Magyar Egyház, 2000 (79. évfolyam, 1-4. szám)
2000 / 1. szám
8. oldal MAGYAR EGYHÁZ EASTER - THE ULTIMATE VICTORY OVER EVIL After what seems like a longer than usual winter that would not quit, spring has finally arrived. With spring comes Easter; and with Easter, if we care for our spiritual well being, we must not avoid dealing with the questions that confront us each year during this Holy Season. The Easter faith, faith in the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, is fundamental for each and every person who professes to be a Christian. This faith, however, is of little worth if it remains static. It must be a dynamic, generating faith, one that is put into action. So, here for us is the Easter question: “what action should our faith in the resurrection of Jesus Christ generate?” Faith speaks boldly, “The resurrection of Jesus Christ is God’s answer to humanity’s sinfulness; the ultimate victory of goodness over evil.” This faith also includes a promise - the resurrection of Jesus Christ projects our own resurrection. This is in itself quite wonderful and glorious, but it is still static. It cannot become dynamic until our faith is in the living Lord. Our faith in the living Lord will validate His missionary command, prompting us to go out and preach the good news of Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection to others. Our redemption has already been accomplished. Jesus Christ has already paid the price. This is the action our faith in Jesus Christ should generate. We already have the power to do this, for the crucified and resurrected Jesus Christ is with us NOW, even throughout the end of the ages. ..always, forever, and ever. Amen. Rev. Ronald R. Hari VENEZUELAN TRAGEDY: 30,000 ARE DEAD As the people of Venezuela begin to dig out from the worst disaster in their lifetime, The Bible League is joining other organizations in offering assistance. Heavy rains in mid-December caused severe flooding and subsequent mudslides in the northern part of the country. It is estimated that some 30,000 are dead and another 400,000 are homeless. According to a relief agency director, Venezuela’s northern state of Vargas was, for the most part, washed away. The Bible League has worked in Venezuela for two years. Their national ministry staff is safe, but it is clear they will be working for some time in the midst of a desperate situation. The people of Venezuela now face the overwhelming task of reconstruction. Since 40% of her 24 million people live in less than 2% of the territory, government officials see this tragedy as an opportunity to relocate families to the country’s interior, away from high-risk areas, unsanitary conditions, and dangerous slums. The ministry of providing Scriptures in the affected area had just begun with a few pastors. Some of these pastors will now be relocating to new areas, sharing the hope and comfort of the Gospel. The Bible League will adjust its ministry plans to continue to address the spiritual needs of the shifting population, and the Christians who minister to them. “We have already been in touch with several pastors in the area, offering assistance in whatever way possible,” said Tim De Vries, The Bible League’s Director of Latin American Ministries. “In some cases the need won’t be known for weeks because of a lack of communication to the flooded areas, but we are working through our staff as they minister to those who have lost so much.” In 1999, over 15,000 Venezuelan people met in group Bible studies and over 262,000 Scriptures were placed. The Bible League trained 32 Venezuelan Christians last year who have been working to plant churches. We ask for prayer for the people of Venezuela as they face great challenges in the weeks and months ahead. We pray that many would see Christ as the source of hope and place their faith in Him during these difficult days. A húsvét világossága nem ennek, kenem egy új földnek a reggeli dicsfénye. Gertrud von Le Fort
