In a culture where young people are still influenced by national traditions, it is difficult for Christian young people to find godly mates. During our recent conference we were NOT matchmaking, we were instructing unmarried Christians about God’s design for biblical families. (Click here to watch the video version)

   They seemed to arrive all at once – scores of young adults, smiling and eager, from many parts of Armenia. We handed out the small gifts when they registered; we gave each one a Christian book about marriage that YOU purchased for them; they were surprised and thanked us shyly.

   As the noise level grew more were arriving than we’d expected! We prayed inwardly that God would bless them and bless our next few days together.  He did!

• They loved the worship
• They listened to the messages
• They followed along in their Bibles
• Many of them took notes
• They asked thoughtful questions
• And they responded to our Scriptural answers

   We had fun, too, of course. 

• We let them show off their talents
• We taught them “Minute-to-Win-It” games
• We introduced them to “corn hole” and, after letting them practice, we held a mini tournament
• And everyone enjoyed the “Mexican Fiesta” night!

   Everything was new for these precious youth, and they responded with delight. Our prayer times were sweet, our worship was unified, and glorious. Our time with these young people was well-spent.

   At one point in the conference, we looked around and realized – THIS is the church of tomorrow in Armenia.  These are the leaders.  What a privilege to serve them, and train them! It was ALL far more than we “could ask or think” – a wonderful conference!

   We taught them topics that including characteristics of a godly man or woman; how to prayerfully select a mate; the Lord’s purpose for marriage; Scriptural roles of husbands and wives and much more.

   Cheri and I want to thank YOU for praying because YOUR prayers were answered. These young people were serious about the messages, they had many questions, and they eagerly interacted with our team of speakers during their free time.

   One young man said, “It’s such a good reminder that the most important thing in life is God. Sometimes we get so wrapped up in just surviving and doing well in class and pleasing our parents that we lose sight of the fact that it’s all about Him.”

   Another young man said, “I was challenged and encouraged to read my Bible in a more thoughtful way… It’s not just a book of stories and rules. It’s about God and what He’s doing, and it is relevant for my everyday life.”

   Regarding Christian dating, the response we repeatedly heard was, “We have never heard this before!” “We have not heard about it in church and we’ve not heard it from our parents.”

   A young woman admitted that she didn’t know what a godly man was. She said, “I thought it was just a guy who goes to church.”

   Another young woman said, “I was afraid to ask my boyfriend about pornography. I’m so glad you guys came and addressed that topic!”

   Several of them asked us to come back next year and teach about God’s design for biblical families because many of their friends couldn’t attend this year.

   Cheri and I are greatly encouraged because the 115 young believers that YOU sponsored, were not only enabled to make their future Christian families stronger, but in the long term, they will make the church in Armenia stronger for decades to come.

   Thank you. Thank you for making this conference happen.  In eternity YOU will see the lives YOU’VE help change. YOU will see how the kingdom grew from this pivotal event.

   God bless you!