Struggling to make ends meet in Bosnia Herzegovina …
In Bosnia Herzegovina, the number of folk struggling to make ends meet is increasing daily. Many factories have been closed down resulting in hundreds of workers losing their jobs. The pattern of beneficiaries coming to our feeding centres for a meal has also changed. Previously, those who came looked destitute; many were refugees or people who had been displaced. Now, many of those arriving for a meal are people who previously had work and who were able to take care of their families.
This year, the plan is for the campaign to bless and provide for as many as possible with the assistance of the local churches. The whole of Bosnia Herzegovina will be covered with these precious parcels and even remote villages will be reached by church volunteers. The campaign will reach the poor, the sick and families and individuals in difficult situations … as well as institutions that take care of such individuals.
Refugees living in camps supported by the mission will also be able to experience joy and happiness through receiving these parcels. During a recent staff visit to the Zenica Community Centre, beneficiaries were asked to give their comments regarding our O.C.L. campaign. Typically what was said: “We are happy to know that there are people who care for us and feel for us … it is such a blessing having them in our lives to support us during these hard times. When we eat the food, we think of it as a blessing from God, knowing that He will bless all those who enabled us to have a proper meal.”
The Rev.Enver is the pastor of the Zenica Evangelical Church. When asked to comment on the campaign and how it impacted on the Community he said, “The majority of the church members are unemployed, so this assistance means a lot to them. My mission is to encourage them with the Word of God, but other types of care and assistance, such as these parcels, are a real encouragement to them. We look forward to this campaign every year, during the special time of year when we celebrate the birth of our Saviour. We hope and pray that the 2009 OCL campaign will bring relief and hope too many. We thank all those who contribute to this special campaign, but above all, we are grateful to God, who provides and cares for His servants.”
The care extended to the abandoned elderly; to the families coming from remote mountainous areas in the north of the country and to the handicaped children introduced to us by the local churches, have created a warm and positive atmosphere of love and hope. We’re often told by the recipients that the all embracing Christian love displayed through our ministry encourages them to diligently seek God, and to regularly apply sound Biblical principles in their daily lives … I’m sure you’ll agree that at the end of the day, that’s what it’s all about!
