Fraternity-Testvériség, 2003 (81. évfolyam, 1-4. szám)
2003-10-01 / 4. szám
FRATERNITY Page 3 From the President/CEO’s Office Almost all of us have been busy writing Christmas cards to family and friends, extending our best wishes for a Spirit- filled holiday. While we all make preparations for the joyful season of Christmas, we cannot forget the time we spent in the different stores picking up just the right gifts for our family members and close friends. But with all the hustle and bustle, have we forgotten what the holidays are all about? The expression, “Christ is the reason for the season” seems nothing more for many than a good religious slogan that we hear again and again. Christmas without the birth of the Christ Child could never be a truly joyous celebration. This Child is God’s gift to mankind. It is my hope and prayer that Christmas will be a very happy occasion for you and your family. Soon the year 2003 will be nothing more than a memory. For many of us the year has been filled with memorable moments, and for others, perhaps, it was a year one would like to forget. The year can be interpreted in so many ways. Those meticulous plans and resolutions that we made at the beginning of the New Year gave way to God’s plans by December, and those early dreams gave way to the reality of our lives by year’s end. Before the holidays have totally passed and we are overtaken by the plans and dreams of the New Year, I would like to take a few moments to look back over the year and reflect on some thoughts that occupy my mind. In the spirit of Christmas, I would like to say to all the Federation families “Thank You” for being there for us and for the greater communities in which you live. “Thank You” to those in the field, who by your love and devotion to this fraternal organization have taken the time to bring financial advice to others. “Thank You” for the visits, for the care that you have shown in fraternal spirit to the needy, when branch after branch participated in the gathering of items for the food pantries in your communities. “Thank You” for your assistance to the flood victims in Ohio. “Thank You” for your participation in providing care packages for the children of Iraq. “Thank You” for your gifts to needy children through “Operation Christmas Child.” And “Thank You” for supporting our Bethlen Home residents with the “Gifts for Patients” program. This is what makes us different from “for profit” organizations. We do not ask how much money our company makes - even though we desire to be profitable. What we make, we joyfully share with those in need. Doing what we can for the benefit of our fellow man is what makes us Christians and as Christians, what makes us fraternal. I am very proud to serve as President of such an organization as the Hungarian Reformed Federation of America. Believe me, it is not I, nor the National Officers, nor the Board of Directors, nor the Home Office Staff that makes this a Christian organization. It is YOU, the members, the field force that join together for a great cause in building God’s Kingdom that makes the Federation what it is and what it has been for the past 107 years. It is in this fraternal spirit that we make plans to hold the 37th Quadrennial Convention this coming year when we will give an accounting of our labors to the members of this organization. While I would ask everyone to continue working and offering services on behalf of the Federation, I would also ask that every member take part in the forthcoming branch meetings, in the election of branch officers, and to attend the delegate election meetings in each respective branch as will be announced for April and May 2004.1 look forward to meeting you during this coming year, as well as welcoming you at the Convention. As we stand at the gates of another year, let’s all take comfort in knowing “that our work is not in vain.” We do what we do because we are compelled by the Master in whose name we work. You see, He has promised that nothing can separate us from the love of God, which is Christ Jesus so long as we stay with Him. He is “God with us.” May He give all of us the courage and faith to stay with Him in the coming year. Rev. Stefan M. Torok President/CEO Áldott Karácsonyt és Boldog Új Évet kívánunk az Amerikai Magyar Református Egyesület minden tagjának és barátjának. Az AMRE Igazgatósága, Főtisztviselői és Munkatársai We wish our Members and Friends a Blessed Christmas and a Very Happy New Year The Board of Directors, the National Officers, Home Office Employees, Branch Managers and Agents of the HRFA
