Our team took a day off from service to visit the town of Byblos, a city on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. Byblos is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, dating as far back as 7000 BC. We also had the privilege to visit the Bird’s Nest Armenian Orphanage In Byblos. The orphanage’s Director, Samuel Boyadjian, graciously gave us a tour of the orphanage and connected our team with the curator of the “Aran Bezikisn” Museum. The museum expanded our understanding of the Armenian genocide, the plight of Armenian orphans from the genocide, and the compassionate response from various countries in addressing these orphans’ needs.

As I walked the streets of this ancient city, I marveled at the beauty of the architectures created by human hands; and I was also saddened by the cruelty of genocide carried out by human hands. How unpredictable human hearts are! I was comforted by the fact that Jesus is dependable and His love for us never waivers. I praise God that “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”