Bethlen Almanac 1999 (Ligonier)
The Bethlen Home
ethnic and the linguistic ties are not as strong as they used to be. Most families want to place their aging loved ones within 15-25 miles of their home; consequently, the Bethlen Home cannot expect Hungarian residents in large numbers. We had to decide whether we accept this challenge, and with sacrificial investment and restructuring we will continue to remain a leading facility in the area (even if it means that in the future the majority of the residents will come from the area, and not from the Hungarian community), or we accept rapidly being pushed out of the market and thus eventually, cease to exist. After considerable deliberation the Board of Directors opted for the first option. Starting next September, a major construction project will take place on the hill above the present Bethlen Home: the new and completely modem Bethlen Home. It will be supplemented by the present and the future retirement homes, assisted living units, etc. Hopefully, the Hungarians will continue to utilize these living accommodations; their tenants will have primary access to the Bethlen Home when the needs arise. The present building of the Bethlen Home when vacated will become a retreat center that will continue to serve the needs of the American Hungarians and of the Reformed people. The Board of Directors, according to the new bylaws, divided the director’s position of the Bethlen Home. Mr. Mike Walker, a young professional is the new Director of the nursing operations of the Bethlen Home. The Rev. Imre Bertalan, Jr., the pastor of our Toledo church was asked to be the first Executive Director, and also the chaplain of the Bethlen Home. He will be responsible to supervise the entire complex (including the construction project), and to represent the Home to the churches and other organizations. In conclusion, the Board of Directors accepted with thanks and appreciation the retirement of the Rev. Pál Kovács, the present director. Rev. Kovács served the Bethlen Home as director for 24 years. He served with exemplary humility and Christian spirit in his difficult, yet fruitful work. Let the thanksgiving go to God, and blessings come from Him! In summary, we can say that the desire “to guard the good treasure entrusted to” us has been fortified. The American Hungarian churches and institutions want to strengthen their spiritual and Hungarian foundations. At the same time “with the help of the Holy Spirit living in us” we allow to be led in the paths of this constantly changing world. We have no reason to fear. We can claim with the apostle, “I can do all things through Him, Who strengthens me”. (Philippians 4:13). Szabolcs Soby Kálmán, pastor 54
