Magyar Egyház, 1995 (74. évfolyam, 1-4. szám)
1995 / 2. szám
10. oldal MAGYAR EGYHÁZ “ALLOW ME TO BE YOUR EYES!” Dear Brothers and Sisters in the Lord, My name is Debra Meyer. I am an American of Dutch descent, and through the past two years, I’ve learned of past and present connections between the Hungarian and the Dutch worlds. In the past, Hungarian pastors were saved by a Dutch captain. But I am here to tell you what is happening presently in Hungary and in the Carpathian- Ukraine, and in Transylvania. Allow me to be your eyes. In Hungary there are opportunities to hold summer camps. The past two summers I sang and played the flute as part of a music/Bible camp. I was part of a team of 9 sent by the Christian Reformed Church in America. That is where I met many friends. That is also how I came to participate in the making of Christian cassette, “Tied a dicsőség”. The young people from the Nyékládháza Református Ifjúság have learned many songs and were asked to sing so often, that they decided to make a tape—since they could not make it to all the churches. They have made two tapes, “Te csak az Istennek országát keresd” and “Tiéd a dicsőség!” It is a new and exciting opportunity and a good way to share the love of Christ. I believe that music is a wonderful way to learn. (I’m a bit biassed though— I was a music composition major at Calvin College, ‘93 graduate.) The Carpathian-Ukraine, where a great many Hungarians live, has also seen rebirth Church-vise. The Holland brothers/sisters have opened a mission school in Tivadar. And in Nagybereg, the Református Gimnázium is in its second year. (It will include grades 10-12). The school is supported financially and in prayer by churches in Holland, America (U.S. and Canada) and in Hungary as well is in the Ukraine. I am happy to say that the forty students are quite committed to the Christianity of the school. And since September, I too have been a part of this school—teaching English and music. The students love to sing and so I’ve brought tapes, music and recorders (furulya) so we are happy together. They learn songs in Hungarian and English—and so do I! In Transylvania, there are opportunities to hold summer camps as well. It is a beautiful countryside! One of the recent opportunities was in the detailing of what has happened to the reformed churches, to the tiny villages and to make it known. I am still in awe at the amount of land that was carved out of Hungary. That’s just the problem—those in power were thinking of land and not of the people. Over Christmas break, I was in Körösfő with Szabó Anna and we worshipped seven times between December 24 and 27. When we sang the Hungarian Anthem, I thought it was normal, but for them it has only been four years since they were allowed to do so. While I have been in Transylvania four times, totalling about 3 weeks, my knowledge is limited on the day to day effects of its being part of Romania. Perhaps up to this point I haven’t revealed anything totally new other than my name! But it’s important to know that people care and keep the connections between people who were once part of one country, split sadly by war. I only see part of the picture, but I have more time to look and think about it. Being in the Ukraine has allowed me or forced me believe or not, to learn the Hungarian language. If I didn’t, I would be lost and lonely. Thankfully, through music I have learned words and pronunciation so grammar is the tough part to learn. I am glad to be in a Hungarian community. I’d have a harder time to learn Ukrainian. One group of Hungarians whom I have yet meet are those of you in the U.S. and Canada. This past fall, you were visited by Szabó Dániel perhaps and heard about these opportunities in Hungary, Transylvania and the Carpathians. He helped to organize our summer music teams’ plans, along with the many other things he organizes! Well, I would be interested in coming to your community of the Reformed world and sharing testimony and songs (Hungarian!). If any of my former musicteammates are able to come, then that would be a treat! So, in order to make this possible, I am starting early. I realize that summer worship schedules aren’t organized until perhaps May, but if you would like to have me/us to come, ... well, it’s hard for me to organize from the Ukraine. It would be appreciated if someone representing your church(es) would at least write and let me know if there is interest so I will keep you in mind. If it is not possible for me/us to come, I still would like to send you some tapes from Nyék to share with your young people. By the way, I will be in the Ukraine until early June—the 10th I arrive home in Grand Rapids, Michigan. At this point, I will stay home for the summer and Lord willing, to return to Kárpátalja in late August. So that is the time frame, Sunday, June 10 to Sunday, August 20. Weekday programs (or night) are possible too. May we testify to God’s love and saving grace wherever we may be. God Bless You. Debra Meyer P.S.: All those churches, youth organizations and Sunday Schools who would like to set up an appointment with Debra Meyer, or her group during the summer, should call Rev. Peter Toth at 908- 541-5051.
