From Habakkuk to SARA
A memoir of the Reverend Stephen Szilagyi and his Founding of the SARA Ministry
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Reverend Stephen Szilagyi encounters a boy with a crooked back on a street corner in 1988 Communist-controlled Hungary. The events which follow inspire him to found the SARA Ministry and to write this memoir: “From Habakkuk to SARA. Through his good works, not only one child, but thousands have benefitted from the outpouring of medical equipment, supplies, and advanced medical techniques continuing to flow back to the region from which he escaped as a Hungarian refugee four decades earlier. Intertwined with the story of SARA, Reverend Szilagyi’s life unfolds as he escapes from oppression in his homeland; becomes a Pastor in America by a curious route; and serves congregations throughout the Midwest for over forty years. He speaks of personal triumphs such as preaching at the White House in 1970 and accepting a medal from the President of Ukraine in 2008 for his humanitarian efforts. He also recounts heartaches and disappointments, and, yes, miracles along the way. His memoir reflects not only an amazing life adventure, but the loving presence of Christ in his ministry.
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About the Book
Reverend Stephen Szilagyi encounters a boy with a crooked back on a street corner in 1988 Communist-controlled Hungary. The events which follow inspire him to found the SARA Ministry and to write this memoir: "From Habakkuk to SARA". Through his good works, not only one child, but thousands have benefitted from the outpouring of medical equipment, supplies, and advanced medical techniques continuing to flow back to the region from which he escaped as a Hungarian refugee four decades earlier. Intertwined with the story of SARA, Reverend Szilagyi’s life unfolds as he escapes from oppression in his homeland; becomes a Pastor in America by a curious route; and serves congregations throughout the Midwest for over forty years. He speaks of personal triumphs such as preaching at the White House in 1970 and accepting a medal from the President of Ukraine in 2008 for his humanitarian efforts. He also recounts heartaches and disappointments, and, yes, miracles along the way. His memoir reflects not only an amazing life adventure, but the loving presence of Christ in his ministry.
About the Author
In 1952, Stephen Szilagyi escaped from Communist controlled Eastern Europe, arriving in the United States as a penniless refugee. Ironically, he returned in 1953 as an American GI to the same area he left! Upon discharge he entered seminary and was ordained as a Pastor in the United Church of Christ, serving congregations throughout the Midwest for over forty years. By curious circumstances in 1988, he was moved to found the SARA Ministry which flourishes today on an international scale. "Retired" at age 75, he resides with wife, Jean, in Conneaut, Ohio and continues annual SARA Mission trips unabated.