Benevolent Needs In Ukraine
All,
This came via a trusted source and has an affect on the Hungarian reformed churches in the Ukraine and Bishop Horkay so sending it along… Rev. Dr. Chuck Baynard
Begin message:
I am writing to you because in the past you have given your time, your prayers, and your financial support to help rebuild a community of faith in Hungarian areas once dominated by the former Soviet Union.
After the change in 1989, Reformed church leaders in western Ukraine, sub-Carpathia, looked into the faces of their children, and in those fresh, young faces they saw hope for the future. They envisioned a rebirth of Christian education.
The dramatic political changes caught the attention of the world, and offers of help poured into Reformed communities into sub-Carpathia. Well aware that it would be decades before the region could fully sustain its own school system, the church decided to invest the gifts in their children, in Christian education, a truly long-term vision.
With deep faith and generous support from the West, the first Reformed high school opened its doors in 1993. This boarding school in the village of Nagybereg modeled a life shaped by faith and nurtured
academic excellence.
Since then, three more schools have opened based on the Nagybereg model, and more than 1200 students have graduated. Nearly all of the graduates have attended universities and are taking their place as Christian professionals and parents.
With financial support and encouragement from the West, the four schools have been able to keep operating, but always on a shoestring. Last year, Ukraine’s fragile economy went into a tailspin and massive increases in utility costs, inflated the cost of education by half.
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The global economic crisis has delivered a crushing blow. The fragile shoestring is holding together but only by a thread.
When the Wall Street tidal wave hit the world, it swept away more than half of the support needed to sustain the schools. Late in 2008, almost overnight, the school leadership learned that support from Hungarian churches and foundations was about to end.
On the heels of that bad news, the Ukrainian government announced that it would end its financial support for the schools. Support from the Netherlands is now in jeopardy, and the only pledge left standing is from a church in Michigan. This gift, along with “bread fees” from the parents, is the only sure thing at this time.
To create a breathing space for the school administrators, the schools need immediate help to cover operating expenses. They are facing a shortfall of more than 50% for this school year. Searching for ways to
cut their expenses, the teachers have taken a 30% salary reduction beginning January 1 of this year. Though they face empty pay envelopes by the end of February, these dedicated servants have pledged to work through the end of the school year.
Will you help?
Though the need is daunting, the purpose is truly worthy. The rebirth of hope in East Central Europe depends on a fresh cadre of young Christian leaders. Help us keep this powerful vision alive!
Here are some ways you can help:
* $150 will cover one month’s electricity bill for one school.
* $665 will pay one school’s heating bill a cold month.
* $1500 covers the cost of one student’s fees for one year.
* $6,250 will cover one school’s teacher salaries for one month..
Any gift you give will be appreciated and will be forwarded in its entirety to the schools.
If you have any questions please contact me by telephone: 616.456.9719 or by email: rblant@iserv.net. I would be happy to provide more detailed information.
Checks can be made out to Ars Longa North America noting that it is the schools in the Ukraine, and donations can be sent to:
Ars Longa North America
c/o Beth Lantinga, Director
416 Paris Avenue SE
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503
Please keep the students, the teachers, and the administrators in your prayers.
Sincerely,
Beth Lantinga, Director
Ars Longa North America
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