Easter Appeal for Darfur

Dear Friends,

It’s finally here. The day we have been waiting for – the day that brings it all together – Easter Sunday on April 24!

Easter Sunday is a day to WITNESS TO THE RESURRECTION of Christ, AND THIS YEAR our witness comes by way of a Resurrected Armenian people. For the past several months we’ve organized events and programs with this day in mind. The “Darkest Day in Modern History” – the beginning of the Armenian Genocide, meets up with the Brightest Day in all of Eternity. And darkness doesn’t stand a chance.

“I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” – John 8:12

Part of our unique witness to the Light includes reaching out to the people of Darfur. If you haven’t had a chance to see our video, “Greetings of Hope” please take a look. It was shown in the refugee camps. As I looked at pictures and videos of Darfuri genocide refugees watching this video, I could only think, what if someone had cared about the Armenian people in 1915? The reality is that we can’t change the past, but we can do something about today.

I’m pleased to let you know, just a few hours ago a group of people in Glendale began the “Fast for Darfur.” It is organized by In His Shoes ministries and this year has participants in Argentina, Brazil, Canada, England, Syria and Armenia. The Fast is intended to bring attention to the Genocide in Darfur, to show our solidarity and to raise much needed funds for humanitarian needs in the refugee camps.

If you’re on our In His Shoes mailing list, I know you’ve received letters and information about our fast. This letter is my personal appeal to you at this Holy Easter Season – please be a witness to the resurrection, by donating to the Fast for Darfur. All donations will reach the refugees. We have partnered with Stop Genocide Now (founder Gabriel Stauring was named In His Shoes 2008 Man of the Year) and monitor the refugee camps on an on-going basis through videos and satellite feeds. The money gets there and it helps.

You can securely donate at our website InHisShoes.org or send in a donation to Armenian Church Youth Ministries, 632 W. Stocker St., Glendale, CA 91202. If you’re interested in doing a matching fund, please write me personally at Vazken@inhisshoes.org

Fasting is one of the key ways we heighten our awareness to the pain of others. We’re committed to this fast and ask that you help us by keeping steadfast in your prayers and remembering the people of Darfur with a donation today.

I take this opportunity to wish you all the blessings of the Empty Tomb! May God’s promise of life and love fill your lives today and always.

-Fr. Vazken Movsesian

P.S. Please join us in a victory celebration Sunday morning with a special Easter Sunrise Service – 8:00PDT at our church in Glendale and on the net at Epostle.net (Broadcast tab).