New Missions Trip

As most of you know, Pastor Joseph Hovsepian will be going to Armenia for his third missions trip (this time with his wife Jessie), from August 22 to September 11. Since last year's visit to Yerevan and surrounding villages, there has been a lot of outreach activity in Armenia, much of which we have tried to regularly report to you through the Temple News, our website, Facebook, etc.

Distribution of the Eastern Armenian translations of our tract, What Are You Searching for?, and Pastor Hovsepian's book, God's Workshop, is still going strong. Of course, this material is costly to print so your gifts are always greatly appreciated. If this is a ministry you feel passionate about, you can make a difference with your special donations.

Another way you can help, if giving money is difficult, is to donate items that would be useful to struggling families in Armenia. The Hovsepian family will be shipping a container of godds in a few months and are collecting kitchen items, school supplies and clothing.

Besides what is already on our church website, updates on the Armenian missions trip and other projects Pastor Hovsepian is working on will soon be available at this new website: www.josephhovsepianministries.com

Mission Update: Armenia

I send greetings to our brothers and sisters—our dear friends—in Armenia. It took a visit to that country and seven months for the book God’s Workshop to be re-born in Eastern Armenian. On April 22, the new translation of the book, Asdzo Arestanotse, was presented to about 170 leaders and others at a special dedication service at the Armenian Brotherhood Church of Yerevan.

Five thousand copies were dedicated to God and to His service. I had the privilege of sending a short video message that was presented to those who attended the celebration. The following is the English translation of my message to them:

My dearly beloved brothers and sisters, “we always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all the saints.” (Col. 1:3-4)

When, for the first time, my wife and I came to Armenia, we didn’t for one moment imagine that God had His own plans for us. You, dear brothers and sisters, indicated your desire to have my book, God’s Workshop, translated into Eastern Armenian because you wanted to use it as a tool to reach many, to help them in their spiritual journeys. I felt that it was God’s voice speaking to me through you.

And here we are now. Today, 5,000 books are ready to be used for the glory of God. I express my heartfelt appreciation to all those who helped make this happen. May God bless you richly.

Dear members of the family of God, my wish is that this book may help you in your spiritual growth. Also, by giving this book to others, you will help them find Jesus and His salvation, and in that way you would have obeyed our Lord Jesus who said, “Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I
have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20)

Dear brethren, your monetary gifts will be used only in Armenia, for the spreading of His Word and for His glory. And, with your help, many will find Jesus, the spring of Living Water.

May God bless you all and may His peace fill your hearts.

Since the celebration, I have received many calls and e-mails expressing joy about the printing of the books, and all the comments have been very positive and encouraging.

Pastor Joseph Hovsepian

To view a video of the celebration event, combined with photos and the message from Pastor Joseph, please visit http://vimeo.com/40821759.

Update on 'God's Workshop'

Although there are nearly 9,000 km between Montreal and Armenia, we have been working closely with out brothers and sisters there to support the outreach and evangelism work being done in Yerevan, Spitak and other surrounding villages.
Recently, 100,000 copies of the Eastern Armenian version of "What Are You Searching For?" were printed and are quickly being distributed.

As well, the Armenian translation of Pastor Joseph's book, "God's Workshop", is in the process of being printed and, within the next couple of weeks, free distribution of the 5,000 copies will begin. If you would like to support this outreach through sponsorship, please speak to Pastor Joseph.

Roots

This five part video is about Armenians from around the world.

* http://youtu.be/URkj_rZbsfg - Part 1

* http://youtu.be/pNhRlnHSOVA - Part 2

* http://youtu.be/-NC4efl2z84 - Part 3

* http://youtu.be/mtgUjqM_rSI - Part 4

* http://youtu.be/mtgUjqM_rSI - Part 5

It's HERE!!!!

We have anxiously been waiting for the translation of "God's Workshop" and it is ready for printing.

How exciting. Here's a sneak peek of what the book cover looks like.

We thank God for the hard work of the team at the local Campus Crusade for Christ International staff in Yerevan.

God's Workshop Update

The translation and production of Pastor Joseph Hovsepian's book, God's Workshop, in Armenian is almost complete! The brethren there are eager to have the book in their hands so please pray that the final stages of design, proofreading and printing will go well.

One of the endorsements that will appear on the back cover of the book is by Vardan Bibulyan, the team leader of Campus Crusade for Christ in Armenia. He writes:

Now that Yerevan has been declared the national capital of books, it is a great joy to see among all the other books Hovsep Hovsepian's Asdedzo Aresdanotse (God's Workshop) on the bookshelves of Armenian readers. The book's short and clear messages help the reader to better understand the Word of God and evaluate their Christian attitude and life.

This book will take the reader into God's workshop where the Holy Spirit, using these God-breathed messages will revive the reader. I congratulate Hovsep Hovsepian on his first Armenian book publication and I wish for a victorious journey.

This book will be given out for free in Armenia and surrounding countries because the poverty of the general population would prohibit them from purchasing copies - and we really want to put the book into as many hands as possible.

If you would like to support this endeavour, please speak with Pastor Joseph or make a special donation to "Armenia - Books".

Testamonies From Armenia

His Child Forever

By Sveta Mazmanyan (from Spitak)

“The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made.” (Psalm 145:9)

I’ve been a believer for the past 30 years. The Lord has been my hope and my happiness. I have seen many miracles and experienced many blessings in my life. The fact that I’m alive is only for the glory of God.

On September 17, 2011, in Spitak at Tapalu River, 24 sisters and brothers were gathered to be baptized. When I saw them coming toward us all dressed in white, I could also see the Lord Jesus coming, alive and real, with His arms open. I was so filled with joy that I thought I was in heaven.

Thirty years ago, when I repented, I saw the same thing: that Jesus was coming toward me with open arms. Since that day I live for my Lord to bring lost souls to the Lord to repent from their sins. I am His child forever.

Saved By the Name of Jesus

By Levson Sharbatyan (from Stepanavan)

“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Acts 2:21)

Levson (right)

A few days ago we decided to go to the forest with my two horses and buggy to bring wood for the winter. We loaded as much wood as my buggy could hold. On our way back, it started snowing unexpectedly and the road became very dangerous. 

 

My friends, who are unbelievers, were afraid and started complaining. We were travelling very slowly toward the village. We arrived at a crossing where it was impossible to go through. The horses and the buggy started sliding toward the ditch and we could not see a way out.

My friends all cried out from fear but I called out the name of the Lord Jesus and a miracle happened. Just a metre away from the ditch, somehow the horses started running straight and got away from the danger. Farther away we stopped and looked at each other in amazement. I told them that the name of Jesus saved us.

We praised the Lord for bringing us safely to our village. We told everyone in the village of the miracle that was done though His name. I believe in His Name who is my God and my Lord.

Update from Arayik & Nelli

This excerpt is taken from the December 2011 Temple News.

Yerevan, ARMENIA

[Early November] I wish we could communicate daily. There are so many things I would like to share with you about the work here.



Pastor Joseph & Arayik



Many new believers in Spitak and Stepanavan have been pleading and even insisting to be baptized, asking me why they were not baptized before; they were actually hurt. I told them they will be baptized next year. And now there are some young people who came from Russia and they want to be baptized. Those who were baptized [in September] have been sharing with others and telling them about their experiences and how God is blessing them, so now many others want to make that commitment and be baptized. Well, we will see what is the will of our Lord.

I made many copies of the DVD of the baptismal service (when you were here) and I am giving them to the people. The response has been so great.

I want to give you a very special thank you from me and from all the believers here for your guidance and the baptismal service while you were here; they all are shaken by that event. All those whom you met here in Armenia send you their greetings. Those whom you visited send you their greetings.

Brother Joseph, the 50,000 tracts have been distributed already to churches and individuals. All the brethren are very happy to distribute them. They love them. I believe we must print more, that is, if you are willing.

Snow has already come here and it is very difficult in the winter to go to Spitak and other villages without snow tires. I was in Spitak the other day and I was afraid that I wouldn’t be able to return home. But with God’s help we safely arrived home the next day. I have a request, Brother Joseph. Can anyone help us purchase snow tires? Without them I am afraid I won’t be able to go to Spitak and Stepanavan.

May God’s peace and blessings be on you all. Please give my greetings to the brethren in your church. We are always praying for you.

[Late November] First and foremost, I thank those who sent money to help us purchase snow tires. May the Lord bless them.

I went to Stepanavan and Spitak November 8 to 10. We had worshipful fellowship at both places. Those who were baptized recently and those who had been baptized earlier participated in a communion service.

In Spitak, I visited a family that was baptized this year in Jrashen village. While visiting this family, their uncle, named Hrach, 50 years old, was visiting them. When he heard that we were believers, he started talking against all believers. While he was talking, I was praying silently for him.

For the next forty minutes I talked to him about the deliverance of our Saviour Jesus Christ. He said, “I want to be a believer like you.” After ten minutes, with tears running down his cheeks, he accepted Jesus Christ as his Saviour and he said, “Peace came over me.” I gave him the Bible and he promised that he will read the Word and will change his way of life. Please pray for this young believer. Thank you.

Beloved, all our believers send their greetings. May God richly bless you. We miss you and are always praying for you.

Arayik and Nelli S.

Spreading God's Word in Armenia

Khor Virap Monastery

Recently, we reported about increasing restrictions on evangelizing and witnessing in Armenia. Despite opposition, believers there are eager and courageous in sharing their faith.

What's exciting for us at Temple Baptist Church is the opportunity to be part of the spreading of the gospel in Armenia. Thanks to the support, generosity and prayers of our members and friends, we have been able to help some of the believers, churches and workers there. But there is much more to be done!

Video of our trip to Armenia

A video of our trip to Armenia is available for you to view and share with others.

http://vimeo.com/32803032.