Calvin Synod Herald, 2012 (113. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
2012-07-01 / 7-8. szám
CALVIN SYNOD HERALD 11 share the Scripture with these people or do we just want to keep them away and not bother us. The Ethiopian not only buys the manuscript, but on the way home he already begins to read it. He must have learned Hebrew too! Are we going far enough with our seekers? Do we help them to a deeper understanding of Scriptures, or do we step back and say for ourselves - it is enough if we have given them the Bible, and they should not bother us with silly theological questions and not waste our precious time. I think it is most important in our place where we serve and in the Calvin Synod to ask humbly for the Spirit of the Lord. This narrative shows us how important in our lives and in the life and understanding of the Church is the Divine Spirit of the Lord. First of all the Holy Spirit was leading Philip on his journey of faith. By the provision of God - do not take it for granted - he went in the right direction and met there the one appointed by God. We all need the Holy Spirit in our service to the Church to go in the right direction. We need the Holy Spirit to be able to accept the unfit co-joumers on our way. I know you are filled with the Spirit. How important it is to join other people on their faith journeys. It means faithfulness in our service, to be able to bow down or climb up into the chariot in which they are travelling. I know I'm not telling a secret. There is no other way in our dearly beloved Church - just preaching the good news, proclaiming salvation through Jesus Christ. By the power of the Spirit we will be able to answer the questions of those who seek God and to witness about Christ. Where the power of the Spirit moves in our lives there other lives are changed. The Ethiopian eunuch was not accepted, but he became accepted - he is no longer outcast. He returns to his home and kinfolk with a new and rejoicing heart. We do not know much about the end of the story. But we know about the Holy Church in Ethiopia and it might be the case that this officer brought the Good News home and proclaimed the new life in Jesus Christ. We pray that even today when persecutions are occuring in Egypt and Ethiopia that the Spirit of the Lord may strenghten them and us all to be good witnesses of Christ in this world. Amen. Rev. Csongor Kovács, New York City As a result of home Bible Study a young gay man named Dennis became a Christian and joined our church. Because of Dennis' lifestyle, he contracted AIDS and was dying. On the first Sunday of the month, we had communion and a healing service. Dennis came forward, knelt at the altar and asked to be anointed with oil and for a prayer for healing. I anointed Dennis and asked for God to heal him. Within two weeks, Dennis went to his doctor and was told, "Dennis, I don't know what's happening, but your AIDS is going away." What is impossible with man, is possible with God! Rev. Jim James, Davison, Michigan Calvin Synod Homeland and Overseas Mission Jesus says: “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you ” (Luke 6:38 NIV). In this Bible verse Jesus teaches us specifically how to live a life of stewardship. Stewardship means managing the resources wisely that God has given you and me. According to Christ’s teaching, being good stewards of God needs to be our lifestyle. Three different times, in Luke chapter 6, Jesus said that if we don’t make our own lifestyle of giving, sharing, and loving there is nothing that separates us from the sinners and the world (v. 32-34). Let us follow our Savior Jesus Christ who modeled this lifestyle for us. We will reap many benefits and blessings by living a life of stewardship. May God bless us in our Christian calling of being good stewards. USA 1. We encourage our congregations' used to attend the annual Calvin Synod Summer Youth Camp. 2. Support the Bethlen Communities Heritage Center Museum and Archives. TRANSYLVANIA 1. Fund Reformed schools and help poor people in Transylvania via Transylvania Reformed Assistance Committee (TRAC). 2. Ms. Gabriella Nádas - School Fund in Kolozsvár. 3. Fund charitable and mission work as requested by Rt. Rev. István Csűri in Nagyvárad. 4. Fund request by principal Zsolt Tőkés to support the school in Székelyudvarhely. 5. The Hungarian Reformed Church of Nagykároly-Kertváros (Carei) in Transylvania is asking for donations for their construction project of a new church building and parsonage. Further info available at the following website: http://kertvaros.freewb.hu/ 6. The Székelyudvarhely Reformed High School in Transylvania is asking for for donations for their school building's roof. The new roof will be dedicated on September 8, 2012. UKRAINE 1. Support the Good Samaritan Orphanage and School in Nagydobrony in their mission work. 2. Support the food pantry named Crumbs for Lazarus to feed the hungry in Csap as requested by Rev. János Balogh. Please send donations to the Calvin Svnod Treasurer: Ms. Lisa Susan Toth-Maskarinec, 1836 Timothy Drive,West Mifflin, PA 15122 Tel.:412-872-5644 When sending your donation, please write the name of the Mission in the Memo section of your check. For more information please contact: Rt. Rev. Dr. Csaba Krasznai, Homeland and Overseas Mission Coordinator, 14530 Alexander Road, Walton Hills, OH 44146. Email: revkrasznai@gmail.com-Tel.: 440-221-5334. May God bless you for your kindness and generosity! T~T
