Growing Together

JANUARY 22, 2026 ~ LUSINE MELKONYAN

In Armenia, the local Kids Club has been a place of growth, support, and faith since 2004. The program meets in the church building each week and serves 45 children between the ages of 6 and 18, reaching a total of 70 families—225 people in the community.

More than just an after-school gathering, the Kids Club provides clothing, school supplies, hygiene items, food, and even medical support to children and their families. Camps, home visits, and a variety of weekly activities are also part of the program.

 

Kids at a VBS at the center in Yerevan

 

In a community facing economic hardship and ongoing emigration, a place like Kids Club is essential. It offers stability, teaches children about God’s love, and helps them grow into confident, capable young people who can positively impact their surroundings.

Over the years, the seeds planted in these children’s lives have borne remarkable fruit. Many who once attended the Kids Club have now graduated and serve faithfully in the church and in the center itself. They are leading Bible lessons, helping with events, and caring for the next generation—continuing the cycle of love, faith, and service that shaped their own lives.

Keep reading for a story that highlights the long-term impact these centers are making.

 

Lina

 

Liana – A Place That Became Family

 

Q: What ages did you attend the school?
Liana: I started attending our Kids Club when I was very young. I don’t remember exactly how old I was—maybe around 7 or 8 years old—because it feels like I’ve known it forever.

Q: What’s your favorite memory from school?
Liana: One special day was all about Spain, and our pastor Trino made delicious spaghetti with sauce. I still remember that amazing taste—it was the best I had ever tried!

We also had these awesome camps, and I truly cherish every memory from those days. Another great memory is worship classes in a small apartment—it was so much fun, and we still sing that song together in our Kids Club.

Q: Who was the most impactful person for you at school?
Liana: I don’t really have just one leader who influenced me the most. Instead, every leader I’ve had has left a special impact on me. From each of them, I’ve learned something valuable and taken the best parts of their example.

What stands out to me the most is that I saw Jesus reflected in all of them—their kindness, patience, and love showed me what it truly means to follow Him. Their example has inspired me to grow in my faith and to serve others with the same heart.

Q: How did the school impact your faith?
Liana: That place truly shaped who I am. I honestly can’t imagine my life if I hadn’t gone there. That’s where I first learned about Jesus and experienced His love firsthand.

I saw how close He really is and discovered a way to communicate with Him personally. I understood that He’s not far away, but right here with me. That experience didn’t just shape my faith—it shaped me as a person.

Q: How did the school prepare you for serving?
Liana: This place showed me what it truly means to serve and how to reflect Jesus in every step I take.

As I grew up here, I not only learned what serving children looks like, but I also experienced it firsthand. I saw many examples—some were wonderful, and others were things I didn’t like as a child. Now, as a grown-up, I avoid focusing on what I disliked and instead hold on to what is positive and meaningful.

Q: Where or how do you serve now?
Liana: I serve in the kids’ ministry, which is really close to my heart. I love working with the children and helping them grow.

Besides that, I also assist during Sunday services and help out with the media team. Sometimes, as needed, I step in to support other ministries as well—but working with kids will always be my favorite.

Q: Why do you serve?
Liana: I serve to grow closer to Jesus and deepen my faith. I truly believe that those who serve are blessed even more than those they serve.

Through my involvement in ministry, I see myself growing in faith and taking important steps in my spiritual journey. Serving also gives me the opportunity to share God’s love, show who He is, and help others know Him better—because that’s what He has called us to do.


This story taken from the latest issue of NCM Magazine—click here to keep reading and hear from two more young adults who once attended the Kids Club and now serve as leaders, continuing the cycle of support they received.