Bethlen Almanac 2000 (Ligonier)
The Hungarian Reformed Federation of America
The overall youth’s reaction to doing the service projects was very positive. All said that it was a rewarding experience for them, whether they were working outside or in the Bethlen Home. Their comments on the effect of actually interacting with the residents of the Home were amazing and the tears that were shed by both the residents and the campers were genuine. The Campers were happy that they could brighten the day of those who do not get visitors on a regular basis and that they had the opportunity to meet some of these special individuals. Many pictures were taken with their new friends. Here are a few of the comments made by the youth on their participation in the Bethlen Home service project (the comments are written as the campers wrote them): “The project we did at the nursing home was amazing. I touched not only the people at the home, but us all as well. We should definitely make this one a tradition. It is nice to give back to the home what they give us. ” “It was great!!! I loved it lots! We should have thought of this earlier. ” “Although I was outside, I saw what I was missing inside when one of the campers brought out a resident to the patio and was having a conversation. When asked if the camper was a Christian, his immediate answer was ‘Yes’! The remainder of the overheard conversation related to the resident missing his family. I believe I missed such exceptional interaction and therefore am going inside next year. ” “It was great. 1 think we spread a little sunshine into the lives of people who don’t get it very often. ” “I loved visiting the Bethlen Home this year. It was so uplifting and heartwarming to talk with the people and know we were helping and making them happy. ” “I would do it again because I am here to show I love the Lord not just through words but Actions. ” “I like the Bethlen Home because I met thish Hungarayn Ladie and she said it is nice of us to come down there and help. I rilly likete her. And I would love to helpe out so much” “It was fun to sing with them and see how happy they got. ” “To me Bethlen Home was interesting. I found people stuck in there who had more faith than me. ” “I really enjoyed our service project at the Bethlen Home on Wednesday. I did the singing. I really enjoyed seeing those faces 26
