ARMENIAN LIFE: Artsakhi Refugee Camp

We visited an Artsakhi Refugee Camp in Vayots Dzor Province and delivered winter clothing for the children, warm boots, underwear, quilts and pillow (all brand new) bought from the generous donations of our subscribers and viewers. Thank you so much to all who donated and to those who help in so many other ways.

Syunik NGO is overseeing the refugee camp at the "Siranoush" summer camp of the Vayots Dzor Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church. There are approximately 45-50 children, plus their parents, grandparents and other adults, totalling between 90 and 120 people at the present time (more expected to come in the future). Their needs are great, starting with psychological support, 3 healthy meals a day, warm clothes etc., and that's just in the short term!

URGENT NEEDS FOR THE REFUGEES:

More warm clothes, boots, underwear and quilts. Mrs Mitch is doing a great job of buying exactly what's needed and all items are brand new.

However, we learnt that the building they're accommodated in, doesn't have proper heating, as it was designed as a summer camp.

URGENT NEEDS FOR THE BUILDING:

1. A diesel generator capable of supplying enough power to cope with all of the energy needs. There is no gas supply in this region, so the heaters are all electric, except for some wood burning stoves.
The approximate cost for a very good generator is 8,000,000 AMD
($20,000 USD)

2. Solar panels. We are still uncertain as to how many are needed, but it would probably be more like a solar farm, located across the road, as the roof isn't able to support the weight of so many panels. We are negotiating with Syunik NGO as to the exact requirement and cost.

We must try to understand that fixing a building is a relatively easy task (albeit expensive), but fixing the traumatised minds and bodies of these poor people is a whole other story. It was heartening to see volunteers from Germany and local people doing their best to comfort and love the children and even provide a birthday celebration for one young mother.

HOW TO HELP:

You can contact me (Mitch) directly via my email:
peter@prayforarmenia.com
I will be happy to answer all of your questions.

You can also contact Len Wicks from the Areni Lodge: https://arenilodge.com
Len and his wife, Armine are doing wonderful work in Areni and the Vayots Dzor region.

Syunik Development NGO:
http://syunikngo.am

A WORD FROM OUR LORD:
When asked by one of the Scribes; “Which is the first commandment of all?”

Jesus answered him, “...you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ This is the first commandment. And the second, like it, is this: ‘You shall love your neighbour as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” (Mark 12:28-31)

May the Lord have mercy on our poor Artsakhi brothers, sisters and children and help us to love them as we love ourselves. 🙏

Видео ARMENIAN LIFE: Artsakhi Refugee Camp канала Armenian Life with Mitch