Armenia 2026 Trip Journal
- Kris Hutchinson
- Jul 28
- 9 min read
Updated: 13 minutes ago
Follow my fourth trip to Armenia alongside a team from the Goshen Baptist Association.
Armenia 2026 Mission Team
By Kris Hutchinson | July 28, 2026 9:23 PM
Almost 48 hours from take off. Here is our full team at our commissioning service on Sunday, July 26.
Arrive at Airport
By Kris Hutchinson | July 30, 2026 7:27 PM
Our team has arrived at the airport, checked luggage and made it through security!
Arrived in Turkey
By Kris Hutchinson | July 31, 2026 3:28 PM
First leg complete. Layover in Turkey!
Team Landed in Armenia!!!
By Kris Hutchinson | August 1, 2026 2:20 AM
We have arrived in Yerevan and packing the bus to head to seminary for some rest.
Sisian Team Heading Out!
By Kris Hutchinson | August 1, 2026 11:59 PM
An emotional afternoon of the Armavir Team and Sisian Team saying their goodbyes (until the end of the week).
Armavir Team Visits Amberd Fortress
By Kris Hutchinson | August 2, 2026 12:08 AM
While the Sisian Team is in transit, the Armavir Team took in local sights.
Here’s Johnny
By Kris Hutchinson | August 2, 2026 12:15 AM
John sitting back taking in the view.
What A View
By Kris Hutchinson | August 2, 2026 12:20 AM
Picture time from atop the wall.
Sunset
By Kris Hutchinson | August 2, 2026 12:24 AM
Great way to end the evening…Word that Sisian team arrived safely. Good friends. Still another awesome view.
A Warm Welcome in Sisian
By Kris Hutchinson | August 2, 2026 8:41 AM
Pastor Vardan and family welcome the Sisian team yesterday afternoon.
A Warm Embrace
By Kris Hutchinson | August 2, 2026 8:45 AM
Nikisha and Hamest greeting each other with a big hug.
7 Promises from God
By Kris Hutchinson | August 3, 2026 9:35 AM
Josue (Louisa BC) bringing the message in Armavir during Sunday morning worship.
Worship in Armavir
By Kris Hutchinson | August 3, 2026 9:40 AM
Our Armavir Team testifying, praying and worshipping.
Jars of Clay
By Kris Hutchinson | August 3, 2026 9:42 AM
Sisian Team on an outing after church to make pottery.
VBS Prep
By Kris Hutchinson | August 3, 2026 9:48 AM
Armavir Team doing some prep for Day 1 of ministry. Let the fun begin!
Sisian Team - Day 1
By Kris Hutchinson | August 4, 2026 12:14 PM
Here is the full team for Sisian. Ready for day 1 of ministry.
Armavir Team - Day 1
By Kris Hutchinson | August 4, 2026 12:15 PM
Here is the full team for Armavir. Ready for day 1 of ministry.
Sisian Dance Party - Day 1
By Kris Hutchinson | August 4, 2026 12:21 PM
One Sisian’s favorite VBS songs always leads to dance party.
Fruit of the Spirit - Armavir Day 1
By Kris Hutchinson | August 4, 2026 12:29 PM
Josue, Marcella, and I leading our own dance party to the Fruit of the Spirit song!
Opening Session - Sisian Day 1
By Kris Hutchinson | August 4, 2026 8:28 PM
Lusine getting the kids prepped.
Meet Marcella - Armavir Day 1
By Kris Hutchinson | August 4, 2026 12:29 PM
Marcella returns as one of our translators with the Armavir team. Year 4 she’s been with us. (And apparently she can hold up Tammy’s head.)
Genesis to Revelation: One Story - Armavir Day 1
By Kris Hutchinson | August 4, 2026 10:00PM
Josue teaching how God has revealed Himself and the Gospel throughout the entire Bible.
VBS - Armavir Day 1
By Kris Hutchinson | August 4, 2026 10:13PM
Day 1 featured Josue’s teaching, making salvation bracelets, a game of Cookie Wiggle, Savannah and Lusene were apparently big FANS of each other (twinsies), Tammy’s testimony, singing Happy Birthday, and Marcella has Jesus on her mind…well her nose…hmm maybe she’s trying to look Him in His wonderful face…
Construction - Armavir Day 1
By Kris Hutchinson | August 4, 2026 10:28PM
John and Rob working on tiling the walls of a shower/bathroom in the downstairs of the Armavir church building.
VBS - Sisian Day 1
By Kris Hutchinson | August 4, 2026 10:49 PM
Day 1 featured Ruth’s teaching, making crafts, planting, games, and apparent Collins being put in the trunk…
Let Me Help With That - Armavir Day 2
By Kris Hutchinson | August 5, 2026 5:33 PM
Hrach’s youngest daughter helping Savannah carry some water to the VBS room for Day 2.
Two Thumbs Up - Armavir Day 2
By Kris Hutchinson | August 5, 2026 9:54 PM
Construction on the shower/bathroom wall tiles is coming along, and John paused to give it two thumbs up!
VBS - Armavir Day 2
By Kris Hutchinson | August 6, 2026 10:09 AM
VBS is at the church today…good teaching, a little lunch, Savannah and our second translator (Nelly), craft and Josue dancing around the room, and group prayer.
Musical Chairs - Armavir Day 2
By Kris Hutchinson | August 6, 2026 10:13 AM
Musical Chairs is one of the best games for Armenian VBS
VBS - Sisian Day 2
By Kris Hutchinson | August 6, 2026 10:23 AM
Excited about another day of VBS in Sisian
Dance Fever - Sisian Day 2
By Kris Hutchinson | August 6, 2026 10:27 AM
Besty taking a break from Refugee Ministry to have a dance party upstairs with the VBS
Kris Has Arrived - Sisian Day 2
By Kris Hutchinson | August 6, 2026 5:40 PM
I have arrived in Sisian to spend the final few days with the Sisian team (and delivered some flowers to Lusine from Mindy and Lois helped pick them out).
Refugee Ministry - Sisian Day 3
By Kris Hutchinson | August 6, 2026 11:24 PM
Lois, Betsy, and Jan getting ready to serve refugee families coming to receive clothing assistance.
The Weight of Sin - Sisian Day 3
By Kris Hutchinson | August 6, 2026 11:26 PM
Yva helping demonstrate the weight of sin which is an object lesson for us to remember what Jesus took on so we didn’t have to carry it.
Salvation Bracelets - Sisian Day 3
By Kris Hutchinson | August 6, 2026 11:29 PM
Making salvation bracelets in Sisian
Praise and Worship - Sisian Day 3
By Kris Hutchinson | August 6, 2026 11:54 PM
Armenians love music and dancing as part of worship.
Hallelujah Everybody - Sisian Day 3
By Kris Hutchinson | August 6, 2026 11:56 PM
Group shot of everyone and their Hallelujah shirts…and being silly
VBS - Armavir Day 3
By Kris Hutchinson | August 7, 2026 12:00 AM
Diane making new friends in Armavir during craft time.
VBS Doubled - Armavir Day 3
By Kris Hutchinson | August 7, 2026 12:08 AM
The second day of VBS at the church doubled in size. What a blessing to reach as many as possible.
Construction - Armavir Day 3
By Kris Hutchinson | August 7, 2026 12:13 AM
Making progress on bathroom…walls almost complete
Afternoon Outing - Sisian Day 3
By Kris Hutchinson | August 7, 2026 12:24 AM
Sisian had opportunity to see a honest harvesting just down the road from the hotel.
Group Photo - Sisian Day 3
By Kris Hutchinson | August 7, 2026 12:33 AM
Here are the ladies of Sisian Team (minus Kim)
Guys Stand Tall - Sisian Day 3
By Kris Hutchinson | August 7, 2026 12:35 AM
Not to be excluded…here are the guys of Sisian Team (except Collins)
VBS - Sisian Day 4
By Kris Hutchinson | August 7, 2026 12:41 AM
Getting warmed up for final full day in Sisian…and Ruth preparing for her role as a fisherman for the Bible lesson.
Break Time - Armavir Day 4
By Kris Hutchinson | August 7, 2026 12:49 AM
John’s “potty break” takes him upstairs to offer some music help!
Simple Truth - Armavir Day 4
By Kris Hutchinson | August 7, 2026 1:11 AM
Teaching the kids Jesus Loves Me
VBS - Armavir Day 4
By Kris Hutchinson | August 7, 2026 7:48 AM
Final day of VBS at the church building
Omemma - Sisian Day 4
By Kris Hutchinson | August 7, 2026 7:52 AM
The Omemma Dance has become a favorite.
Blessed Are The Feet - Sisian Day 4
By Kris Hutchinson | August 7, 2026 1:11 AM
The Bible says “blessed are the feet of those who share the Gospel”. We made feet with the names of people we want to pray for/share Jesus with.
Ways to Follow Jesus - Sisian Day 4
By Kris Hutchinson | August 7, 2026 7:58 AM
For one of the crafts today we made a spinner reminding us of ways we can follow Jesus! Even Pastor Vardan and Nikisha got in on the action.
Hallelujah Armavir style - Armavir Day 4
By Kris Hutchinson | August 7, 2026 8:03 AM
Anyone notice the similarity between me and my friend Josue
Cookie Wiggle pt. 2 - Armavir Day 4
By Kris Hutchinson | August 7, 2026 8:06 AM
This game is really fun. Just look at the faces…
A Little Extra Entertainment - Sisian Day 4
By Kris Hutchinson | August 7, 2026 8:09 AM
Arman and Martin shared their great gifts of singing and playing the drum with us during lunch.
Dance Break Again - Sisian Day 4
By Kris Hutchinson | August 7, 2026 8:15 AM
Everytime we look up Betsy is on a dance break! This time with Ina.
Refugee Team - Sisian Day 4
By Kris Hutchinson | August 7, 2026 8:15 AM
Here are the ladies working with refugees this year. (There are not a lot of photos of the refugee ministry to maintain confidentiality and safety.)
Construction Update - Armavir Day 4
By Kris Hutchinson | August 7, 2026 8:16 AM
Rob and John and Mr. G are getting close!
Just Hanging Out - Sisian Day 4
By Kris Hutchinson | August 7, 2026 8:20 AM
A few of us are just hanging out after lunch.
Food Stuffs - Sisian Day 4
By Kris Hutchinson | August 7, 2026 8:28 AM
These are the bags of food given to each refugee family.
Reunion - Sisian Day 4
By Kris Hutchinson | August 7, 2026 8:29 AM
Nane and me! My shirt is shat poqr - very small - it is a Youth XL…
A Walk To Remember - Sisian Day 4
By Kris Hutchinson | August 7, 2026 8:32 AM
Some of the kids walking us back to the hotel.
Saying Goodbye - Sisian Day 5
By Kris Hutchinson | August 7, 2026 4:12 PM
The Sisian Team did a recap session, gave out some dental kits, and finished with a big Hallelujah before heading back to Yerevan.
House Warming - Armavir Day 5
By Kris Hutchinson | August 8, 2026 9:51 AM
The Armavir Team spent some time at Hrach’s house. And they blessed us with a team photo we took earlier in the week!
Walk Around Town
By Kris Hutchinson | August 8, 2026 9:54 AM
The whole team is back together at the seminary for our final weekend. Josue, Savannah, and I went for a walk around town.
Special Surprise
By Kris Hutchinson | August 8, 2026 8:33 PM
We had a special guest appearance at the seminary from Pastor Vardan and his family all the way from Sisian.
Barber (Pastor) Vardan
By Kris Hutchinson | August 9, 2026 10:50 PM
One of the other surprises of the visit was Vardan (who is a barber also) cut John’s hair.
Together Again
By Kris Hutchinson | August 10, 2026 2:06 AM
After cake and a haircut, the whole team took a photo together and we prayed over them before they traveled back to Sisian.
Out On The Town
By Kris Hutchinson | August 10, 2026 2:25 AM
After Vardan and his family left, we ventured out into Sisian. First stop, Seasons.
Dancing The Night Away
By Kris Hutchinson | August 10, 2026 6:13 AM
After dinner, we checked out what we thought was a market but really was a festival with traditional Armenian folk dancing. Nikisha, Josue and Maggie got in the mix.
Next Up: The Yerevan Cascade
By Kris Hutchinson | August 10, 2026 6:17 AM
Next, we climbed 572 steps to see the city landscape. Here’s the 6 who made it all the way to the top!
Final Sunday - The Goodness of God
By Kris Hutchinson | August 10, 2026 6:26 AM
On our final Sunday, we worshipped together at Brother Asatur’s church in Yerevan.
Blessing Time
By Kris Hutchinson | August 10, 2026 6:31 AM
Josue wanted to bless this man who gave us free ice cream the night before.
Heading Home
By Kris Hutchinson | August 10, 2026 6:33 AM
At the airport to head home.
One Down
By Kris Hutchinson | August 10, 2026 6:34 AM
First leg down. One to go!
Back Home
By Kris Hutchinson | August 11, 2026 5:51 AM
Back at Mineral Baptist Church where friends and family were waiting to pick us up. Another great week. Another great mission. Another great experience. God is good.
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