Last year Cliff Baxter introduced readers of Catholica to Dr Armen Gakavian, a still youngish graduate based here in Sydney, who has made it his life's work to assist the people of Armenia. He writes, researches and undertakes practical social justice endeavours in support of the long struggle the people of Armenia have been involved in to carve a better place for themselves and their nation in the world. One of the practical endeavours which Cliff and Armen brought to our attention was the situation of one particular family in Armenia, the Nersisyan's, whom Armen has made it his business to assist financially.

Assisting one family might seem like a drop in the ocean compared to all the families in the world who require assistance but I honestly think our support to the Nerisisyan family should be read as something more symbolic in endeavouring to support Armen and his wider endeavours to be trying to make some difference in our world which continues to hunger for social justice on so many fronts.

You can read Cliff's original explanation of Armen's work and our intitial appeal at: www.catholica.com.au/cliffstake/016_ct_110806.php and in January this year Armen himself contributed a commentary to our series on the spiritual perspectives of young people. You can read Armen's commentary at: www.catholica.com.au/specials/youthperspectives/003_yp_010107.php

Dr Gakavian's latest letter…

Dear all,

I am writing to you with a further request from the Nersisyan family in Armenia.

As you may recall, Sona and her husband Vardan have 2 children, Hrach (male) and Arusik (female), as well as an adopted child, Goharik (female). See the attached photo.

Three days ago Hrach, who is 21, informed me that he must undergo medical tests to determine whether or not he is fit to enter the army. According to Armenian law, Hrach is a candidate for exemption from military service, due to the condition of his bones and his recent history of chest infections. However, the military hospital is asking for approximately AU$720 (US$600) for these tests. This amount includes payment for in-patient medical observation, various tests, and that unfortunate 'fee' (it is always a fine line between an official fee and bribe, but it nevertheless needs to be paid to receive the releant services!).

I ask you, once again, to prayerfully consider supporting this family in their time of need. As always, any amount will go a long way.

There are three ways to donate:

1. Transfer your amount to the following bank account (preferred method):
   ANZ bank account #4980-20905.
   BSB #012-327.
   Account name — G, I & A Gakavian
2. Make out a cheque to Armen Gakavian, and post to 16 Acacia St, Eastwood NSW 2122
3. There are also PayPal donation links on the previous appeal pages we have published on Catholica (For example see HERE). You are most welcome to continue to use those facilities if you wish to pay by PayPal or Credit Card and we will pass on any funds received to Armen. Particularly for small donations, the PayPal facility involves bank fees that reduce the effectiveness of your donations on each transfer through the chain to reaching Armen so the best way to ensure your donation does the most good is by direct donation to Armen using the first two alternatives.

Any amount received in excess of the AU$720 / US$600 will be used to meet other needs of the Nersisyan family.

Thanks for taking the time to read this email. God bless you always!

Best regards,
Armen

PS. Twice in 2006, I sent out similar appeals on behalf of the Nersisyan family (see www.catholica.com.au/cliffstake/016_ct_110806.php and www.catholica.com.au/email/0201-0250/201.html). Both times, I was touched by the generosity of dozens of people of all walks of life gave who generously. Once again, your gifts can bring health and fullness to this family! Thank you.
____________________________________
Dr Armen Gakavian
16 Acacia St
Eastwood NSW 2122
Australia
Email: agakavian@nareg.com.au
URL: www.realchange.nareg.com.au

What are your thoughts on Dr Gakavian's endeavours?
You can contribute to the discussion in our forum.