From the first steps...

In His Shoes is a mission and a message to bring youth to Christ. It began and evolved out of the Armenian Church Youth Ministries in 2003 when the Fr. Vazken Movsesian, director, challenged young people to define themselves as Armenian Christians. At a retreat in Santa Clarita, California a group of High School and college students met, discussed and charted a mission defined by action. With the guidance of Linda Maxwell and Jose Quintanar, co-directors of We Care for Youth, the group began defining themselves with the In His Shoes metaphor.

The retreat was an exercise in definitions, in understanding one another, establishing a partnership with the world, and most importantly expressing the self.

Looming high in the psyche of every Armenian are the effects of the 1915 Genocide where 1.5 Million Armenians were massacred, deported and systematically annihilated at the hands of the Turks. In light of such a significant and atrocious event, Armenians have been doubly confounded because the crime has never been acknowledged by the perpetrators nor the world community. So strong was the silence of the world that only 15 years after the Armenian Genocide Adolph Hitler comments, "Who, after all, remembers today of the annihilation of the Armenians?" (1933) Follow the list of genocides ever since in Nanking, Nazi Germany, Cambodia, Bosnia, Rwanda, Kosovo (and the list goes on) to today in Sudan.

It became obvious to these young people in contemplation, that the silence needed to be broken, but the real question was how? How could the Armenians possibly effectuate change? How could they bring recognition to their Genocide and prevent future occurrences? The answer was not far away. It was in their faith.

Armenians proclaim themselves as the first Christian nation. Throughout the centuries the Armenian Church, the orthodox guardian of the faith, has defined the Christian expression. For these young people it was necessary to make that expression come alive by reacting to it. In other words, it wasn't enough to claim a Christian background without reacting to it through actions. The very basic principle of LOVE in the Christian gospel became the focal point of this group of young men and women. Was it possible to truly follow the words of Christ by repaying evil with love? Was it possible that make a statement about this despicable act of Genocide by an act of gracious love?

And so, In His Shoes began to walk. Expressed in their words:

We are dedicated Armenian youth committed to Christ's example of unconditional love and compassion. We will bring about a positive change in our communities by providing outreach and services to those in need. We invite all youth to participate in the accomplishment of our mission.

In His Shoes is a mission and a message. It demands that members walk in the shoes of others, to feel the common denominator among all people: pain.

Since the initial retreat, In His Shoes has grown with activities and outreach. In 2003, the Youth Ministries began operating at center across the street from Hoover High. Professor Richard H. Dekmejian (USC) referred to this area as "Ground Zero" - a place that has been forgotten by the Armenian organizations and churches alike. The opportunities to interface with youth are many in Glendale - one of the largest concentration of Armenians outside of Armenia. Here was an opportunity for In His Shoes to live up to its mission. Weekly meetings and gathering gave everyone an opportunity to reach out the local community. But the opportunities needed to extend beyond the local community and so In His Shoes made some bold moves.

In 2004 a group of 35 members of In His Shoes participated in World Vision's 30 Hour Famine. After fasting and prayer their efforts raised over $60,000 to aid world hunger. This was the first test of their mission and it worked! In 1915, Armenians were referred to as 'starving' and today they were feeding others, because of their past, because of their faith and because it was right.

In His Shoes is now expanding. Opportunities are available throughout the USA to organize young people under a common umbrella of compassion and care. An introductory DVD is available for the asking.

For More Information Contact: Fr. Vazken Movsesian or info@hyeyouth.com