Calvin Synod Herald, 1992 (92. évfolyam, 1-6. szám)
1992-05-01 / 3. szám
CALVIN SYNOD HERALD- 4 -REFORMÁTUSOK LAPJA In the Valley of Decision, Again! The Valley of Decision “Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision! For the day of the Lord is near in the valley of decision. ” Joel 3:14 The Josaphat Valley of the Old The picture of that valley and the proverbial phrase from Joel is much too familiar to our Magyar Reformed Churches on the American Continent! How many times in the one hundred year history have we been in that valley before? Just to mention a few: Tiffin in 1921; Cleveland in 1939; Ligonier in 1941; Perth Amboy in 1961; Philadelphia in 1962; Denver in 1963; Ligonier again in 1975. In the beginning of that year Bishop Arpad L. Beretz issued a statement under that familiar title. It is very timely to quote him today: In 1975 God has set before us the Valley of Decision. For almost 100 years the heirs of the Reformation in Hungary stood fast in faith and fellowship as they organized and built their churches and fraternal institutions in the New Land. Now five generations of pilgrim people praise God for His mercies. But the long journey had taken its toll. The common mission, identity and heritage diminished greatly in the consciousness of newer generations. Many lost their way; others strayed from the main body and still others were seduced by alien cultures and traditions. The faith of the fathers purchased with the blood of countless martyrs and faithful multitudes was oft times abandoned. Those who remained loyal and true found themselves weakened and divided by disunity, misunderstanding and world-shattering events. Consequently, many sought refuge and survival in national church bodies of differing religious and cultural ties. Although the brethren in the household of faith were quick to lend their help and assistance the relationship for the most part was an unhappy one. The need for the people of the Reformation in Hungary to govern themselves; to fulfill their destiny and mission towards their scattered brethren was everpresent. God had given this people a mission and God would not be denied! Now the time has come to accept fully and wholeheartedly that mission. We have come to the Valley of Decision. Shall we go our own way alone? Shall we remain in fellowship with the United Church of Christ? Shall we seek the unity of our Reformed brethren in a newly formed ecumenical church? 1975 is the year of decision. It will be the decisive for our common future and life together. May God bless and keep us in His mercy and His love now and always. General Synod at Norfolk in 1991 brought us again to the same valley of Josaphat and the Decision will have to be made in Ligonier in 1992 again! Since we have arrived to the Valley of Decision repeatedly it is indeed very appropriate to re-echo the questions presented by the bishop in 1975 and in search for a decisive answer for our future of the congregations committed to our trust. Let us end with the same sentence: “May God bless and keep us in His mercy and His love now and always.” “OUR GREATEST GLORY IS NOT IN NEVER FALLING BUT IN RISING EVERYTIME WE FALL.”
