Semi-annual report of 2011

We’re in the middle of summer. Many are already traveling or will start their vacation shortly. It’s time again to tell you some news from Transcarpathia and to inform you about our relief efforts from the first half of the year as well as ongoing projects.

Relief transports

We were able to dispatch 3 transports of various dimensions in the first half-year with a variety of relief goods. Among articles shipped were bicycles, eyeglasses, adult diapers, guitars and a complete hose wagon for a fire department.

The spike in fuel prices has been clearly noticeable. Not even Ukraine is spared from this. On the contrary, in Germany a price of €1 per liter is relatively good, but a price like that threatened the existence of many people in Transcarpathia in light of spring planting of the fields. When you consider that for an average monthly income of €100, this corresponds to 100 liters of diesel. Assuming monthly earnings of €1,000 in Germany, those 100 liters would be the equivalent of €10 per liter (which would be roughly $50/gallon in the USA)!

Projects and support efforts

In the meantime, József runs about at home in his yard on his own with the aid of a cane. Since about the start of the year he gets massages and speech therapy every week in Beregszász/Berehovo in addition to the three treatments annually in the specialty clinic in Truskavec. We are asking for donations for his future treatments to be sent to our account with the key word: Josef.

The work with the handicapped children in Beregszász/Berehovo has expanded. After a very positive report about this project appeared in a newspaper and a radio broadcast, there were several requests for help. Now the therapy takes place every day of the week instead of on just 3 days. However skyrocketing fuel prices are creating problems here also. Not all parents can bring their children to treatment at Beregszász/Berehovo any longer. A van could bring volunteers to transport the handicapped, and one could be borrowed from Hungary by the Reformed Church, but it must come up with the money to pay for fuel and the driver’s wages.

Anyone wanting to support this important work is welcome to do so. Money can be wired under the keyword: Handicapped work

The medications situation today is getting worse than ever previously estimated. Church officials have a fund for “lifesaving help”. From this supply of money for example, support was given for cancer treatment of a young woman as well as for helpers who assisted with the delivery of two babies. After the money was exhausted in the first half of the year, we helped with our support.
At the moment we now have a third request for help with a hepatitis infection. In two cases we were able to provide help, including to a boy from Halábor.

We also gave financial support in building a daycare center for handicapped boys in Hetyen.

On 4 April 2011 there was a chimney fire in the Hetyen parsonage. About one-quarter of the roof was destroyed and a furnished room in the attic was damaged. Fighting the fire resulted in water damage that was worse than the fire damage. Here also we helped the pastor’s family.

The garage is almost finished for the vehicle acquired last year by the Reformed Fire Department in Dercen. The only thing left is for the gate to be insulated and the floor to be installed.
The hose wagon (shown above) from Lengenfeld was inspected prior to transport and given an official safety certificate. It passed through customs in the meantime and must now be registered with the police.

The music group of the Reformed Youth club KRISZ urgently needs a van for its work. Technical equipment, instruments and members of the group are to be transported to various events all over Transcarpathia. We provide support to this work.

For today we send our sincere regards from Lengenfeld and best wishes for a beautiful and relaxing summer. May God be with you.