Give to Jinishian Memorial Program
JMP enables Armenians in need, especially genocide survivors and their descendants, to move from poverty and despair to self-sufficiency and hope.
What is the Jinishian Memorial Program?
An ecumenical relief and development agency of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), the Jinishian Memorial Program (JMP) "enables Armenians in need to move from poverty and despair to self-sufficiency and hope — through relief, development and spiritual uplift." In 1967 Vartan H. Jinishian’s bequest to the church was made in loving memory of his parents, the Rev. and Mrs. Haroutune Jinishian of Marash, Turkey, to address continued hardships faced by Armenians in need overseas.
JMP is a ministry of the PC(USA)’s Presbyterian Mission Agency and is part of the World Mission ministry area. It is directly involved in community-based development, the delivery of social services and relief projects to thousands of Armenians. It is particularly attuned to the socially vulnerable of Armenian societies, especially the elderly who live without pension support or on very limited income as well as families with children, whose income is below the poverty level. Vocational training, use of revolving loan funds, summer camps and housing assistance have been used.
A Prayer of Hope for Syria
“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.” (Isaiah 41:10)
We trust you, O Lord. You are the solid rock upon which we build our lives, and we pray and ask you to give peace to our hearts, to our country and to the whole world. Peace comes with forgiving and loving. We gain strength by loving each other. We cannot live on this earth without faith, hope and love. Only your promises give us hope and courage during these difficult days.
“And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will restore, support, strengthen, and establish you.” (1 Peter 5:7-10)
Resources: Commemorating the Armenian Genocide
Read a reflection about genocide and justice by a Syrian Armenian pastor, the Rev. Serop Megerditchian. Download Just 0r Unjust Life? A Resource for Reflection.
Read a series from Facing History and Ourselves: "Crimes Against Humanity and Civilization: The Genocide of the Armenians"
Read a history of the Armenian genocide.
Jinishian Jottings
Read the newsletter
Jinishian Memorial Program's informative newsletter for Presbyterian and Armenian congregations and communities offers the opportunity to learn about our work, to hear the stories of the people we serve, and to find out ways to partner with us. We welcome your suggestions for the newsletter on topics of interest to you. Please let us know your address if we do not already have it on file.
Current Issue: Spring 2013
"Find stories of resolve, courage and ingenuity in the face of the tragic, and often unforeseeable, consequences of war. Jinishian has brought compassion where ...
Continue readingChanging Lives at Summer Camp
by Ani Cholakian
Campers enjoying game time. Photo by Ani Cholakian.
Jinishian Memorial Program’s (JMP) summer camps offer poverty-stricken children a positive, fun and safe environment, a respite from their onerous lives. In 2010, JMP Syria organized three summer camps for children from Aleppo, Damascus and Kamishly. More than 100 children ages 9 to 13 participated in the camps. While emphasizing safety and having fun, campers learn life skills, gain independence and make lasting friendships. Among other things, the camps teach children how to cope with stress and anxiety and help build their problem-solving and decision-making skills.
Download a video about the summer camp in Kamishly, Syria
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From left to right: Cynthia White, Carolyn McLarnan and Marie Haratunian visit with a farmer. Photo by Victor Makari.
Jinishian Commission Visits Armenia: Reflections of a Commission Member
by Cynthia E. White, JMP Commission Member, Coordinator, Presbyterian Committee on the Self-Development of People
Armenia is one of the oldest civilizations and the first in the world to officially accept Christianity as its state religion. It is a nation desperately trying to survive, trying to overcome its tragic history. It is a nation fighting for independence, democracy and a brighter future. The spirit of the Armenian people and the nation’s determination create the potential to pull the country out of an endless cycle of mediocrity and on to a course of economic and political growth.
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