2007 Annual Report

"Every year once again..." that is not only the opening phrase of a well-known German Christmas carol, but it could also be said of our annual report, or even of the frequency of Ukrainian elections. Once again in September, preliminary parliamentary elections were scheduled, which would supposedly end the government crisis in Ukraine. Yet the formation of the new government is still not resolved, and the election of the prime minister once again has not happened. It is not such an easy thing to do, since the power struggles between the various political parties and movements in the country have gone basically unchanged. In the western media the election campaigning in Ukraine is overwhelmingly touted as democratic, but if you have a conversation with the people of the country, you hear of the alleged "$25 for a vote" or that members of the medical profession receive some kickback just for holding a positive opinion about a certain party. And in this respect, the individual political groupings once again seem to be completely unchanged.

The outcome for ordinary people is only that they have to make do with the nearly permanent stagnation which is the result. After all, clear down to the lowest civil authority and bureaucrat, hardly anyone dares to make any decisions, mostly due to fear of quickly ending one's career. Moreover the people have enough trouble with dealing with everyday problems. As a relief society, we too have attempted to remedy certain emergency situations and complete other projects. During advent I would like to report about them to you once again.

Relief Transports

As we did last year, we were able to dispatch nine relief shipments of varying dimensions to Transcarpathia in 2007. Transported goods included everything imaginable, such as child carseats and dental equipment.

Christmas parcel drive

Over 3500 children, both big and small, smile from ear to ear when they hold their very own Christmas gift in their hands. It's a wonderful experience for them and really a reason for them to be grateful. We are thrilled to have such a large "Christmas Joy" family, which increases every year. For our 10th Christmas parcel drive we will once again be able to add another village, Fornos. The whole community there is already very excited about receiving gifts from far-away Germany.

Just as in the past, singer/entertainer Gunther Emmerlich of Dresden, and the world champion Nordic combination skier Björn Kircheisen from the Ore Mountain region are backing our "Christmas Joy" parcel drive as prominent supporters.

Thanks to Princess Alexandra of Lippe, we were also able to promote our Christmas parcel drive this year at the Christmas market at Proschwitz Castle near Meissen. Unfortunately upon our arrival we had an accident with a wild boar, which resulted in relatively minor damages, thank God.

Also this year I can report to you once more about a special project for the children of Transcarpathia. Not only have the kids in the youth BIble study group in Hartmannsdorf near Zwickau opted not to accept Christmas gifts this year and donate money to our "Christmas Joy" parcel drive, but they have held bake sales and other fundraising events to raise money for it was well. We are excited to hear any ideas you may have for the Christmas parcel drive for 2008.

Projects and Support activities

Along with our projects described in the information published last June, we can report the following in the second half of the year:

A few days ago an Italian espesso machine began operation in the public youth coffeehouse KRISZ-PONT in Beregszász/Berehovo, and this was paid for by our organization. So now they can serve well-known original coffee specialties and not just "Cappuccino in a jar." Both staff and customers are totally thrilled.

In the mid-year report I mentioned about little Dorina and her successful treatment in a well-known Ukrainian sanatorium. Just by chance, the family of six-year-old József learned about Dorina's story and her successful treatment in that facility. József has likewise suffered from the same muscular disorder since birth. However the treatment there is not cheap, and impossible for the family to cover. Thanks to various donations specially made for this project, we can also send József there. There is a long waiting list of patients for the facility, and so the treatment will only be possible in the new year. We look forward to hearing about the results of József's treatment and progress.

The repair work on the fence of the public playground in Vári was completed. Parts of the fence had to completely replaced. We were able to buy wood for various playground equipment. During the winter months these items will be prepared and then in spring they will be installed. The price of wood is skyrocketing, as are many products in the building trade. We will only be able to continue constructing the playground as far as funds become available. If you would like to support this project, please use the key word "Playground" when you make a donation.

10 Years for the Transcarpathia Benefit Society

We gratefully look back on 10 years of work for the struggling people in Transcarpathia. In addition to the informational trip in May to Ukraine, we observed the anniversary with a celebration in early November in Lengenfeld. As chairman I was able to provide an overview of much from the organization's past, both well known and not so well known, by showing numerous photographs. Among guests who attended were the bishop of the Reformed Church of Transcarpathia, Pastor Sándor Zán, as well as youth pastor Péter Szeghljánik. Background music for the event was provided by the string quartet of the Vogtland regional music school. Moreover, our anniversary was the motivation for a report about the work of our organization in the customer newsletter "Viaduct" published by the Vogtland Savings Bank.

We sincerely thank you for all your support, your interest, your cooperation and involvement, your prayers and your donations in the year 2007.

Without this, all assistance for the people in Transcarpathia would not have been possible. We cannot judge whether our support is large or small, for that which seems minor or insignificant to us may be great and valuable in the eyes of the receiver. And if it is indeed only a so-called "drop in the ocean", it is nevertheless a sign of love and hope, without which our world is impoverished, and which gives us a large amount of interior benefit. It is a sign that others have not been forgotten. And it is once again a chance for us to learn humility and practice gratitude.

We would especially like to thank Princess Alexandra of Lippe as well as Dr. Claus Hipp, Gunther Emmerlich and Björn Kircheisen for supporting our work.

We thank you sincerely for your faithful concern for the people of Transcarpathia and our Benefit Society. We are always amazed that God continues to move human hearts to help other people.

"Man receives infinitely more than he gives. Life is enriched only by gratitude."
Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Evangelical theologian

In 2008 as well we will be able to contribute to the relief of the people of Transcarpathia and ease their problems. By doing so, maybe we will give them a little new hope as well. We meet grateful people and happy, joyful faces. It is worth it! Many shoulders make great burdens lighter. Therefore we ask for you help and support also in the coming year.