We Need One Another

When I first came to the United States in 2015, my initial assignment was in St. Louis, Missouri.

Before that, I had spent more than ten years serving Armenian communities in France, Switzerland, and Belgium. My daily life was in French. I knew the language, understood the culture, and felt comfortable in my ministry.

Then God opened a completely new door.

Usually, clergy arriving from overseas spend some time at St. Nersess Seminary. They improve their English, learn about American culture, and slowly become familiar with ministry in this country.

That was not my journey. I spent only one day at St. Nersess Seminary. Then I was sent to St. Louis.

I remember wondering, “Lord, how am I going to do this?” My English was limited. Preaching was difficult. Everything felt unfamiliar. I wondered whether I would be able to connect with people and serve them well.

Perhaps you have experienced something similar. Sometimes God places us in situations for which we do not feel ready. A new job. A new responsibility. A new city. A difficult season. We look at ourselves and see everything we are missing.

But God often sees something else.

When I arrived in St. Louis, God surrounded me with people who encouraged me. The people of Holy Virgin Mary and Shoghagat Church welcomed me with open hearts. They were patient when I struggled. They listened when my English was not perfect. They gave me confidence when I was hesitant.

Looking back today, I can see that those people were part of God's preparation for my life and ministry. I could never have imagined then where God would eventually lead me. But He was already working through the kindness, patience, and encouragement of others.

That is why Scripture tells us: “Encourage one another and build each other up” (1 Thessalonians 5:11).

We sometimes underestimate how much our words matter. A few words of encouragement may give someone the courage to continue. A little patience may help someone become stronger. A simple act of kindness may remind someone that God has not forgotten them.

None of us becomes the person God calls us to be entirely on our own. We need God's grace. And very often, that grace comes to us through one another.