Reformátusok Lapja, 1970 (70. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
1970-10-01 / 10. szám
10 REFORMÁTUSOK LAPJA GREETINGS ... MR. PRESIDENT Tenth Anniversary of Dr. John Butosi at South Norwalk, Conn, I feel privileged to be the spokesman for the Synod Council and the Synod on this occasion when the South Norwalk Church honors its pastor, Dr. Butosi, for his dedicated and faithful ministry of ten years in this congregation. It clearly indicates that the leaders and the members love and appreciate him, but perhaps not everyone is aware of the extensive and sometimes unbearable demand the Synod does have on him as its President in addition to the work for his own congregation. He, of course, is the head of the Synod Council and runs it on a “primus inter pares” basis, “first of the equals” which he sometimes must regret, because there hasn’t been a council yet of any sort in which each member would not be individualistic in manner, each eager to make his voice not only heard but also listened to, each eager to have his advice heeded and accepted. Dr. Butosi knows it. It explains his success with our council. Most of his time is taken by the problems of the local churches. Working hours do not suffice to attend to them all. He must sleep and eat with them. It eliminates even a moment of rest. Problems like the request of every vacant pulpit for young candidates from the rank of a very capable but aging clergy. Ordinations and installations demand his presence to make it all official and festive. Denominational Boards and Commissions constantly feed him with new directives to be implemented, carried out. Meetings to attend, countless letters to write and to digest some bitter answers even when he takes his daily meal. Travelings home and abroad keep him mobile, elusive, often out-of-sight, leaving him with little time for his family — much to his and his loved ones’ regret. How can he do it? Only God knows and a little sense of humor also helps. It is true, he weeps with those who weep, that is, taking things seriously. But he also has the gift to reward with a quick and bright smile anything either worth a smile or best to laugh at. His anylytical mind swiftly sorts out what is urgent — what can wait awhile. His heart bent on missional zeals urged him into establishing an ecumenical link between all Hungarians of Reformed faith at home and abroad. He also found time for efforts to strengthen our benevolent institutions and to cooperate in the preparation for a Hungarian presence in Princeton. He is the one President who extended the influence and helping hand of our Synod far beyond our borders and in every direction where Hungarians live and have a church-life. He even took the effort to clarify to all concerned that just because we call him president not a bishop, our synodical fellowship is not some sort of club but the largest Hungarian Reformed group outside Hungary. How can he do all this and many other services? I borrow the answer frcm Kierkegaard, “The more superior a person is, the more he will feel moved to come down to the service of others” (Journals). But perhaps, Dr Butosi prefers these words of the prophet, “Lord, put me to the test and see if I will not open the windows of heaven” (Mai. 3:10). You have John! You have opened those divine windows to the fellowship of our Synod, — to our local churches, — to your own church and to anyone and everyone in need of a fresh breath of air in this spiritually polluted age. And God bless you for it! Now you see how much we know of you and your work. Perhaps, in your sight, it will give weight and true meaning to these customary words: Congratulation and Greetings, Mr. President! Joseph Marsalko HUNGARIANS IN AUSTRALIA As the sun rises in different parts of the world, at all hours it spreads its rays on Hungarians. Even as far away as Australia, we find Hungarian settlements. Between the two wars, only a few hundred Hungarians lived in Australia. Between 1947 and 1951, thirteen thousand Hungarians landed in Australia, and after the 1956 Revolution, eleven thousand went there. If we include New Zealand, there are presently about thirty-five thousand Hungarians living there. These Hungarians usually settled in the major cities where they organized Hungarian churches and clubs. There are eight Reformed or Lutheran congregations and several preaching stations throughout the land. How pleasing it is to know that no matter how far away our Hungarian people may be, they still find each and cling together, preserving their mother tongue and listening to the Word of God together. How far they have gone from their native home but in their hearts they are still Hungarian. JULY 31,1969 *3,870,172 *3,559,113 National Basic Support Income Comparison JULY 31,1970 This is a decrease of 8% compared to one year ago tor the national part of Our Christian World Mission.
