Calvin Synod Herald, 1980 (80. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
1980-03-01 / 3-4. szám
REFORMÁTUSOK LAPJA 3 WHERE JESUS WALKED Where Jesus walked, I’ve always longed to travel To the land of Palestine beyond the sea. How I’d love to walk the paths His footsteps followed, And go sailing on the Sea of Galilee. I would sit and ponder long upon the hillside, Where He fed the multitude, so tenderly. Oh, to climb with measured steps the Hill of Calvary, Where he suffered, bled, and died upon the tree. But today I walked beside my precious Saviour, Where the lovely flowers bloom upon the hill. It was there He fed my hungry soul with beauty, And taught me how to do His blessed will. On the troubled Sea of Life, He came to meet me, And I heard His words so clearly, “Peace be still.” There He stooped to help me lift my heavy burden, As my heart exulted with a joyous thrill. It may never be my joy to see the places, Where Christ walked and then to Heaven did ascend. It is enough for me that I remember His blessed words, “I’m with you to the end.” Goldie Ewing WHson o o e EASTER My Dear Brethren, Mankind has and is always thinking about the transiency of human life and has tried to figure out ways to prolong life. Doctors and hospitals are in the business of finding ways to make lives longer. With the discovery of new medicines and sophisticated equipment, time is being added to human life. Long ago, the great thinkers and philosophers were occupied with the renewal of life. They were looking for the fountain of youth and were trying to search out the drugs to lengthen their days. But in searching for new ways, they themselves perished. In spite of human failure in finding ways for extending the human life span, there is still a way to prolong life; that is eternally — through faith, through Christi We believe in ever so many things, and yet we fail. If we believe in Christ, if we accept Him as our Savior, we shall live. “Who believes in the Son has eternal life. (John 3:36) Christ’s fellow workers and His church are witnessing about Him and His ways. Jesus came, He calls mankind to Himself. Those who listen to Him and accept Him will live with Him forever more. But those who reject Him, reject the possibility of eternal life. At Easter time, the risen Lord comes to you, to everyone. Accept Him now, believe in Him and you shall live with Him and through Him forever. I truly pray that each and everyone of you may find our risen Lord and receive the blessings of Easter: Life! Dr. Francis Vitéz BUSINESS AS USUAL There are few things more uplifting than to read a church report glowing with success. Most of the reports appearing in the Bethlen Almanac and reported by the deans at the Synodical meeting could give us all the feeling of elation because those reports are full of the achievements of our churches with nary a hint of problems. Of course, we can speak in glowing terms of the help our churches extended, and are still extending, to the Transylvanian earthquakestricken churches. Not too long ago I received a letter from South America reporting that one of our churches sent $900.00 in 1979 to a So. American sister church stricken with poverty and unbelievable inflation. Within a few days following the Johnstown flood, one of our Pittsburgh area churches voted and sent $2,500.00 to the flood-stricken church and congregation. They were not credited for their generous gift because they felt the need was so great they could not wait until the official channels cleared; the money was transmitted directly. I am certain that we could all add to this list from our experiences demonstrating that the Holy Spirit is constantly present, working and bringing out the miraculous possibilities latent in the human heart and in our churches. But if we conclude that because of these signs all is well — perhaps we are mistaken. One definite sign that we may have a serious problem is the dwindling church membership in our churches. It is a fertile field for blaming somebody for the loss of membership, therefore, anyone who broaches this question opens a veritable Pandora’s Box that might even scatter those who — until now — loyally supported the church, and were the pillars in the earthly kingdom of our Lord. On the coat of arms of the Knight of Bayard there was one sentence: “Sans peur et sans reproche” — Without fear and reproach! If it is possible to find a solution to this problem we must approach it without fear and put aside accusations and blame. Perhaps within the classes the spirit and understanding are such that from their meetings and friendly dsicussions a solution could emerge. Perhaps it might be a worthy subject for ministerial get-togethers or individuals concerned with the future of the church. Seeking solutions and not nlacing the blame on others are key e’ements that can bring forth a worthwhile and meaningful discussion, and, perhaps, a solution to our dilemma. In spite of the above mentioned wonderful examples of giving, we have neglected to develop purposefully and consciously the spirit of stewardship. We are willing to give wondrously and amazingly when our hearts are touched; when we become emotionally involved. This is necessary! But we should also develop a larger concept of the requirements of Christian stewardship that will remain a part of our individual Christian makeup. He died for me on the cross, therefore I live, but not I, He lives in me. Desmond D. Parragh, Bishop
