Fraternity-Testvériség, 1956 (34. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
1956-04-01 / 4-5. szám
FRATERNITY 7 At the close of World War I the Federation became quite active in the repatriation of Hungarian prisoners of war held in Siberia; also, in assisting the war widows and the war orphans. In this worthy cause the Federation spent one-fifth of its cash assets. It was at a convention of the Reformed Federation, following World War II, that the idea of a Hungarian Relief Agency was born — an organization which embodied the highest traditions of the brotherly love of our people. At this memorable convention it was unanimously and enthusiastically decided to pay one dollar per member into this Relief Fund; in all, 16 thousand dollars! The money, clothing and food collected and sent overseas by this Relief Agency was valued at two million dollars, towards which the Federation itself also contributed enormously. Besides donating to the fund of this Relief Agency, we have also given one thousand dollars each to the War Relief Funds of two church denominations. Through our Bethlen Home we have cared for three hundred orphans for a period of two years. By sending money and especially material goods like clothing, shoes, sheets, bandages and cotton, the Federation was able to save the lives of hundreds of children. To our poor and suffering brethren, both in the old country and in enforced exile, we have been continuously sending life-saving and life- sustaining material gifts, the value — if we are to put a price on them — of which exceeds many thousands of dollars annually. ★ ★ ★ If we stop to think and seriously consider what the Reformed Federation has given its members and others over and above its chief commodity — insurance — we shall conjure up in our minds the Biblical picture in which we can see the waters of life springing up in the midst of our Federation. The life-giving and healing waters have poured out from the Federation, overflowing into' the cities, the country — the new and the old alike — and even into the whole world. They have flooded the homes and lives of many people, and wherever they have rolled, they have brought blessing, hope, healing and life. How much poorer our lives would indeed be, if there were no Hungarian Reformed Federation of America! How MUCH indeed! Many a fountain of blessing would dry up in our lives and in the lives of our people. Just think, if you are a member of the Reformed Federation you not only belong to an insurance society, but you are also a part of a large and financially strong religious-social institution that has been rendering through these many years a variety of services to members and nonmembers alike. We can, without fear of contradiction, firmly assert that a member of the Reformed Federation receives much more than insurance. While the insurance protection he receives is of the best, he also is the recipient of everything else the Federation offers, whether directly or indirectly. Truly, he is blessed, so that he may be a blessing for others.
