Calvin Synod Herald, 2004 (105. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
2004-05-01 / 5-6. szám
CALVIN SYNOD HERALD 9 Orphanage in Cornutal de Sus At a meeting of Christian educators (for whom one of the men spoke concerning our work), they happened to meet a pastor and his wife from the village of Cornutal de Sus, on the slopes of the Carpathian Mountains (the eastern limit of European culture and of historical Protestantism). In their village, the European Union had built a new building, after which it, rather unexpectedly, turned it over to the Reformed church to be used for an orphanage. The church members welcomed the idea of having a place in which to care for the needy children of their area, and quickly filled the building with children, many of whom are handicapped. But very shortly, they were confronted with a problem. The government support for such children is completely inadequate, and the means to maintain such an institution was far beyond what their little congregation has been able to supply. Without outside help, they cannot realistically keep their new orphanage going; and they have no way of making their needs known - which leaves us also with a problem. God having laid this need before us, can we but make this cause known as well? As we leave it in the Lord’s hands, if there are any individuals or congregations who would like to help these people, we will be happy to deliver your help and/or make contacts for you to learn more about their needs. Sustaining the Hungarian Reformed Faith in Transylvania And so finally, our visitors were able to go to Felor and witness the men there busily putting the final touches on a covering for the superstructure they had erected. With the most primitive of tools, they were able to do a remarkable good job. And the visitors were able to talk at length with the pastor, who has a strong grasp of the needs of their people. If the Reformed faith is to survive in Transylvania, he is convinced they must be able to teach their children from childhood on their historical Hungarian Reformed faith. Without originally promised aid, he does not know how they will do it. But his faith and commitment is firm; and we can only hope and pray that help can be found to bring this all to its hoped for end. He, and the churches in his area, of which he is the dean, or leading pastor, will do what they can; beyond that, they will leave it in the hands of the Lord to bring from understanding Christians the support they need that the Reformed faith may continue in their land. Contribution Calendar - An Appeal from TRAC As you can see, the opportunities for Christian aid are expanding. And accordingly we have prepared a contribution calendar for those who would like to make regular contributions. Each month there is a picture of some aspect of the work, and a contribution envelope which can be sent in. If you would like a calendar, let us know, and we will send it to you. And do remember these fellow saints in your prayers! Meanwhile, we are also planning visits for the coming year, and those interested in joining us may inquire by calling 616-667-1940 or writing to A Letter from Mom Hi to everyone, Wow, it’s sunny and warm today. Spring must be around the corner. Funny how 45 degrees feels balmy in February but feels frigid in September. All in the perspective I guess. “Standing in the Gap” As usual I have been thinking about what to write to you and I was all set with one message and Bam!!! (Kind of like Emeril) God decided to take me in a totally opposite direction. As I put my Bible down on the computer desk in preparation to write to you it fell open and there was a highlighted passage that just hit me between the eyes, as if God was saying “Write about this." The Bible passage is from Ezekiel 22:30, “I looked for a man among them who would build up a wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found none.” In my last message I spoke of how we trust in a God who does not change while living in a world that changes with the wind. Our country is whirling out of control, changing moral codes to suit any whim or perversion sometimes pandering to a minority just to gain the praise of man; all along not realizing our country has been blessed not because of favor of man but because of the merciful Hand of a Loving God. But God is also a righteous God. He does not ignore sin or disobedience forever. If God removes His Hand of protection from our country because of our moral decline and rejection of His laws it will not be His fault but ours. We will cease to be the strong country we have been and go the way of many others. A look in the Books of Kings and Chronicles will give you perfect examples of what I just mentioned. So what does this have to do with “standing in the gap?” We need to be about God's business in every aspect of our lives. It’s time to match words to walk. We can in be in this world but it does not mean we need to be active participants in its sin. We need to stand for what is right, to be beacons of light and truth even when it gets rough. And, we need to “stand” in the greatest way by getting on our knees in prayer. Prayer, prayers of intervention. Our prayers bridging the gap between Our Heavenly Father and those who need His mercy. Our prayers building walls of heavenly protection around the subjects of those prayers. Our battle here in our land and in our world is not against (Continued on page 10)
