Consul to Haiti Thanks AMAA For their Relief Efforts

PHILADELPHIA, Penn. — The Honorary Consul to Haiti, in a letter dated January 14, thanked the Armenian Missionary Association of America for mobilizing Armenian Evangelical Churches worldwide to come to the aid of Haitians devastated by a tragic earthquake that hit the impoverished island on January 12.
“I received a copy of the January 13 communication from AMAA headquarters to the Armenian Evangelical Churches urging them to pray for the victims of the Haitian tragedy and to show their solidarity through their gifts,” wrote Albert Momjian, Esq. who represents Haiti in Philadelphia. “I commend the AMAA for taking leadership in their efforts.”
Upon hearing about the plight of thousands of victims whose lives were devastated or lost, the AMAA appealed to the Armenian Evangelical Churches and its members to show their Christian solidarity and provide their moral and financial support.
As a result, over $10,000 was raised in the following few days and was rushed to Haiti through the Wider Church Ministries of the United Church of Christ and Samaritan’s Purse two church related organizations heavily involved in Haiti.
Most touching was the response by Evangelical Churches in Armenia. They raised 250,000 drams — a significant amount considering their resources. This was indeed a thoughtful gesture on behalf of people who had experienced a similar tragedy 20 years ago and who still feel the pain and anguish resulting from the earthquake that hit Armenia in 1988. As he presented their gift, Rev. Samuel Kiragossian said, “we will never forget how the world community came to our aid in 1988.” Kiragossian is the president of the Union of Armenian Evangelical Churches in Armenia.
The fundraising effort continues as it will take many years for Haitians to recover from this tragedy and rebuild their lives. Those who wish to participate in the relief efforts can send their gifts to the AMAA Haiti Earthquake Fund or visit amaa.org.