Bethlen Naptár, 1958 (Ligonier)
Highlights in Hungarian Life…
236 BETHLEN NAPTÁR In Austria where recently as many as 6,000 Hungarian Reformed Christians resided, the organization has changed. The World Council has given this work over to the Austrian Evangelical Church, cutting off the former Hungarian effort. The present work is directed by a “Consistory” whose members are delegates of the Austrian Evangelical Church, the representative of HEKS and the Hungarian pastors. In Paris Imre Kulifay continues his labors as leader of organized Church life to nearly 4,000 people. Many of these would gladly emigrate and others are scattered throughout the country, making pastoral work difficult. In Hungary about 1,000 people are served by Stephen Tuski who is aided by Dr. Louis Jakos. They are aided by seven other workers. This is recognized as independent work by the native Churches. Work among Hungarians is aided by the Admiral deRuyter foundation which aids literary endeavor as well. Here the monthly “Come Ye All” which was first published in Austria in 1948 by Dr. Andrew Harsanyi and John Koppancly is now published. The 7th issue of the 10th year has now appeared. The publications committee included Alexander Kibedy Varga, Jr., Nicholas Toth, Stephen Tuski and Joseph Vegh. Work in Germany is centered in Munich, is led by Rev. Zoltán Czegledy and other committee members include Dr. Zoltán Zayzon, Dr. Geza Czanik and Geza Tatar. Service to 4 to 5,000 Hungarians is carried out by 6 pastors and one deacon. In Switzerland there are 2,000 people under our care. Rev. Joseph Lemesi is aided by a new arrival, Rev. Victor Segesvary. They serve every Lord’s Day in Geneva and Basle as well as 16 other places on occasion. Dr. László Kupa and Dr. Joseph Kruzsely, older residents, also continue their service. The past months brought about organizational changes too. Because of denominational affiliations and loyalties the World Federation never fully achieved its goals. Without independent sources of funds it was unable to do the work it should have done. Because of these facts the effected units met at the end of June, 1957, in Geneva to make necessary changes. They organized the West European Hungarian Reformed Pastoral Service. A central committee was organized with the following officers: Alexander Kibedi Varga, Lay President; Rev. Alexander Varga, Pastoral President; Stephen Tuski and Victor Segesvary, secretaries. The organization of similar regional organizations will be a matter of time. The new Federation faces many problems. There are 2,000 people in Scandinavia and 1,000 in Italy who lack regular pastoral care. Another dream is the building of churches wherever there are enough people to maintain them. At present there are no Reformed buildings in Western Europe. The Gospel of God is heard in Hungarian throughout the world because of many acts of fellowship and friendship and in spite of all obstacles and difficulties.
