Bethlen Évkönyv, 1993-1996 (Ligonier)
Dr. Laslo M. Medyesy: Diakonia for the 90's, Revisited
community and a healthier world, so we, as his contemporary disciples, are called to the ministry of healing, and commissioned to provide spiritual and physical nourishment to all who have a need and a desire for health and recovery from brokenness. ” There are too many among us who suffer from mental and physical impairments. In the aging process both our lay people and clergy are in great need of dependable health care. Because of the present-day prevailing nationwide economic uncertainties, our fellowship is exposed also to rising health care, diminishing quality care, and growing inability to receive any care. When the thin layer of the larger family as a safety net is not in place, an unprotected individual could easily fall to the ground. We in our diakonia ministry could respond to such needs in creative ways: 1. Strengthen existing American-Hungarian institutions and efforts which try to heal the brokenness and create wholeness in people. Such a precious institution is the Bethlen Home. 2. Our churches should provide adequate medical coverage to all clergy and employees. 3. Establish in each congregation a Good Samaritan Fund to provide immediate help to those members and others who might face unexpected calamity. 4. Join in the nation-wide effort to secure health care for all members of this society. Our nation is finally to face this problem. Being the only major industrialized nation without reliable health care access for all members has left millions exposed to the vicissitudes of life. Churches today, from the full spectrum of Christianity, are joining the effort of creating a national health care system. We, in my estimation, could do the same. If the good Samaritan narrative has any contemporary relevance it certainly includes the need to provide care in our society for those who are lying on the roadside, those who are robbed and beaten by life, the ones who bleed and are sick and unable to help themselves. It is a poignant part of the story that the listeners are not only invited by Christ to help others in need, but one can project oneself into the situation of the victim also. The opportunity to be on the giving side could change fast to being on the receiving end. Both the Samaritan 70
