Bethlen Évkönyv, 1993-1996 (Ligonier)

Dr. Eva M. Fabian: Blessings through the Bethlen Home

3. Thanks for inspiring local diakonia.

Owing to the impact of the Bethlen Home experiance, suddenly our members felt uneasy about the elderly, shut-ins, and the poor among us. Operation Diakonia was born with food, clothing and money banks. Both collection and distribution were confidential, most helpful, and appreciated. At some outings with the youth groups, we visited our shut-ins and took along gifts, hymns, scripture in exchange for unforgettable impressions for a lifetime.

4. Thanks for the opportunity of stewardship.

The yearly Bethlen Home Sundays arquainted us more intimately with the service of the Home. Through the inspiring sermons and presentations of the Reverend Paul Kovács administrator, the Lord opened the hearts and wallets of our people. Their exceptionally generous response qualified our church as the highest donor in the Central Classis as compared to its membership.

5. Thanks for the excellent nursing care.

Our aged members always received prime service in the Home. Even those who did not yet needed admittance enjoyed a precious gift. Just by knowing about a Christian home that would accept them in a time of need, relieved their anxiety and blessed them with peace of mind. Special thanks for accepting and caring for some of our cranky and critical members. Even they had to think hard to find fault with the high quality TLC they enjoyed.

6. Thanks for the hand-on theological education.

In the Bethlen Home, we met possibly the loveliest and youngest senior citizen therapist we knew. Aly, Reverend Kovacs’s granddaughter, had acquired an admirable proficiency both in English and in Hungarian by her ripe age of six. When Mrs. Judith Nagy, her beloved Hungarian-speaking great grandmother, visited the residents, Aly joined her. To the seniors’ delight, she accompanied interpretation with lots of laughter and holding of hands. She also developed a touching and delicate way to communicate a promise. At leaving somebody’s room, she “forgot” to take her baby dolls or Teddy bears with her. They stayed and said, Aly will come back for me and see you again.

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