A Brief History of hilfsbund Missionary
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A Brief History of hilfsbund Missionary |
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Hilfsbund missionary is a Christian organization founded by Rev. Erst
Loman, in 1896 in Germany. The word "hilfsbund" in German language means Group of Helpers.
Armenians, who were living under the brutal rule of the Ottoman empire, were
subjected to mass killings and discrimination. The foundation of the "Hilfsbund
"missionary and the killings of tens of thousands of the Armenians by the
Ottomans in Cilicia, in particular in ADANA , and many other places was not a mere coincidence. During
this period the Armenians were being killed in an organized and well plotted methods. Rev. Loman , when heard of the sufferings
and the massacre of the Armenians from the daily papers, he immediately gathered
people from his congregation and sent them to Turkey so that they can collect
first hand evidence and information and be eye witnesses to all the ferocity so
that he could provide all the help needed. Rev. Loman expands his humanitarian
activities when he sees the large extend of suffering and the poverty of the
Armenian people. He invites other German Evangelical Churches and after the Swiss
Evangelical churches , who eagerly gives positive answer and immediately send
their financial and moral assistance together with their prayers to the poverty
stricken Armenian people. Gradually , this humanitarian movement becomes more
organized and together with German and some Swiss Evangelical churches the "Hilfsbund
association was founded.
Unfortunately the suffering of the Armenian people continued in different
regions in Turkey, and "Hilfsbund" missionary accomplished great
services by building hospitals, orphanages, and different kinds of shelters to
the Armenians. It is impossible to explain all the services that the missionary
provided in just few pages.
It is important to note that the main motive behind all these activities of
the "Hilfsbund" missionary was to serve the Armenians.
During the passing 103 years a great number of young people , ladies and young
men , left their comfort and threw themselves to the thorny roads of the
missionary , armed with the Christ's love , in order to help the Armenians
and to relieve their poverty and sorrow.
Three sisters : Sister Hedwig, Sister Mary, and Sister Hanna were the ones that
started the mission's work in Anjar. Our special thanks to all the members of
the "Hilfsbund" mission. The first field of activity for our
sisters was the Armenian community in Greece. After learning the
Armenian language , they served for 14 years among the Armenians. During the
world war II their work was interrupted and they were forced to return to
their countries.
After the cease fire , Sister Hedwig proposed her eagerness to be sent to her
dear Armenians. This time the Armenian community in Lebanon was her target. In
summer of 1947, for the first time , Sister Hedwig set foot on Lebanese
soils. She met the Central Committee of the Armenian Evangelical Churches ,
and revealed them her plans. Rev. Hadidian accompanied Sister Hedwig to Anjar in Sept.1947. Sister
Hedwig reached Anjar with all her belongings that were put in a small travel
bag. The dwellers of Anjar, refugees from MousaLer, were living in a poor
condition. Her first impression was negative .She was disappointed. She was
given a house with a single room; which became her
sitting room ,kitchen , workshop, and clinic. For two years Sister Hedwig , all
by herself, with the help of God, served the people.
She noticed that there is a need for extra help. So she called her
colleague Sister Mary, who arrived in Anjar in 1949.The two sisters, hand in hand,
with great enthusiasm continued their Christian service.
In the autumn of 1949, the board of trustees of the Arm.Evan.School asked the
sisters to take the responsibility of the school's administration. Although in
the beginning they were harassed, thinking that such a responsibility
would hinder their social activities, but later they realized the need for Christian
education and so, they agreed.
In 1953, Sister Hanna joined the two sisters and assumed the responsibility of
the newly opened medical Clinic. This clinic did not serve only the Anjarians but all
the people of the region as well. In this same year the school possessed modern styled classrooms.
And in 1955, they felt the need for a boarding department. Between 1955 and 1967
four building were built. The sisters extended their work according to the needs.
In 1957,Sister Hanna Kristien joined the three sisters and took the
responsibility of the little boys' building. That building is also known as "DZIDZERNAGI
POUYN" 'Swallow's nest". She became a real mother to the small
boys for more than 25 years. Throughout these years other sisters and brothers
joined her and served for the same purpose.
In 1972 the three sisters retired. It was very difficult for them to leave
Anjar. They left Anjar leaving their heart behind.
Sister Frouny was the fifth sister . She served in Anjar for 13 years. She was a
member of the acting committee and worked for the Sunday school. Sister
Ulmer, Rev. Lenzen, Mr. and Mrs. Hovhannes Hagopian, Mr. and Mrs. Rudolf, Mr.
Adolph Ikhorn, Mr. Rauckh, Rev. Fankhauser, Mr. Daniel also worked in Anjar as
missionaries.
Nowadays Mr. and Mrs. Gottfried Spangenberg, Sister Helga, Sister Elizabeth continue
the path that was once paved by our sisters. Let God bless them and let His name be praised
through the deeds of these devoted missionaries.