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My dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

          On October 28, 2007, the Executive Committee and the Board welcomed more than 30 people to SARA’s Annual Meeting at St. John’s Evangelical Protestant Church in Columbus.  What follows is a synopsis of both meetings.

          I am happy to report that the finances of SARA have been maintained, and all pledges to our sites have been fulfilled.  On that note, I would challenge every reader to send a donation of at least $100. Those of you who are able should send $1,000.  I challenged the board to this level of donation, and 90% met the challenge, and more.

          The meetings in Columbus were attended by our new Conference Minister, Bob Molsberry.  In his closing statements at both meetings, Bob expressed his delight with the joyful folks who serve our Lord and Savior through SARA.          The nominating committee accepted the resignations of Sue Quellhorst and Jeff Gerber from the Executive Committee. Both have served since the beginning of SARA and SARA’s Children. Great job, Sue and Jeff.  Ralph Quellhorst was elected Treasurer and Robert Chandler, of Brecksville, was elected Vice-President.  Bob and Donna Overholt and Ernie Hollenbacher were appointed to the Executive Committee.

          The Finance Committee reported that a review of monthly statements revealed a plus amount in the Undesignated Funds. Larry Kuhn made a motion, seconded by Lana Sakash, that $1,000 be sent to the CRD of El Salvador for SARA’s projects.  The funds designated for Transcarpathia will be taken to Mr. Kotko, as requested by donors. Funds sent to Andrew Tonn to complete a documentary need to be replenished. The Christian Doctors and The Bethel Hofer Clinic continue to function very well, thanks to a plus balance also. Bishop Majnek has received funds for his outreach programs; the funds will be delivered by Lana and Marty in March.

          Larry Kuhn will pursue obtaining and implementing a bulk-mail rate for all of SARA’s literature.

Next trips

• Rev. Attila Szemesi – June 2008 to Serbia
• John Gilberg and Larry Kuhn – June 2008 to El Salvador
• Dr. Donn Mettens and Dr. Alan Mikesell to Transcarpathia – June/July 2008
• Lana Sakash and Marty Leibold to Transcarpathia – March 2008

          Those who attended the annual meeting were treated to three separate slide/Power Point presentations.  Dr. Donn Mettens, Dr. Jim Waite and Rev. Bob Barber delighted the crowd with jokes, stories and pictures of their mission to Debrecen, Hungary and Transcarpathia, Ukraine this past June.   

          Rev. Attila’s presentation highlighted the many SARA recipients in Serbia, also in June. The cancer outreach programs were highlighted. Members of his church in Amherst will begin a cooperative effort in a medical clinic in the country. 

          John Gilberg encouraged Larry Kuhn to assist him with his presentation from the last visit to El Salvador. God’s healing touch on Larry will allow him to re-join the efforts of SARA. Rev. Csaba Orosz was not able to attend the meeting, but he is anticipating a return visit to Romania next summer and would appreciate hearing from interested parties. 

          Sharon Fiely, from Minster, offered prints of her vision in El Salvador to the audience. Our son, Dr. George, continues to treat pastors and their spouses from Hungary and Transcarpathia, theological students from Hungary and members of the Reformed church. He donates his labor, but SARA contributes funds for the materials and labor of the technicians.

          I appreciate all of the prayers and telephone calls I received after my head injury and subsequent surgery. With the exception of my new hair cut, I am almost back to normal.  

          The government of Transcarpathia reviewed all of our ideas to improve medical care in their state. The people of El Salvador need more government involvement, both ours and theirs. Serbia’s political situation will be watched. All over the world, people anticipate the work of SARA to improve their lives.

          Thank you all for your support and prayers.  “TO GOD IS THE GLORY!” 

Sincerely, your servant in Christ,

Stephen

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