Bethlen Évkönyv, 1993-1996 (Ligonier)
Sándor J. Farkas: The Dooe is always open
porches, and four refrigerators, four families or individuals can be housed at one time and twenty-five to thirty can be served on a yearly basis. The continuing operation of the home requires commitment. Quite often the arrival time of a refugee or a family is unknown and unpredictable, with only a two- or three-day period to get ready. Immediate needs upon arrival abound: food, bedding, clothing, transportation, social security card, language lessons, medical and dental care, banking, and job search, as well as friendship and caring. Dedicated volunteers are essential to provide these services as well as the maintenance the home needs. Many wonderful people have stepped forward to help in a variety of ways over the years. Having a home available on a permanent basis enables us to respond through our connectional system to emergency situations such as unexpected arrivals, disappearance of sponsors when arrival calls are made, and the international crises that force immediate processing and arrivals of some refugee groups. The availability of the home enabled us to offer partnership to Polish churches as they worked to assist Polish refugees when martial law was declared. We joined in partnership with Ukrainian churches to resettle Ukranian families who were finally given permission to leave the former Soviet Union. At times we have had to accept the fact that refugees are free to move on to join friends and relatives in other places. Yet we always try to give them the best start we can in the time they are with us. REACHING OUT BEYOND THE NEEDS OF HUNGARIANS It is common that immigrant groups and churches help people from their former country. Our refugee ministry began during the years of communist dictatorship in Eastern Europe. Hungarians from Hungary and from other Eastern European countries were sponsored because our community of support was essential to the resettlement needs of these brothers and sisters. Yet from the start the Lord challenged and enabled us to widen our horizons. One of the Hungarian refugees sponsored by our family before the home was opened returned from serving in the U.S. armed forces in Vietnam with a Vietnamese bride. Following the 135
