Semi-annual report of 2007

Girl in Bene orphanage

In the last few days, the first half of the year 2007 has already become history, and so we would like to report on news from Transcarpathia, and on our relief efforts and ongoing projects.

Relief transports

We were able to dispatch three relief transports of different sizes in the first half of the year. In addition to things such as eyeglasses, toys and curtains, the transports included tires, adult diapers, baby strollers, welding equipment, a cement mixer, screws of various types, and workers' jackets for wintertime.

Conditions at Site

Barely had we noticed that the situation in Kiev had calmed down, when the political machinery of Ukraine's leadership geared up again. After the latest episodes of confrontation, the President, Prime Minister and Head of Parliament have all agreed to hold preliminary parliamentary elections on 30 September. But Kiev is far away, and for the people in Transcarpathia everyday life is governed by quite other things. A brief glimpse of this was gained by those who recently took part in our study and information trip in May. About half of us were experiencing Transcarpathia for the first time. The rest of us also saw a lot of "new ground". Among the more sobering things we heard were numerous accounts of children disappearing without a trace, and reports that organized crime is evidently behind this. With this sort of background in mind, the Reformed Church has also had to take enhanced security precautions for the summer camps being conducted for children and young people.

Among the things which impressed those taking part in the tour, besides the sincere hospitality and splendid natural surroundings, were the specific programs having to do with the Benefit Society's projects and activities. Thus we made visits to the soup kitchen in Vári and the KRISZ-PONT coffee shop in Beregszász/Berehovo, as well as the orphanage in Bene. The children there receive Christmas presents every year via the local pastor thanks to our parcel drive "Christmas Joy". A little concert by the students at the Vári music school was also performed in our honor, after the Benefit Society had supported that facility in the past by donating musical instruments, sheet music and a copier.

One of the high points of the trip was actually a meeting with our partners on location and various recipients of donations and support. After our festive evening meal together, the individuals and families were introduced by pastor Sándor Zán, and they spoke a few words to us. Some of the comments they used to describe their situation were very moving, and they thanked the Benefit Society for its effective assistance. Alongside little Adam ("A Heart for Adam") the visitors got to meet Márk and little Dorina (read about her "case" below), all of whom we were able to help with their medical needs. Entertainment was provided by the music ensemble of KRISZ, the young people's organization. Two other pastors spoke to us describing their experiences and acquaintance with our "Christmas Joy" parcel drive, and the thrills the children experience time and again when they receive these gifts. For all those taking part it was a most eventful trip, which will certainly resonate with them for a long time.

Notes about our Staff

In a solemn worship service in Beregszász/Berehovo on 21 January 2007, Pastor Sándor Zán was installed as the new bishop of the Reformed Church in Transcarpathia, and he was consecrated for this office filled with many responsibilities. The local Reformed church was filled to capacity for this solemn occasion. Bishop Bölcskei from Debrecen, Hungary, preached at the three-hour service, which was attended by numerous Reformed bishops from Hungary, Slovakia and Romania as well, and representatives of other churches and dignitaries from the secular world also took part in the ceremonies. A special message was read from the president of the Hungarian parliament. Representatives of our Society were included among the official guests.

Bishop proceeding in the local Reformed church of Beregszász filled to capacity

left to right: Bishop Bölcskei, Bishop Zán Fábián, Bishop Emeritus Horkay

Bishop Sándor Zán Fábián at his opening speech

Bishop Dr. István Szabó (Hungary) greets the crowd

Cake in the shape of an open bible -- left page: Philippians 4:4 "Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say, rejoice!" right page: Psalm 100:2 "Serve the Lord with gladness, come into his presence singing for joy"

In May Johannes Müller of Hartmannsdorf near Zwickau concluded his "diaconal year" in Vári, which he had fulfilled at his own initiative. During his nine-month stay he worked especially in the areas of manual and technical work and completed many kinds of jobs within the Vári parish, as well as for the young people's coffee shop KRISZ-PONT, the main gathering place of the Reformed young people's organization, and elsewhere. Both Müller and the parish declared his time well spent there and especially valuable, with both sides reporting many good experiences and gratitude for this opportunity.

Projects and Support Activities

In our reports for 2006, both mid-year and year-end, as well as in our spring appeal of this year, we asked for support to build a public playground for the village children of Vári. Unfortunately, as important as the project is for us, from our point of view, the donations have not been such as to enable us to move ahead with this job at a hefty pace. That is regrettable, because others in the village are interested in building a sort of beer garden on the same property. During our informational trip in May we were able to inspect the site in person.

One of the two outdoor "rocker"

The two spring-mounted sculptures have in the meantime been set up temporarily so the children can use them already, and they do so gladly and frequently. Pastor Sándor Zán was asked early on when the other sculptures for the whole property would arrive. Now the children are delighted about the opportunity to play as they were promised. The construction is progressing at the pace permitted by the time constraints of those in charge at the site, especially with a view to donations earmarked for the project. At this moment we are going on the assumption that the playground will not be able to be completed this year. We still hope for more support and sincerely ask you to solicity for this purpose among your friends and acquaintances. Appeal notices can be requested from us, or downloaded from our homepage.

When wiring funds electronically, please use "Playground" as the key word.

Dorina Martin is a four-year-old girl from the village of Bakta near Beregszász/Berehovo. She suffers from a genetic muscular atrophy. So far the only successful treatment has been in a rehabilitated Ukrainian spa facility on the north side of the Carpathian mountains. This treatment was supposed to be repeated this spring. After the family contributed its own resources, the largest share of the treatment costs were taken over by a local agency of the Gustav Adolf Society Inc. in Baden. But during the nearly half-year waiting time, the price increased and all their plans were in danger of being halted. After consulting with pastor Sándor Zán by phone, our Society covered the open amount on short notice. Those who took part in the informational tour could get a current perspective on the success of the treatment. They were treated to a proud demonstration by Dorina and her family of her newly acquired ability to move.

Dorina Martin and her parents

At the present time we are beginning preparations for our Christmas package drive for children in Transcarpathia for the tenth consecutive year. We will announce it well in advance.
For today we send you our best wishes from Lengenfeld and hope you have a pleasant and refreshing summer season. May God be with you!