Magyar Egyház, 1999 (78. évfolyam, 1-4. szám)
1999 / 3. szám
2. oldal MAGYAR EGYHÁZ Y2K GOOD NEWS AND BAD NEWS Let us first look at the bad news. We are not sure what will happen at 12:01 A.M. January 1, 2000. Some people suggest that there will be chaos throughout the world. Because we are so dependent upon computers, serious citizens are not taking this possible dilemma for granted. Our government assures us that all of the major systems that operate our country will continue working with a minimal amount of disruption, the utilities that give our homes electricity, heat, and fresh water will continue uninterrupted. Our financial systems will make the transition from this millennium to the next with very few problems. Others, who suggest a more pessimistic view, encourage us to turn our homes into fortresses. They tell us gather great amounts of food, water and other necessities that might be in short supply. In addition to that, we are told we need to have power supplies such as generators; we at least need battery operated equipment that will bring us news of what is happening in the world outside of our houses. Some people say we will need to arm ourself sufficiently because when others, who have not been as wise, run out of food and water they will attack us in order to get our supplies. With this “fortress mentality” retailers are encouraging to fill up our barns and defend our supplies in order to support our families and friends. There might be some wisdom in both of these positions. Surely we take our computer-driven society for granted. We have grown accustomed to having our finances handled electronically and with the accuracy that only computerized machines can bring us. We live in a world where milk, bread and meat are only a half a block away at a grocery store that is open 24 hours a day. If our utilities should fail, we simply call the 800 numbers found in the front of our telephone books, and our comfort is restored within 24 hours. What is the good news? The good news is that the Lord of heaven, who has redeemed us and saved us for His glory, will be present at the changing of the calendar. We can use this possible problem to remind us that we only live one day at a time, and His grace is sufficient for us. The other part of the good news is that maybe this predicted catastrophe will give us the opportunity to ponder life at its most basic level as other Christians do throughout most of the world. We have been given such a high level of comfort through God’s common grace that we know little of the tragedy and hunger of the Ukraine or the sub-Sahara region. Most of the world and most of the Church of Jesus Christ knows nothing of our wealth and luxury and lives from day to day with the fear of arrest or starving conditions. We could survey and tackle the possible problem that looms on the horizon by considering W.W.J.D. — What Would Jesus Do? Would Jesus build a fortress, buy guns and ammunition, and watch His neighbors starve or freeze to death? Or would He take reasonable precautions to what the events of this winter might be? I think He would choose the latter in the midst of his loving concern, not only for the Church, but for the whole world; He would love his enemies as he loves the Church. What would Jesus do? He would be a wise steward of his resources and a loving neighbor to those who live next door. My suggestion is that Y2K could be handled by W.W.J.D. Rev. Thomas L. Burbridge, Senior Pastor American Hungarian Reformed Church, Allen Park, Michigan MAGYAR EGYHÁZ AUTUMN 1999 VOL. 78, NO. 3 ISSN 0360-5760 Published quarterly EDITOR IN CHIEF The Rt. Rev. Alexander Forro, Bishop 13 Grove St., Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 EDITOR Stephen I. Szabó, Chief Elder 464 Forest Ave., Paramus, New Jersey 07652 BUSINESS MANAGER Priscilla Hunyady 50 N. Washington Ave., Colonia, NJ 07067 OFFICE OF PRINTING I.H. Printing, P.O. Box 189, East Brunswick, NJ 08816 OFFICE OF PUBLICATION Magyar Egyház — Magyar Church 464 Forest Ave., Paramus, New Jersey 07652 Subscription: $6.00 yearly; Group $4.00 SECOND CLASS POSTAGE PAID AT WOODBRIDGE NEW JERSEY Postmaster: Send Form 3579 to Business Manager ADDRESS CORRECTION: Stephen I. Szabó, 464 Forest Ave., Paramus, New Jersey 07652
