pain and devastating loss they are experiencing. As I have prayed during a sleepless night, I felt I was to put aside the first story to tell this one.
In the early 2000s, Jim had the opportunity to travel to Armenia and share in their first Discipleship Training School. He shared his story of forgiveness and redemption, and numerous students' lives were changed and took on a new direction. A few years later, I was able to join him on another ministry trip where I fell in love with the people and their nation. In the last 15+ years, we have visited and ministered in Armenia to new friends—many of whom we consider family. We love the Armenian people—their culture, history, hearts, and passion.
With very heavy hearts, we have watched the news and prayed these last 6+ weeks of the renewed fighting in the Nagorno-Karabakh region (also known as Artsakh). This conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan began in the latter 1980s but is traceable back decades. Artsakh is a mountainous region nestled between Armenia and Azerbaijan. It's inhabited by Armenians mostly and also consists of Azeri's (Azerbaijan), Russians, Kurds, and others. I won't go into the history of the conflict as you can easily Google it. It is extensive and heartbreaking. Fighting has broken out over the years, the most recent on September 27th of this year. Again, you can find most information on internet news sites.
This post aims to share the Father's heart with a nation that has recently suffered defeat. A few days ago, after thousands of deaths on both sides of the conflict, the Armenian president signed a ceasefire and a 'peace' treaty with Azerbaijan, with Russia's mediation. They were militarily insufficient, and if the war continued, the losses would be immeasurable. However, you need to understand, with Armenia's history of genocide, citizens would have been willing to give their lives for their nation. A signed treaty has been a defeat and insult to their national integrity. The Armenian people are angry. Time will tell what this 'settlement' will look like politically and geographically throughout the region, with all the various parties and governments involved.
“The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail. ”
God’s heart grieves over this region. He loves both sides, as difficult as that can be for some to hear. Politics and men’s decisions do not play into HIS HEART for people. He’s wept over every soldier and civilian killed in this conflict. He grieves over the hurting families left behind—many who have had to flee from their homes, that now no longer exist. His heart aches for the broken state of humanity.
Armenia feels broken, defeated, angry, and abandoned. There has been little news in our western nations, as many have been consumed politically with their own issues. But GOD has not been unaware. This war, the Covid virus (which has made the war and helping the displaced and injured even more difficult), the history of the nations involved—NONE of this has gone by God unnoticed. As unimaginable as it may seem, GOD IS STILL ON HIS THRONE. We may not understand 'where He has been in all of this,' but He has never left. The Lord in heaven remains FAITHFUL. In the darkest days, He walks beside us. We live in an enormously fallen world, but God does not stumble, nor does He forget us.
ARMENIA, God has NOT forgotten you. He has NOT abandoned you. His heart is ALWAYS towards you. His heart is so full of LOVE for the Armenian people, it bursts. God will not allow your destruction to happen because you belong to Him.
We know of a little girl in the latter 1980s whose family had to flee Azerbaijan in the middle of the night due to the fighting. They fled into Armenia with only the clothes on their backs. Today, this young woman loves Jesus. Along with her husband, she has ministered in a 'reconciliation/forgiveness' ministry in that part of the country.
As a child, another young woman lost her brother in the war's first outbreaks in the 80s. She forgave Azerbaijan for his death. However, with this recent fighting, her mother has lost her home (and everything) due to the bombing. Her mother fled Artsakh to Yerevan and to find help. Our dear friend is struggling with understanding all of this and how (and if) she can forgive (again).
Another close friend, newly married and expecting his first child, contracted the virus which kept him from initially joining the war. We don't know if he recovered and went off to fight.
The stories go on and on. Heartbreak. Death. Isolation. Armenia suffered mass murder and expulsion from their lands during what is known as the Armenian genocide from 1914 – 1923. Nearly 1.5 million ethnic Armenians died. It is no wonder they are feeling what they are feeling.
“So do not fear; for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
We pray for comfort, peace, and a revelation from God of His heart for you as a people. We know you are hurting beyond what we can even identify. But, we urge you to turn your eyes towards heaven and the Father who loves you. He is from 'another Kingdom.' — one that is eternal—the one that matters. Men, decisions, and wars are temporary, though painful. We, like you, are only passing through this earth. A better kingdom awaits us.
Our dear friends, so many to mention here… in your grief and as you face the days ahead, look to God and the Kingdom to which you belong. Ask God to enlarge your hearts to forgive. Keep asking God for the breath to breathe. When you don't have words…reach out. He is there. When you care for those around you hurting and without a home, He will give you strength. As you comfort those who have lost loved ones, be the heart and hands of God to them. Sometimes, our hearts are not enough. Let God miraculously love through you. As you look to Him, He can give you the peace and comfort for which your heart is crying.
“Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
Many around the world stand with you in your mourning. You may not hear their voices, but they are there, and they are praying. The Fatherheart of God reaches out to you. He loves you deeply and will restore you.
“May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. May He strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones.”
We love you deeply and God willing, we will meet again.
“...May your hearts live forever!”