2018 January 26, FridayThere’s no delayed gift. The gift is timeless. The Bible Society of Armenia has had a wish to distribute the Book of Genesis in Braille last December, as a Christmas gifts to #14 school children in Yerevan. But the visit was been postponed. It was only in January 26, 2018, that we paid the visit, and explained the reason of this delay. Murat, a boy from 6th grade gave us consolation, stating: ‘’There’s no delayed gift, whenever it arrives, it’s always a gift, especially when it comes from God. This kind of gift gives us life, and we are grateful for such kind of gift, which we must kiss; that’s what we have learnt.’’ Then he kissed the book and brought it close to his head front.
Before going to the meeting hall, I wished to visit the school library to see the books, which were given to the school during the past years. I’ve noticed an open book on the table, and I asked Ms Anahit, the librarian, about the book. She told me that it’s the Book of Sirach (a deuterocanonical book), which is used by Gor Hambardzumyan, a 6th grade boy, who visits every day and reads during the long recreation, if you would like to meet him, you can wait here. Gor comes, takes his seat and begins to read the opened page; it was the chapter 11, ‘The Deceptiveness of Appearences.’’ Gor, who also attends music lessons (singing, piano, guitar and violin), reads approximately five different books every month, and in the evenings his sister reads for him. He tells me. ‘’The Bible is the most important and interesting book for me, because first, I believe in God, and secondly, it’s not like the novels or other books. In this book everything is described and said very truly. I like all the books of the Bible equally, but there’s one story which touches me, it is the story of Noah. Noah was a very trustworthy and good person, perhaps he also has sinned as a man, but he trusted in God, and stayed loyal to God. I know that in every person exists goodness, but usually they are not applying it. Recently I’m reading Sirach. It’s very very interesting for me; I find there the picture of our life with all the relations to each other. Please, listen this verse: ‘The wisdom of a humble man will lift up his head, and will seat him among the great. Do not praise a man for his good looks, nor loathe a man because of his appearance. The bee is small among flying creatures, but her product is the best of sweet things. Do not boast about wearing fine clothes, nor exalt yourself in the day that you are honored.’ (11.1-4). It’s not important the external appearance, perhaps someone is ugly, or poor. The important is his inner beauty and richness. A good man always reaches to his dream’’. I was silent… The boy was only 12 years old! We had to go. I was invited to distribute the book of Genesis in 2 volumes to the students.
I cannot describe the moment of the distribution. Areg, Hovhannes, Samuel, Meline and the others are in hurry to touch the books and crying. ‘’O!!!!!!! It’s not one book, they are two.’’ It was also unbelievable the thankful sigh of Mariam after getting the 2 volumes.
Thanks to the German Bible Society.
Thanks GOD!