Bethlen Almanac 2000 (Ligonier)
Rev. Imre A. Bertalan: The Bethlen Almanac - The Bethlen Home
future site of the new Bethlen Home. During the procession participants sang many of our well-known hymns in both Hungarian and English. On the hilltop overlooking the Ligonier Valley, groundbreaking ceremonies were led by Bishop Medgyesi and the Rt. Rev. Alexander Forro, Bishop of the Hungarian Reformed Church in America. Ten shovels, all painted gold, were in place and available to all who wished to turn earth. The building site was dedicated to the glory of God. We gave thanks to Him and we asked that He continue to lead the building project forward. After the Groundbreaking Ceremony, all participants were invited to a big picnic prepared by the Bethlen Home staff. As this wonderful time of fellowship drew to a close, the presbyters bade farewell and left for home while the ministers and the HRFA Board of Directors began their separate, two-day meetings. The theme for the construction of the new Bethlen Home is found in the first verse of Psalm 127: “If the Lord does not build the house, the work of the builders is useless”.....From the very beginning of the Bethlen Home’s Strategic Planning process, participants looked to the Lord for direction and strength. It is important that the vision we see be the vision God would have us see. It is important that this will be done, and that we be a part of accomplishing what He would have us do. And so the work continues, prayerfully and faithfully. By next Labor Day, visitors to the Bethlen Home will see the construction work in progress. We hope that even more people will come then to give thanks and rejoice in the goodness of our Lord. In the meantime, please continue to encourage the mission and the work of the Bethlen Home with prayer, with visits here and with financial support. May God continue to bless the members and friends of the Hungarian Reformed Federation of America during this beautiful fall season! Rev. Imre A. Bertalan, Executive Director 5 Toiling up the hill.
