Budapest, Thursday 14 August 2008,

Some last minute information

Dear Friends,

You might by now already have packed your suitcases, or even have started your way to Balatonfüred, Hungary. Time to sent you some last minute information.

Weather

The weather reports are very good. It seems that it will be quite pleasant weather and not too hot. See: http://tinyurl.com/56g4kj

Visa

Quite a number of you are very glad to have been granted entry to Hungary, some are still waiting, or are disappointed because they were just informed not to be granted a visa. We, as local committee, are very sad. We have done our best to assist you.  The requirements seemed to be rather unpredictable, the more since the decision making whether or not to grant a visa does not place in Budapest, but in the local Hungarian embassies. In January the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had assured us there would not be any problem. For those who cannot attend our General Assembly, you could in an interactive way be part of our conference process through our conference blog, www.iams2008.com.

Logistics of the Parallel Groups

Attached you find a list of papers that will be presented in one of the six sessions of one of the eight Parallel groups. The maximum capacity of each group is 30, with a slight exception for the DABOH track.  Upon arrival you will be asked to sign up for the various sessions of the parallel group of your choice you would like to participate in. Although we advise that you that you focus on one group in particular, you are free to “shop around”, on the condition that you have signed up for that group. So while travelling take a look at this paper list, so that you can take an informed decision in signing up for one of the sessions.

Call for Pictures

Dr. Gerald H. Anderson is writing up the history of IAMS. He invites you to bring any photos from past meetings that you think might be included in the history he is writing. The photo must have identification about where and when (year) it was taken, with names of those in the photo.

Call for Pianist

Each morning we will start our day with a brief moment of worship. We wonder whether one of you would be willing to accompany the singing by playing the piano. Please let Ms. Enikő Hulej know as soon as possible! (eniko.hulej@lutheran.hu).

Telephone cards

In case you need to call our SOS number, +36 70 3036390, you can buy telephone cards for domestic and international calls at all kiosks, also at the airport.

Book Sale

Do not forget to bring additional books for sale. This is the opportunity to share the fruits of your missiological reflections with participants from other parts of the world. In our conference bookshop you can offer them for sale at a minimum handling fee of 10%, including 5% VAT.  Please contact Mrs. Gabriella Maros when you arrive (maros.gabriella@kre.hu).