Semi-annual report of 2005

At this time we would like to share information about the latest news from Transcarpathia, as well as various projects and charitable activities from the first half of the year.

Auxiliary transport

In the first half of the year we were able to dispatch 7 auxiliary transports. This was made possible particularly through energetic support from Péter Szeghljánik, who conducted most of these shipments himself. In addition to eyeglasses, toys, candles and adult diapers, various other commodities were shipped, such as office equipment, space heaters, carpentry machines, tools, good-as-new shoes, tires, child car-seats and bicycles.
Unfortunately we also have to report once again that constantly rising fuel prices in Germany, Austria and Hungary, not to mention Ukraine, have caused transport costs to increase further.

Situation on location

On a village street

President Yushchenko and the new government of Ukraine were awarded a heap of laurels in the western media. We are naturally not able to give details on concrete improvements for the people, but there are some things we would like to enumerate. Many official posts--from mayor to school superintendant--are now occupied by new people. The new officeholders do not always have the appropriate education or training. This impedes or delays many everyday procedures and operations. It remains to be seen whether the change was the right step in efforts to fight corruption. Unemployment has declined slightly, and is now estimated in Transcarpathia at between 80 and 90%. Pensions were raised significantly and are paid on time. There are also reports of some pay raises. However this does not equal in every case the significant rise in costs. Hardly any area is excluded. Electricity, water, natural gas and food are affected, as are building material, gasoline and diesel fuel. The tax on cars was raised, and the cost for the two-year safety check increased tenfold. Mandatory liability insurance was imposed for automobiles nationwide, with the premiums based on the output of the engine. A "green card" for liability insurance for cars in international traffic, must be purchased just as before. At the beginning of this year the state authority of religion, still held over from Soviet days, was abolished. Much praised in the west was the abolition of mandatory visas for citizens of the European Union from 1 May to 31 August of this year. According to information issued by the Ukrainian Embassy in Berlin, it will be decided at the beginning of August whether this special ruling should be extended or controlled, and in what form.

News About our People

Pastor Sándor Zán and his wife Judit are delighted with the birth of their two sons Bálint and Balázs on 24 June 2005, and we give them our sincere congratulations. Pastor Péter Szeghljánik would like to move back to the village with his family. Among the reasons for this is the fact that in the city of Beregszász/Berehovo, the public water supply is often interrupted, sometimes at the worst moment, such as when little Péter needs to bathe or the commode needs to be flushed. Also in that city there is no garden, and thus no opportunity to grow food for the family's own use.

Projects and Support Efforts

The completion of the playground at the Reformed kindergarden at Feketepatak was delayed for several unexpected reasons. At this time the first playground sets have been assembled and the remainder should follow shortly. As a result of last year's donations every child in the state-run orphanage at Ilonca received a pair of winter shoes at the right time of year. Thanks to a generous and lengthy outpouring of support for this project, we decided to buy each child a pair of house slippers as well. At the request of the house management, we delayed this purchase until September, since the children usually go around barefoot in summer.

Brochure for the AIDS and Drug prevention program

In line with our appeal from this past spring, we supported the Drug and AIDS prevention program of the Reformed youth group KRISZ.

We were also sent donations which we forwarded to relieve the storm damage from May in the town of Vári. At the request of our partners in Transcarpathia, we participated by making a donation to purchase a piece of property with a house for a poor family in Vári. The couple and two of their three children live in a dilapidated house (see photo below) in inhuman and often life-threatening conditions. The remainder of the amount donated will be applied to various needy persons in Transcarpathia. Donations for this cause should be labeled "House". .

We will cover the costs of medical operations needed by Márk Oleksij, age 8. Márk was born with most of his fingers and toes fused together and therefore needs several corrective surgical procedures. Any donations for this should be labeled "Mark"

Home of a family in Vári

Lastly, the Benefit Society will finance the purchase of a new electric organ for the parish at Vári. The current instrument, one of the earliest models of the one-time East German brand "Vermona", is over 30 years old.

In April an interested party made initial contacts for possible business dealings with various persons in Transcarpathia.

We will soon begin preparations for this year's Christmas Package Drive for children in Transcarpathia. We will give more information at the proper time.

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