Magyar Egyház, 1967 (46. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)

1967-08-01 / 8-9. szám

12 MAGYAR EGYHÁZ Kálmán Adorján: A WORD ABOUT OUR TEENAGERS If we read the papers, listen to the radio or watch television today, we find that they have one thing in common: to tell us about what the teenagers are doing, or to be correct what some of the teenagers are doing. Day after day we read and hear about robberies, beatings and killings done by teenagers and we wonder what will happen to the new generation. It is very seldom that we hear about something constructive they are doing. That, of course, is not in the headlines and we came to a point that when someone mentions teenagers we are afraid of what comes next. To be fair we should look at the majority of these teenagers who do not make the headlines but who really should. I am going to mention only two examples I personally witnessed myself. The first took place in our church. At the beginning of this year we ordered new hymn-books and asked that whoever can buy and donate one to the church should do so. Shortly after the appeal I received a letter from one of our teenagers with a five dollar bill enclosed and a letter. I will quote only a few lines: “I have never given any money to the church on my own and I have decided it would be nice to give money for the new hymn-books. There’s only one stipulation — I don’t want my name in the books. I don’t care whose name you put in but not mine.” The letter further asks me not to disclose the name of the donor. It warmed my heart to receive a letter like this. And now comes the second example. I was fortunate to attend the 28th Bethlen Youth Federation Conference, at Lexington, Michigan. At this conference something happened that strengthened my faith even more in the youth of our church. For the past few years one of the main topics of the conference was the establishment of a Youth Camp. Time and again we have discussed the possibilities but nothing materialized. At this me -ing a plan was submitted to buy our own camp. A youi r man did all the research work and during the business meeting presented the facts to the members of the B.Y.F. The property would cost $20,000. In order to have the minimum facilities we would have to spend another $60,000. The total would thus come to a staggering $80,000. One of the members asked the question, from where will we receive that kind of money. At this point I really was proud to belong to this organization, to be one of them. A 17 year old yonug man stood up and answered the question. I wish I could only remember word by word what he said. The answer was something like this: “If our fathers and grandfathers 50-60 years ago would have asked from where the money would come to build our churches there would be not one Hungarian Reformed Church.” What a testi­mony! What a strong faith in these few words! Testimony about those who had faith to start to build our churches. Faith that God will provide the money needed to build in the future. I am proud to say here that as long as we have young people like these we do not have to be afraid for the future of our churches. Pray that God may bless them and give ttiem strength to fulfill their dreams. A "Consolidated" Conference Report Everyone began arriving about Friday noon at Camp Cavell in Lexington, Michigan on Lake Huron for the 1967 conference of the Bethlen Youth Federation at which Detroit was the host club. Friday was a “get acquainted” day and at night we had a campfire on the beach. As you probably guessed the shaving cream battle started and a few landed in the lake. Saturday morning the opening discussion of our theme, “Morality in Creed” was presented by Dean Tibor Toth of Detroit. Discussion groups were formed and various aspects of the central theme were discussed: the role hallucinatory drugs play in the lives of the restless generation which is indicative of campus demonstrations, sit-ins, love-ins, etc.; how the youth react to the world situation today, the problems which will be facing them tomorrow. Saturday afternoon the business meeting was called to order by BYF President Richard Apáti. A few amend­ments to our constitution were presented, and after some debate and discussion, these were accepted by the assembly. David Sapos made a progress report on the campsite. After questions and discussions, each club entered their own caucas for further discussion of the campsite project. A roll call vote was unanimous in favor of the campsite. The assembly then enpowered the Executive Board to further pursue the project and that the Bethlen Youth Federation will stand all legal expenses for said investiga­tion. It was the concensus of the entire assembly that we have waited long enough, and want to start taking action on getting our own camp. Saturday evening skits were presented by all clubs. This was the night the trophy was to be won by one youth fellowship. The trophy was donated by Mr. and Mrs. John Farkas of Akron. After many varying and excellent per­formances the coveted entertainment award went to the Akron Youth Fellowship for their fine “take-off” on the Johnny Carson Show. Sunday morning everyoi e was up bright and early for a 7:00 Sunrise Service. Ail in attendance received the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper. The topic was further discussed by Mr. Ambrose of Detroit followed immediately by separate discussion groups. Sunday afternoon the business meeting was recalled to order. The officers for the coming year are as follows: President — David Sapos (Duquesne), Vice President — David Angolét (New Brunswick), Secretary — Charlene Nagy (Duquesne), Treasurer — Andrew Lovász (Perth Amboy), Members at Large — Mary Farkas (Akron), Barbara Ann Toth (Carteret), Mary Kish (Detroit), Jane Makatura (McKeesport), Edward Kiszti (Trenton), Jerry Vantell (Youngstown), Staten Island and Roebling will name their own Members-at-Large since no one was in attendance from these groups. Every evening vespers were condm ted by the Detroit Group. On Monday, Rev. Adorján swore in all the new officers.

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