Calvin Synod Herald, 1997 (97. évfolyam, 1-6. szám)
1997-01-01 / 1. szám
CALVIN SYNOD HERALD- 5 -AMERIKAI MAGYAR REFORMÁTUSOK LAPJA In the Valley of Decision, Again! “Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision! For the day of the Lord is near in the valley of decision.” Joel 3:14 The Josaphat Valley of the Old The proverbial phrase from Joel is much too familiar to our own Magyar Reformed Churches on the American Continent! How many times in the one-hundred-and-five year history have we been in that valley before? Just to mention a few: Tiffin in 1921; Cleveland in 1939; Ligonier in 1941; Perth Amboy in 1961; Philadelphia in 1962 and Denver in 1963. Now in 1997, God has set before us the Valley of Decision. For 105 years, the heirs of the Reformation in Hungary stood fast in faith and fellowship as they organized and built their churches and fraternal institutions in the New Land. Now, five generations of pilgrim people praise God for His mercies. Bishop Arpad L. Beretz in 1975, issued a statement under that familiar title. It is very timely to quote him today: “The faith of the fathers purchased with the blood of countless martyrs and faithful multitudes was oft times abandoned. Those who remained loyal and true found themselves weakened and divided by disunity, misunderstanding and world-shattering events. Consequently, many sought refuge and survival in national church bodies of differing religious and cultural ties. But the long journey had taken its toll. The common mission, identity and heritage diminished greatly in the consciousness of newer generations. Many lost their way; others strayed from the main body and still others were seduced by alien cultures and traditions. Although the brethren in the household of faith were quick to lend their help and assistance, the relationship for the most part was an unhappy one. The need for the people of the Reformation in Hungary to govern themselves; to fulfill their destiny and mission toward their scattered brethren was everpresent. God had given this people mission and God would not be denied!" We have come to the Valley of Decision, again! Shall we go our own way alone? Shall we remain in fellowship with the United Church of Christ? Shall we seek the unity of our Reformed brethren in a newly-formed ecumenical church? 1975 was the year of decision. It was again decisive for our common future and life together. We obeyed! The General Synod at Norfolk in 1991 brought us again to the same valley of Josaphat and the Decision was made in Ligonier in 1992. Again, we state. Since we have arrived to the Valley of Decision repeatedly it is indeed very appropriate to reecho the questions presented by the bishop in 1975 and in search for a decisive answer for our future of the congregations committed to our trust. Let us end with the same sentence: “May God bless you and keep us in His mercy and His love now and always.” “OUR GREATEST GLORY IS NOT IN NEVER FALLING - BUT, IN RISING EVERYTIME WE FALL.” Daily Prayer of Day- Laborers in the Fields of Hungary ífrnm 174R A.D.l (from 1746 A.D.) O God! I am receiving my daily bread with the hard work of my two hands; with them, I earn my bread daily and my attire. From early dawn till late sunset, day after day, the burden of my work languishes me and the extreme heat of the sun fatigues me. I have no other way than this much daily labor to sustain my life and the life of my household; day after day, unceasing labor and the hope that after my short sleep night after night, I will be able to work the next day until night again. In spite of all I do not entertain grumbling, instead, with sincere thanksgiving, I praise Your Holy Name for keeping me in good health and vigor till this very day, providing for my daily bread gracefully. It would be all in vain to rise so early every morning and to go to bed every night so exhaustedly with so much sweat, while earning the daily bread, if You would not send Your blessings on me, O Lord! Do not let me, my God, to stand in idleness; call me and send me to join all Your hard workers in the vineyard. Do not let me become a burden to others. Then, when the last night of my earthly life will come, give me my well-deserved good reward for all my laborious work on earth. Amen.
