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Annual Report 2003 It is good to have someone remain true and faithful at your side, don't you agree? We were able to experience this again in the year now ending--for example with "A Heart for Adam," or our Christmas Package Drive, or with the mini-van for pastor Zán, or … . But more about that later. All the people in Transcarpathia who have received support by means of the Benefit Society, as well as the volunteers, would like to thank you personally, first and foremost being the Auxiliary Bishop of the Reformed Church, Pastor Sándor Zán. We are glad to do this on their behalf. Sincere thanks for your support (which came in many forms), your interest, your prayers and your donations in the year 2003. There are many who have faithfully stood by the Benefit Society and the people of Transcarpathia with both large and small donations, often for years. This is an expression of their gratitude and love toward them, which we are able to continue showing. Many thanks, and may God repay you! We are very happy and grateful that we have not seen a great drop in donations despite the economic picture in Germany, which is not all that rosy. Of course there have been cutbacks in some areas, but we are hopeful that, as in the past, the last days of this year will still bring a few donations to our bank account. We understand this as a tangible miracle of God and are very thankful for all donations still on their way to us. Now we would like to share this report with you and bring you up to date on our work in the year 2003. Transport of Goods Once again we dispatched 12 loads of goods of various types this year. Among things transported were adult diapers, medications, a glucometer, glasses, candles, good-as-new clothing and stockings, tires, computers, several baby carriages, other baby things, toys, curtains, bed linen, bicycles, a jackhammer, various tools, a cement mixer, and a wash basin. The recreation center in Balazsér received a lawn mower, a clothes dryer, and a ping pong table. This facility also received a heating device for its new annex. Christmas Package Drive By the time you read this information we will have reached or exceeded donations for the Christmas Package Drive, as compared with the previous year. Words can hardly describe such a wonderful event, which made us very happy and grateful. Through the uninterrupted generosity of many people in our region of Germany and other areas nearly 2500 children in several villages of Transcarpathia and also at the foster-home in Keresztúr have been surprised by Christmas packages. Prominent support was given to our "Christmas Joy" drive this year by the opera singer/entertainer Gunther Emmerlich of Dresden, and by Björn Kircheisen of Johanngeorgenstadt. The latter has won the junior world championship in cross country skiing several times. I would also like to make special mention of the pupils in the second grade of the Neuber School in Reichenbach in the Vogtland area of Germany. They donated about $35 for the children in Transcarpathia. We desire to see many other such examples among school classes, kindergartens, businesses, clubs, or sports teams. Maybe you will have a good idea for 2004? Personal news As we reported earlier, Péter Szeghljánik had to postpone the completion of his studies at the Bible school in Falkenberg (Germany) until 2004. As soon as all visa formalities are taken care of, he will begin an internship with the young people's society of Saxony, Christian Endeavor Union (CEU). By the end of March he should be trained extensively in the area of youth ministry. He and his wife Kata expect their first baby in April. Conditions on Location Here only a few individual items can be mentioned in detail. It is not possible to give a more comprehensive description in such a small space. On 1 May 2004 Hungary will become a member of the European Union (EU). At that time the boundary of the EU will separate Transcarpathia from its neighbor and motherland. Many rumors are in circulation among the people. In a few months it will be seen what concrete impact it will actually have on their everyday life and whether their fears will be confirmed. There will certainly be a visa requirement for travel to Hungary. This has been in effect since 1 November 2003. Let me add two other items regarding conditions at the site: According to the report issued by the UN Program on Development, the poverty rate in countries of the former USSR has tripled since the 1990's. Also from UNICEF the shocking news that child mortality in many countries of Eastern Europe is twice as high as in Latin America. Contacts/Youth Ministry A special high point of the year was the joint event held by members and friends of the Benefit Society with Pastor Sándor Zán in September in Lengenfeld. There has been good progress in the partnering relationship between the CEU of Saxony and the Reformed Society for Young People (KRISZ). The CEU camp for teenagers and young adults at the end of August in Transcarpathia was once again a great experience for all participants. Many people returned home with deep impressions and long-lasting memories. Wouldn't that be interesting for young people in your own community as well? Information about the next camp is available by inquiring at the Saxon CEU or the Benefit Society. In conjunction with the "Year of the Bible," the CEU initiated a program of "Bible sponsors." German sponsors have so far donated over 2000 Hungarian Bibles in a good, current translation to young people in Transcarpathia. This program is ongoing even now. Projects and Funding Donations collected for the program "A Heart for Adam" at the start of this year were valuable in helping the family of the little boy, as these paid for all the costs resulting from the four heart operations of young Adam. At the end of October, a few days before his first birthday, I was finally able to visit Adam personally. I found him to be a happy child who is just starting to attempt his first steps on his own feet. There are no external signs of what he has already been through in the first few months of his young life, thanks be to God. The Ukrainian authorities are in the process of issuing documents which acknowledge the lowest level of disability for Adam. The startup of the sunflower press was delayed because of harvest conditions. As late as October the moisture content of the sunflower seeds was too high to obtain a proper oil from them. We will report on the working of the press at a later time in more detail. During my stay there at the end of October we "discovered" by chance a vehicle trailer which could be used to transport the press to different villages. All offers previously tendered had been too costly. But this time the purchase price was "just right." Since then the formalities relating to the purchase of the unit were completed. Plans to build a playground area in the Reformed Kindergarten at Feketepatak will be assessed in the near future regarding their feasibility and modified slightly as needed. In addition, depending on the weather, preparation work will begin on the property. At the same time, over the winter months the playground equipment will be prepared by craftsmen of the Feketepatak region. There has been a big problem with the acquisition of wood for heating. Impoverished families in the community of Vári received firewood for the winter last year at no charge through our financial assistance. For $35 a family at that time could be provided with firewood for the entire winter. It cannot yet be estimated how the price situation will evolve this year due to a shortage. The procurement of coal is not any easier despite the higher price. People in villages which are linked to the natural gas lines often complain about changes in pressure. Electrical outages occur repeatedly as of late also. In May of this year we asked you for support in obtaining a mini-van for Pastor Sándor Zán in Vári. We were overwhelmed, full of joy and deep gratitude at the way others have reacted so far. A friend of our organization arranged the purchase of a 3-year-old well-maintained VW-Minibus for an excellent price. Thanks to two loan offers the vehicle could be purchased at the end of July and driven by Sándor Zán to Ukraine. Many people have contributed their "widow's mite" to the substantial purchase price, despite all odds. In the past few days, Pastor Zán was able to sell his old bus. The proceeds will naturally flow into the donation account as well. Over two-thirds of the resulting costs have come in thus far. One loan is supposed to be repaid by the end of this year. We are hoping that donations amounting to $4000 will pay for the other loan by summer of 2004. Perhaps you have ideas, contacts or connections which could be helpful. Donations should be sent under the key-word "Bus." There is no way we can mention all our activities in this space. For instance, we will get requests for a certain medication, or for help with the schooling costs for a young girl from Transcarpathia at a German-Hungarian school in Bavaria. All these things and many more, including the transportation and additional costs, require money. For this we need your help and ask you very sincerely for your support in the coming year of 2004. Please let others in your community know about the work of the Benefit Society. Many shoulders make the workload lighter. And I would like to give you this quote to take with you into the new year. "The more you give, the more you notice how little you really need." Try this saying out for yourself! A version of this report WITH pictures is available in german.
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Annual Report 2003

It is good to have someone remain true and faithful at your side, don't you agree?

We were able to experience this again in the year now ending--for example with "A Heart for Adam," or our Christmas Package Drive, or with the mini-van for pastor Zán, or … . But more about that later.

All the people in Transcarpathia who have received support by means of the Benefit Society, as well as the volunteers, would like to thank you personally, first and foremost being the Auxiliary Bishop of the Reformed Church, Pastor Sándor Zán. We are glad to do this on their behalf. Sincere thanks for your support (which came in many forms), your interest, your prayers and your donations in the year 2003.

There are many who have faithfully stood by the Benefit Society and the people of Transcarpathia with both large and small donations, often for years. This is an expression of their gratitude and love toward them, which we are able to continue showing. Many thanks, and may God repay you!

We are very happy and grateful that we have not seen a great drop in donations despite the economic picture in Germany, which is not all that rosy. Of course there have been cutbacks in some areas, but we are hopeful that, as in the past, the last days of this year will still bring a few donations to our bank account. We understand this as a tangible miracle of God and are very thankful for all donations still on their way to us.

Now we would like to share this report with you and bring you up to date on our work in the year 2003.

Transport of Goods

Once again we dispatched 12 loads of goods of various types this year. Among things transported were adult diapers, medications, a glucometer, glasses, candles, good-as-new clothing and stockings, tires, computers, several baby carriages, other baby things, toys, curtains, bed linen, bicycles, a jackhammer, various tools, a cement mixer, and a wash basin.

The recreation center in Balazsér received a lawn mower, a clothes dryer, and a ping pong table. This facility also received a heating device for its new annex.

Christmas Package Drive

By the time you read this information we will have reached or exceeded donations for the Christmas Package Drive, as compared with the previous year. Words can hardly describe such a wonderful event, which made us very happy and grateful.

Through the uninterrupted generosity of many people in our region of Germany and other areas nearly 2500 children in several villages of Transcarpathia and also at the foster-home in Keresztúr have been surprised by Christmas packages.

Prominent support was given to our "Christmas Joy" drive this year by the opera singer/entertainer Gunther Emmerlich of Dresden, and by Björn Kircheisen of Johanngeorgenstadt. The latter has won the junior world championship in cross country skiing several times.

I would also like to make special mention of the pupils in the second grade of the Neuber School in Reichenbach in the Vogtland area of Germany. They donated about $35 for the children in Transcarpathia. We desire to see many other such examples among school classes, kindergartens, businesses, clubs, or sports teams. Maybe you will have a good idea for 2004?

Personal news

As we reported earlier, Péter Szeghljánik had to postpone the completion of his studies at the Bible school in Falkenberg (Germany) until 2004. As soon as all visa formalities are taken care of, he will begin an internship with the young people's society of Saxony, Christian Endeavor Union (CEU). By the end of March he should be trained extensively in the area of youth ministry. He and his wife Kata expect their first baby in April.

Conditions on Location

Here only a few individual items can be mentioned in detail. It is not possible to give a more comprehensive description in such a small space.

On 1 May 2004 Hungary will become a member of the European Union (EU). At that time the boundary of the EU will separate Transcarpathia from its neighbor and motherland. Many rumors are in circulation among the people. In a few months it will be seen what concrete impact it will actually have on their everyday life and whether their fears will be confirmed. There will certainly be a visa requirement for travel to Hungary. This has been in effect since 1 November 2003. Let me add two other items regarding conditions at the site: According to the report issued by the UN Program on Development, the poverty rate in countries of the former USSR has tripled since the 1990's. Also from UNICEF the shocking news that child mortality in many countries of Eastern Europe is twice as high as in Latin America.

Contacts/Youth Ministry

A special high point of the year was the joint event held by members and friends of the Benefit Society with Pastor Sándor Zán in September in Lengenfeld.

There has been good progress in the partnering relationship between the CEU of Saxony and the Reformed Society for Young People (KRISZ). The CEU camp for teenagers and young adults at the end of August in Transcarpathia was once again a great experience for all participants. Many people returned home with deep impressions and long-lasting memories. Wouldn't that be interesting for young people in your own community as well? Information about the next camp is available by inquiring at the Saxon CEU or the Benefit Society. In conjunction with the "Year of the Bible," the CEU initiated a program of "Bible sponsors." German sponsors have so far donated over 2000 Hungarian Bibles in a good, current translation to young people in Transcarpathia. This program is ongoing even now.

Projects and Funding

Donations collected for the program "A Heart for Adam" at the start of this year were valuable in helping the family of the little boy, as these paid for all the costs resulting from the four heart operations of young Adam. At the end of October, a few days before his first birthday, I was finally able to visit Adam personally. I found him to be a happy child who is just starting to attempt his first steps on his own feet. There are no external signs of what he has already been through in the first few months of his young life, thanks be to God. The Ukrainian authorities are in the process of issuing documents which acknowledge the lowest level of disability for Adam.

The startup of the sunflower press was delayed because of harvest conditions. As late as October the moisture content of the sunflower seeds was too high to obtain a proper oil from them. We will report on the working of the press at a later time in more detail. During my stay there at the end of October we "discovered" by chance a vehicle trailer which could be used to transport the press to different villages. All offers previously tendered had been too costly. But this time the purchase price was "just right." Since then the formalities relating to the purchase of the unit were completed.

Plans to build a playground area in the Reformed Kindergarten at Feketepatak will be assessed in the near future regarding their feasibility and modified slightly as needed. In addition, depending on the weather, preparation work will begin on the property. At the same time, over the winter months the playground equipment will be prepared by craftsmen of the Feketepatak region.

There has been a big problem with the acquisition of wood for heating. Impoverished families in the community of Vári received firewood for the winter last year at no charge through our financial assistance. For $35 a family at that time could be provided with firewood for the entire winter. It cannot yet be estimated how the price situation will evolve this year due to a shortage. The procurement of coal is not any easier despite the higher price. People in villages which are linked to the natural gas lines often complain about changes in pressure. Electrical outages occur repeatedly as of late also.

In May of this year we asked you for support in obtaining a mini-van for Pastor Sándor Zán in Vári. We were overwhelmed, full of joy and deep gratitude at the way others have reacted so far. A friend of our organization arranged the purchase of a 3-year-old well-maintained VW-Minibus for an excellent price. Thanks to two loan offers the vehicle could be purchased at the end of July and driven by Sándor Zán to Ukraine. Many people have contributed their "widow's mite" to the substantial purchase price, despite all odds. In the past few days, Pastor Zán was able to sell his old bus. The proceeds will naturally flow into the donation account as well. Over two-thirds of the resulting costs have come in thus far. One loan is supposed to be repaid by the end of this year. We are hoping that donations amounting to $4000 will pay for the other loan by summer of 2004.

Perhaps you have ideas, contacts or connections which could be helpful. Donations should be sent under the key-word "Bus."

There is no way we can mention all our activities in this space. For instance, we will get requests for a certain medication, or for help with the schooling costs for a young girl from Transcarpathia at a German-Hungarian school in Bavaria. All these things and many more, including the transportation and additional costs, require money.

For this we need your help and ask you very sincerely for your support in the coming year of 2004. Please let others in your community know about the work of the Benefit Society.

Many shoulders make the workload lighter. And I would like to give you this quote to take with you into the new year.

"The more you give, the more you notice how little you really need." Try this saying out for yourself!

A version of this report WITH pictures is available in german 452kb .

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