Mission to Serbia - January 2007
Mike Rowley
Readers will remember Mike’s trip to Serbia on behalf of Blythswood Care last summer and our report on the shoe-box appeal in December.
He has recently returned from another short visit and has sent us this report:
The purpose of this mission was to plan the programme for the coming year with our partners, the Serbia Red Cross. Also to give out gift shoeboxes to Internally Displaced People (as we did this time last year)
A young boy receiving his shoe-box gift
In addition, we visited a family in a rural area who were in need of help. Their five year old son has severe cerebral palsy, the Mum is not well and his Dad also has mild cerebral palsy. Through our partners, the Red Cross, Blythswood has been able to provide funding for the refurbishing of the bathroom (installing a shower) and new toilet facilities. An electrically operated wheelchair was sent from our Medway Depot for the young lad get out and about. The gratitude of the family stretched our emotions to the limit.
Mike handing over clothes
Funds were given to the Food Distribution Centre to buy flour for bread which is handed out daily to the beneficiaries. Over 500 people a day benefit from hot food.
Funds for the Food Distribution Centre
Regrettably, three Baptist Churches have been firebombed recently. A colleague and I held talks with a Baptist Pastor who is secretary of the Serbia Baptist Union, at his house that was under police surveillance for his protection. A highlight of the mission was the experience of the Orthodox Church Christmas.
Once again we thank Mike for taking the time to keep us informed about his trip. We just do not realize the enormity of the problem.