Calvin Synod Herald, 1987 (87. évfolyam, 1-5. szám)

1987 / 5. szám

CALVIN SYNOD HERALD

5-REFORMÁTUSOK LAPJA

Debrecen Kollégium Friends

The “Association of the Debrecen Kollégium's Alumni and Friends Abroad’’ (ADKAFA) was recently organized to provide support for the Kollégium (secondary and theological school) in Debrecen. The Debrecen Kollégium, which will be 450 years old in 1988, is in the heart of the “Alföld’’, southeastern Hungary, which is historically Reformed (Calvinist). Debrecen is known as the "Calvinist Rome’’, and the Kollégium is the home of one of only two Reformed theological schools in Hungary today, and the ONLY Reformed church affiliated secondary school. Both the theology students and secondary education (highschool) students live on campus, and their education is considered top-notch even by European standards.

Last year the Debrecen Choir (Kántus) toured the United States, bringing us pleasure with their excellent concerts, and about $40,000.00 was raised as a result of the appearences. This money was used to purchase those items most needed by the school for the continued educational excellence for which the school is known.

First, a copy machine was purchased, costing in excess of $8,500.00. While we take photo-copy machines for granted, and can copy any materials we want at the library or at the corner (or in our own office), in Eastern Europe they are very rare. It is hard to conceive of an American educational institution without access to “xerox" machines. But in fact, there was none available at the Kollégium. This was a very important item for them, not only because the uses WE would see for such a machine, but also because many of the library sources are about as old as the school - and library - itself, and continued handling of these books and manuscripts causes irrepairable damage, even when great care is taken. This copy machine is now already in use.

The second item the school needed was a video-stereo unit. While common in most American institutions of higher learning, again a rare item in Eastern Europe. But an invaluable teaching tool. The price of the unit was over $7,700.00, and will be delivered shortly.

The third item among the “most important" was modern laboratory equipment, so that the education received by the students would not just be "theoretical” but "practical”. Again, WE can not imagine chemistry or physics or biology labs without modern laboratory equipment. To continue at the forefront of education, these items are indispensible to the Debrecen Kollégium. The total cost of the necessary items is in excess of $52,800.00. Unfortunately, the balance remaining from the Kántus tour was less than $23,700.00. This was paid to the German firm supplying the items for a part of the equipment necessary. However, the balance of the items needed will cost an additional $29,123.00, which that same firm has agreed to hold for that price till February 1, 1988.

What would WE do in the United States if OUR school had such needs? We would have a very slight increase in property taxes, and our children would have the best available, so their education (and their future) would not be “second class". Unfortunately, a church supported school in Hungary does not have that luxury. We turn to YOU to help with this undertaking.

Why should we help the Debrecen Kollégium?

First, because it continues to offer a rare commodity; an excellent education, while at the same time teaching the REFORMED CHRISTIAN values which we hold so dear. Many of our American ministers attended the theological school, many of our church members attended the gimnázium or Teacher’s College, and each received an education which takes second place to no other school, either in Europe or the United States!

And second, of course, is our opportunity to share in the mission of our Lord Jesus. To support the continued life of the Reformed Church in Hungary, to help keep its standard of excellence in its youth, to enable it to continue with well educated Christian leadership. We can share in this mission; we have the opportunity because our Lord blessed us from his bounty, not so we would care only for ourselves, but to share with those whose lives we can touch.

The Association of the Debrecen Kollégium’s Alumni and Friends Abroad asks you to join in this endeavor, to join the Association. A not for profit organization, your contributions are tax exempt, and are needed before February 1,1987. Please send your pledge to Dr. John Butosi, 963 Laurel Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06604.

(The ADKAFA members are: Dr. Zoltán Bay, honorary chairman; Dr. John Butosi, executive secretary; Bishop Dr. Andrew Harsany, Bishop Zoltán Király, Mr. Aladár Solymosi and Mr. Béla Tóth, committe members.)