Fraternity-Testvériség, 1986 (64. évfolyam, 1-3. szám)
1986-04-01 / 2. szám
FRATERNITY Page 11 The hospitality of the ‘parents’ in every community is something that will be long remembered. Their goodness and care followed to the next city since everywhere food was given by the ‘parents’ which was shared with everyone on the bus. The Kantus members responded to the love they felt by imediately hugging their hosts, as though they had known them all their life. Everywhere gifts and mementos were exchanged. The young people were happy to receive the Ravasz Bible and old issues of the Bethlen Naptar at the Bethlen Home in Ligonier. The friendliness, delicious meals of the churches and schools visited was heart-warming, thank you all for the love shown to all of us! Usually we arrived to our destination late — and yet, the young people never gave the appearance that they were being rushed. There was never a case of short tempers, which was most unusual since we were in close quarters, always on the go with a demanding schedule. Every day, as the bus moved from city to city, there were devotions; hymn, Bible reading, meditation, prayer and hymn, conducted by a differen upper class- man. In the prayers, the loved ones in Hungary were trusted to God’s care; the kindness and gifts received were gratefully acknowledged; cares and concerns were shared with each other. Friendship, love and good-will radiated everywhere. Everyone was anxious to meet the young people, who were just as anxious to talk with all. In Cleveland, after the concert attended by over 1,800, the young people were happy to spend the evening with the Hungarian Scouts and the community singing and dancing. In Hollad, Michigan, at the one American community visited, the choir of Hope College was waiting in the rehearsal room. After each group sang one of their pieces, the Kantus taught a canon in Latin. Quickly they divided themselves into four parts and the many young voices sang glorious music together! There was no language barrier between these Reformed Christian young people! As we traveled, comments about American and Hungarian American life were given by Gall Bo- tond, Director of the Gimnázium and Komlos Attila, editor of the Reformátusok Lapja (the church paper of the Reformed Church of Hungary). The questions asked and the comments from the young people showed their interest in all things. They were happy to worship on the three Sundays in Hungarian American congregations and were surprised to know that there are more than 100 such churches on the North American continent. As a second generation Hungarian American I was pleased that I could identify myself with the musical heritage they presented. I was able to recall songs taught to me by my parents; songs we taught our children as we made the long trips with them to visit grandparents; songs that I hear our children teaching their young children! Thus, it goes on and on — and we should continue to do everything in our power as parents, grandparents, churches, communities, to preserve this precious heritage. In that way we can continue to have such ‘people to people’ ties with the sons and daughters of the land of our origin. As a ‘parent’ and companion of the Kantus, I wish to congratulate their respective parents and the Kollegium for these fine young people. They are a credit to their home, school and people, and were such joy to all of us. I wish to thank you for these exceptional days! Until we meet again, may God bless you in all ways. Margaret K. Bertalan ÜZENET A KÁNTUSTÓL Az amerikai és kanadai testvérek meghívására a Debreceni Református Kollégium Kántusa 1986. március 21-től április 15-ig koncertkörúton vett részt, melynek során hangversenyeket adott és istentiszteleteken is énekelt az Egyesült Államokban és Kanadában. Az egész énekkar nevében szívből jövő köszönetét mondunk a heghívásért és az énekkel való szolgálat lehetőségéért. Őszintén elmondjuk, hogy mindenütt és mindenki szerető gondoskodással vette körül a delegáció tagjait. Hálásan köszönjük a testvéri fogadtatást. Mélységes hála van szívünkben a mi mennyei Atyánk iránt, akinek a kegyelméből szolgálatunkat befejezhettük. Haza-utazásunk előtt köszönetünket nyilvánítjuk mindenkinek, aki fáradozott koncert- utunk megvalósításán, és mindazoknak a barátoknak, Amerikában és Kanadában, akik megajándékoztak figyelmükkel. „Az Úr Jézus Krisztus kegyelme, az Istennek szeretete és a Szentiéleknek közössége legyen mindnyájatokkal.” (2. Kor. 13:13.) Montreal, 1986. április 15. Testvéri szeretettel a Kántus nevében: Berkesi Sándor, karnagy zenei vezető Dr. Gaál Botond, igazgató a delegáció vezetője Komlós Attila a Reformátusok Lapja felelős szerkesztője i
