Welcome to the Orphanage Ministry of Teen Challenge Armenia, led by the compassionate hearts of Gagik and Lusine Mkrtchyan. Since the ministry’s inception at the end of 2020, we have been dedicated to addressing the deeply-rooted issues facing orphaned children in Armenia.
While there aren’t many orphanages in the country, those that exist do a commendable job in meeting the material needs of these children. They are provided with essentials such as food and clothing, often to a high standard, which is a testament to the kindness and generosity of those involved. May God bless them for their efforts.
However, at Teen Challenge Armenia, we believe that the battle for an orphan’s well-being extends far beyond the material. The biggest adversity facing these children is ‘orphanhood’ itself, a devastating state that deeply affects their mental health and sense of identity. We have realized that no amount of material goods can eradicate the profound sense of loss that being an orphan instills. This is a struggle that can only be alleviated by providing these children with something they yearn for the most – a family.
It is this understanding that guides our unique approach to the Orphanage Ministry. Under the steadfast leadership of Gagik and Lusine Mkrtchyan, we work towards transforming the lives of children who have been tragically branded as ‘lost causes’ by the government. These children, once destined for institutionalization and juvenile jails, are now given a chance to thrive in a loving and nurturing environment.
Our approach is simple yet radical – we aim to cure the affliction of orphanhood by providing these children with a set of parents. Gagik and Lusine, already blessed with five children of their own, opened their hearts and home to another ten orphans. They have dedicated themselves to treating these children with the same love, care, and respect as they would their own. This nurturing approach has reaped remarkable results, with the children now affectionately referring to Gagik and Lusine as ‘dad’ and ‘mom’.
The impact of this familial bond has been profound on the children’s psychological well-being. They have shown significant improvements in their behavioral issues, with many of them slowly shedding the mental struggles associated with orphanhood. They now have a sense of belonging, a family they can call their own, and parent figures to look up to – a transformative experience that has altered their life trajectories for the better.
Our Orphanage Ministry is a testament to the power of love and faith in remedying the deepest wounds. We believe that every child deserves a family, a home, and a chance at a better future. Join us in our journey as we continue to reach those whom no one else reaches, embodying our motto and living out the Christian faith through our actions. Together, we can make an impact and change lives, one child at a time.