Magyar Egyház, 1999 (78. évfolyam, 1-4. szám)
1999 / 2. szám
2. oldal MAGYAR EGYHÁZ LESSONS FROM LITTLETON A few weeks ago we were all shocked by the tragic events in Littleton, Colorado. With the help of the news media, we were transported from the comfort and safety of our homes to the devastation in Littleton. We were thrust into the middle of the most terrifying of circumstances in which young, vibrant lives were suddenly wiped out; survivors were changed forever. We are not sure what brings young people to the point of such violent and explosive behavior. In our search for answers, we ask ourselves, “How have we failed our young people, and what can communities and churches do to prevent such violence”? First of all, we need to provide an environment in which our youth can experience God’s love and acceptance. A few weekends ago here in southeastern Michigan, a national organization that focuses on ministering to teens had a meeting of 72,000 young people. The group, TeenMania, challenged the young people to follow Jesus and make Him Lord of their lives. As some of the greatest speakers in America spoke to the crowd, thousands of young people responded to their message and decided to follow Christ. They made commitments to be involved in summer discipleship and ministry. These young people made life-changing commitments to learn about God and to find their meaning in life through their relationship with Him. In their relationship with God they can find love and acceptance. As they grow in that relationship and gain knowledge of God, they should be able to demonstrate that love to others. Communities can work together to provide opportunities for younger children to know God and to understand His plan for their lives. In our community of Allen Park, Michigan, a number of churches gather together to present Marketplace A.D. 29, our annual Vacation Bible School. We work together with churches of various Christian beliefs to provide an interactive experience. We provide a week of first century experiences in order the children to understand the life and times of Jesus. They wear first-century clothing, participate in crafts, activities and meals similar to biblical times. They experience a rabbi teaching, beggars in the streets, and tent parents telling them stories from the gospel and teaching memory verses. This year will be the third year of this community outreach and we are expecting 250 children. Over half of the children that come to Marketplace A. D. 29 are not regular church attenders but come to learn about the life and times of Christ. Our churches can be instrumental in teaching others as well as our own children. As parents, we need to take time to spend with our children. The Promise Keeper movement has reminded many of us to renew our commitments to our families. Spending time with children reinforces their feelings of acceptance and self worth. We can teach many lessons simply by our own lives and faithfulness. We can talk about our values and live them out in the presence of our children. As we listen to their concerns, opinions, and fears we let them know that they are important to us. We can encourage them to treat others fairly and to be compassionate to others who might not “fit in”. There are many activities we can be involved in with our children this summer. We can go camping, hiking, swimming, biking, vacationing, etc. There are many things to do in this great country. Most importantly, we need to spend time with them; quality time involves listening to them. Children whose parents really listen to them are more likely to feel loved. When children experience parental love and God’s love they have much love to give. The moral fabric of our country can be reestablished by focusing on the spiritual needs of our children. Rev. Dr. Thomas L. Burbridge, Senior Pastor American Hungarian Reformed Church Allen Park, Michigan MAGYAR EGYHÁZ SUMMER 1999 VOL. 78, NO. 2 ISSN 0360-5760 Published quarterly EDITOR IN CHIEF The Rt. Rev. Alexander Forro, Bishop 13 Grove St., Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 EDITOR Stephen I. Szabó, Synod Chief Elder 464 Forest Ave., Paramus, New Jersey 07652 BUSINESS MANAGER Priscilla Hunyady 50 N. Washington Ave., Colonia, NJ 07067 OFFICE OF PRINTING I.H. Printing, P.O. Box 189, East Brunswick, NJ 08816 OFFICE OF PUBLICATION Magyar Egyház — Magyar Church 464 Forest Ave., Paramus, New Jersey 07652 Subscription: $6.00 yearly; Group $4.00 SECOND CLASS POSTAGE PAID AT WOODBRIDGE NEW JERSEY Postmaster: Send Form 3579 to Business Manager ADDRESS CORRECTION: Stephen I. Szabó, 464 Forest Ave., Paramus, New Jersey 07652
