GAMC0941
October 22, 2009

First-ever study tour raises awareness of Jinishian Memorial Program

PC(USA) ministry seeks to improve lives of people of Armenian descent

Contact:
Pat Cole, (502) 569-5172

Photo credit: Jinishian Memorial Program.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Jinishian Memorial Program (JMP), a unique ministry of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), conducted an inaugural study tour of Armenia — the first country to declare Christianity as the nation’s religion — from Sept. 13-24.

JMP is dedicated to improving the lives of people of Armenian descent and “enables Armenians in need to move from poverty and despair to self-sufficiency and hope — through relief, development and spiritual uplift.” The tour raised awareness of JMP’s ecumenical work and sought to inspire people to become advocates and supporters for the program in Armenia.

The program emphasizes a self-help approach and is directly involved in community-based development, delivery of social services and relief projects for thousands of Armenians. Projects include vocational training, micro-loans and community health development.

Study tour participants saw JMP projects in action and had the opportunity to meet program beneficiaries and partner organizations, in addition to learning about Armenian history, culture and politics, the global economy and socio-economic problems in Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh.

One participant of the tour, Mary Pendleton of Virginia, described the essence of the JMP as “ecumenical, sustainable, multi-party focused.” She noted that JMP used engagement and support to achieve goals and then asked those who benefited from assistance to re-engage and give back.

Another study tour is planned in 2010. To learn more, visit the Jinishian Memorial Program's Web site or contact Sara Todd, program manager by email or at (888) 728-7228, extension 5291.

Jinishian Memorial Program was endowed in 1966 by Vartan H. Jinishian, who was born in Turkey of Armenian parents and emigrated to America in the early 20th century. He was a member of both the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and the Armenian Evangelical Church.