Many kids from Children’s Homes and poor families are enjoying summer camp.  Here is some video from Moldova and  Ukraine.  Just click on the link:

Moldova:

Ukraine:

It is the Eastern European summer and this year forty one teachers, caretakers and administrative workers from 11 different ‘orphanages’ arrived in “Canaan”, a camp in Ukraine.

For four days the adults enjoyed different activities including sport games, topical discussions, singing Christian songs together, visiting church visit. At the end of the Camp, many said what a wonderful time they’d had. Many spoke of the calm and peaceful atmosphere, how they got to know more about the ministry of Mission Without Borders and understood more about our aims. They all enjoyed learning new Christian songs and exchanged addresses with others from other orphanages. One teacher said: “I’ve never sang in my life. I didn’t even think I could sing. But here I sang; I felt very calm and couldn’t stop smiling!” The Mission Without Borders staff had been very diligent in prayer both before and after the Camp and all feel that God blessed the people there. Please join us in our prayer that the seeds planted in the heart of the attendees will grow and bring forth the fruit for the Lord.

It is Summertime in Eastern Europe and it’s time for Summer Camp! It’s the highlight of the year for thousands of impoverished children in Eastern Europe.

In Albania the camp takes place on the beautiful coast by the Adriatic. In a pine grove, just by the beach, 375 children are accommodated in tents. Not all at once of course! Every ten days a new group of 75 children arrive. Working in close co-operation with local congregations, these are the children we are able to help throughout the year. Many of the children come from homes that are no more than shacks, often with an outdoor ‘kitchen’. Their parents keep them away from school in order to help with work. The parents themselves have known little else. It’s now becoming a real fear that the majority of young people will grow up illiterate.

During Summer Camp there’s such a variety of things to do. There’s sports and swimming. Also there are competitions and creative activities to choose from. In the evenings the entertainment continues. The puppet show is loved by everyone.

It’s a happy time of fun and learning that the children will never forget. More importantly the opportunity to learn about Jesus could make this a truly life-changing experience.

 

Mission Without Borders Knitting PatternsMany have asked about relevant knitting patterns for our ‘Gift in Kind’ donations we are sending to the poor we serve in Eastern Europe. Below are some helpful patterns that are only meant as a guide. Many thanks to our Volunteer and Coordinator in Melbourne Jenny Grainger for making these patterns available for our use! 

Large Blanket (1)

Using size 8 (4mm) needles and 8 ply yarn cast on 40 stitches. Work 80 rows in garter stitch (every row knit). Cast off loosely.Make 56 squares in this way and join them together in 8 rows of 7 to make a blanket measuring approx. 160 x 140 cm.

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Large Blanket (2)Using size 8 (4mm) needles and 8 ply yarn cast on 40 stitches.Work in garter stitch (every row knit) until work measures 160cm. Cast off loosely. Make a further 7 strips (8 altogether) in this way and join then together to make a blanket measuring approx, 160 x 140 cm.

Ideas

1. If you have quantities of 3ply or 4ply yarn try knitting two strands together.2. Join 8 squares to make one long strip and alternate plain strips with strips of squares.

3. Sick of garter stitch – try one of the following

Moss Stitch .1^{st row K 1. P1 to end of row, 2nd row P1. K1 to end of row}Repeat until work measures 20cm. (Or 160 if you are knitting strips) Cast off.

Double Moss Stitch1st and 2nd rows K1. P1. to end of row.

3rd and 4th rows P1. K1. to end of row.

Repeat these 4 rows until work measures 20cm. (Or 160 if you are knitting strips) Cast off.

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Bed SocksMaterials: 8ply wool (approx 75g), 4.00mm needlesCast on 48 stitches

Work 32 rows in K2.P2 rib.

K32. turn K16

Continue on these 16 stitches working 44 rows in garter stitch, slipping the first stitch in each row.

Pick up and knit 21 stitches along side of 44 row panel.

Knit to end of row.

Knit 54 stitches. Pick up and knit 21 stitches along other side of panel. Knit to end of row.

Knit 14 rows in garter stitch.

Next row: K1. K2tog. K40 (K2tog) twice K40 K2tog K1.

Next and alternate rows: Knit

3rd row: K1 K2tog. K38 (K2 tog ) twice K38 K2tog K1.

5th row: K1 K2tog. K36 (K2tog) twice K36 K2tog K1.

7th row: K1 K2tog. K34 (K2 tog) twice K34 K2tog K1.

Cast off.

Make another sock in the same way. With a wool needle join under foot and heel using a flat seam (Mattress stitch recommended).

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12 Ply Beanie for Teens and Adults in two sizes.Requirements: Approx. 100gm 12 ply yarn1 Pair size 6.00mm needles

Wool needle for sewing up.

Using 6.00mm needles cast on 90 (98) stitches.

Work 25 rows in K2, P2 rib.

Work 16 (18) rows in stocking stitch.

Shape crown.1st row K1 * K2tog. K9(10) rep. from * to last st. K1.

2nd and alternate rows Purl.3rd row K1 * K2tog. K8(9) rep. from * to last st. K1.

5th row K1 * K2tog. K7(8) rep. from * to last st. K1.Continue in this manner until 18 stitches remain.

Next row Purl 2tog. Across whole row.Break off yarn leaving the thread long enough to sew the side seam of the beanie. Thread through the yarn through the remaining stitches with the wool needle and pull up tightly. Secure.

Make up. With wrong side facing sew the side seam from the crown to ¼ of the way down the ribbing. Turn the beanie right side out and complete the seam. Fold up about 2/3 of the ribbing.Note Do not add pom poms.

Variations

1. Work the ribbing in a contrasting colour from the main part of the beanie.2. Add some stripes to ribbing or to the main part of the beanie.

3. Use K1. P1 rib for a change.

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ScarvesVery Easy Scarf in 3 sizes (child, lady, man)Materials 100 – 200 g 8 ply yarn1 pair 4.5mm needles

Cast on 35(45, 55) stitches.

Work in garter stitch until work measures 100(140, 150)cm.

Cast off loosely.

Add a fringe if desired.

Hint To keep edges neat slip the first stitch of every row.

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Easy and Fun ScarfMaterials Scraps of 8ply and novelty yarns (eg Feathers) in colours that blend or look good together. 12ply and thick novelty yarns can be used in their own.)1 pair of 9 mm needles or a circular 9 mm needle.

Using yarn double (2 threads at a time) cast on 140 stitches. (The thumb method is the easiest for this project.)

Working with different colour and yarn combinations, knit 40 rows tying each new pair of threads at the beginning of a row and leaving about 15cm of each colour hanging loose. (These ends become the fringe)

Cast off loosely. Tie more threads to the ends to even up the fringe and trim.

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Warm Rib Scarf

Materials 1 pair 4.5mm needlesApprox. 200g 8 ply yarn

Using 4.5mm needles cast on 51 (55, 65) stitches.

Every row Work in K2 P2 rib. (This gives an interesting rib pattern, so don’t panic if it doesn’t look right at first.)Continue until work measures 105(140,150) cm. Cast off in rib.

Add a fringe if desired.

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Classic Teenage/Adult Jumper in 8plySizes8-10 12-14 16-18

Materials100g balls 8 ply

6 7 8

One pair size 4.00mm needles

BackUsing 4.00mm needles, cast on 102(112-124).

1st Row *K2,P2, rep from* to last 2 sts. K2.

2nd Row *P2, K2, rep from* to last 2sts. P2

Repeat 1st and 2nd rows 4 times (10 rows in all).

Continue in stocking stitch until work measures 32cm for girls or ladies, 35cm for boys or men.

Shape Armholes:Cast off sts. At beg of next 2 rows….98(108,120) sts.

Dec. one st at each end of next and foll alt rows until 82(92,102) sts rem.

Continue without further shaping until work measures 53(54,55)cm for girls/ladies or 56(57,58)cm for boys/men ending with a purl row.

Shape shoulders:Cast off 9 (10,12) sts at beg of next 4 rows, then 8(10,10) at beg of foll 2 rows. Leave rem stitches on a stitch holder.

FrontWork as given for back until there are 16 (18,18) rows less than Back to beg of shoulder shaping.

Shape NeckKnit 35 (40,44). Turn.

Cont. on these 35 (40, 44) sts, dec 1 st at neck edge of every row until 33(38,42) sts rem, then in foll alt rows until 27 (31,35) sts rem.

Purl 1 row.

Cast off 9(10,12) sts at beg of next and foll alt row.

Cast off rem 9 (11,11) sts.

Slip next 12 (12, 14) sts. On to st holder.

With right side facing, join yarn to rem 35 (40, 44) sts and knit to end. Work to correspond with other side of neck shaping.

SleevesUsing size 4.00mm needles, cast on 50(52,52)sts. Work 10 rows in rib as given for back.

Work 2 rows stocking st.

Next row: K2, M1, knit to last 2 sts M1 knit 2.

Continue in stocking stitch, increasing as before in every 4th row until there are 70(78,90)sts, then in foll 6th rows until there are 92(96,100) sts. Continue without further shaping until work measures 43 cm for girls/ladies or 45cm for boys/men, ending with a purl row.

Shape top:Cast off two sts at beg of next 2 rows. 88(92, 96)sts.

Dec, one st at each end of next and foll alt rows until 72(76,78)sts rem.

Purl 1 row.

Cast off 10(10,11)sts at beg of foll 4 rows, then 10(12,11) at beg of next 2 rows. Cast off rem sts.

Neck bandJoin right shoulder seam. Using 4.00mm needles pick up 17(18,18) sts evenly along left neck shaping, knit across stitches from front neck stitch holder, pick up 17(18,18) sts from right neck shaping and knit across stitches on back stitch holder increasing by four across these stitches.

Next row: P0(2,1), *inc purlwise in next st, p1 rep from* to last 0(2,1). Purl to end. 120 (124,128) sts.

Work in K2, P2 rib until neck band measures 6cm. Cast off very loosely.

Make UpUsing back stitch, sew up left shoulder seam and neck band. Fold neck band in half and slip st loosely. (Note – if it won’t go over your head it probably won’t go over anyone else’s!)

Sew up sleeve-underarm seams.

IdeasThis is a very basic pattern to which can be added stripes to body, yoke or bands, a few bands of fair- isle or 2 or 3 cables.

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Please contact our office if we can offer any further assistance. Many thanks to Jenny Grainger in Melbourne for making these patterns available!Contact details:

MWB Office: (02) 9793 8100 email: ^{Australia@mwbi.org}

^{Jenny Grainger: (03) 9795 6141 email: jenn.mwbvic@internode.on.net}

The earthquake measured a massive 7.9. It made 5 million people homeless. The death toll is expected to reach 80,000.

Mission Without Borders - through our church related partners - have been actively involved in the relief effort since the day after the earthquake. The following brief report is collected from our local source:

1. Workers supported by MWB have made personal trips with local disciples, distributing food and water, providing comfort, and assessing the situation.
2. House church workers who have been associated with our team and national missionaries who have been mobilized and work in these areas. Pastors and evangelists have gone to provide assistance. One couple was even in the very center of the earthquake zone, and although cut off, has been able to provide us with first hand reports through phone calls.
3. Our partners organized a relief team led by a Doctor and coordinated in conjunction with other International Christian organisations, which was personally authorized by Wen Jia Bao to provide assistance to the victims.

PRESENT SITUATION
We are in the ASSESSMENT and RESCUE phase. Roads are blocked, bridges are out. Survivors in the areas closer to the city and accessible by roads are being adequately cared for by relief teams. Those beyond are desperate and need urgent relief otherwise there will be an even larger loss of life.
 

URGENT NEEDS
Many places within the earthquake zone are still out of reach. One of our national missionary couples survived and reported that as of yesterday NO OUTSIDE HELP HAD REACHED THEIR AREA. They are buying food and water and reaching out to the people around them. These areas must be reached, and quickly.
With no places to stay and no shelter, many are walking and finding their way to the cities. Have to set up places for people to stay, collection of orphans, and counseling. Our House Church partners are already focusing on these needs, and are counting the cost for long term involvement far beyond the relief stage.
We are working with a number of agencies to coordinate training and support for relief workers. A local Christian businessman has agreed to cover the expenses for the conference facilities. He has also offered up to ten vehicles a day to be used by relief teams.

Mission Without Borders has been working in China for some years, partnering with local ministries that need our support. They have appealed for our support and your gifts today will ensure we are able to meet their ciritical needs.

Please will you consider supporting this vital work by donating now?

The Jahic family, father Djemo, mother Almira and children Eldin (5), Edvin (4), Mina (4) and Izet (3) live in an old barrack that used to be an office of local authorities, in Bosnia-Herzegovina. Djemo lived there with his parents while they were alive. The barrack is not suitable for habitation. It is small, damp and deteriorating- but they have no where else to go. Djemo and his wife are unemployed. Before the war, Djemo was employed in a public company and when the war started, he joined the army. After the war, his military service ceased. He has been unemployed ever since. His only income is the casual income he can earn from occasional manual labour opportunities: digging, chopping, unloading, collecting old iron or aluminum. Although it is hard labour, he is willing to do it to earn any income to support his young family. Often this income isn’t even enough to buy food for his family. Regardless, he never ceases to look for work to support his family. 

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When Mira, the MWB Coordinator met the Jahic family in 2005, this was her impression, “When I first met this family, I was appalled by their living conditions.  Their home consisted of one room, which they used as the kitchen, living room, and bedroom for the parents and the children. The only pieces of furniture they had in the room were a damaged cot, bed, and an old stove that produced smoke throughout the room. They used garbage waste for firewood, and as you can imagine the smoke and smell were overwhelming and terrible. All members of this family looked depressed, frightened, uncertain, shabby and very thin”.

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 Today, three years later, they live in the same room. They have received significant help from MWB.  Their living conditions have changed and they are more socialized. But they are still very poor and often hungry.  Just recently Mira visited, and discovered the Jahic family didn’t have any food in the house, not even a gram of flour or a drop of oil. The family’s poverty could be seen in the children’s sad, hungry eyes. It was heartbreaking. Thankfully, MWB has an “Urgent Needs Fund” and we are able to help people when they are in a crisis. We were able to purchase flour and oil, so that the family could at least make bread. All their fears disappeared when they saw the big bag of flour and bottles of oil we brought them. Instead of uncertainty and fear, their hearts were filled with gratefulness and happiness.  Almira said ”We only have dear God and you - people who support and understand us; sensitive and helpful in our constant struggle to survive. We trust you and know we can rely on you. Whenever we are in a difficult situation you support us. I would like to say a big thank you to all the good people in the world and especially to those who put money aside and support us through your ministry”. 

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Material goods are not necessarily the most important things needy families enrolled in the F2F Program need and ask for. Most of these families are already used to surviving with few material possessions. It is the rejection by others, because of their poverty, that causes the most suffering.In Romania, the number of families struggling with extreme poverty increases by the day. Politicians and authorities remember them a few months before the election; offer them a little help and make many promises, but these are usually forgotten right after the elections are won. Mission Without Borders Romania has come to understand the most important support that families need is helping them to have faith in what they are able to do and to discover God as their only and most important help. We aim to not only care for the material and educational needs of families. Emotional Support such as counseling, Christian literature and ministry are central to what we do. All people are created equal and loved by God. They are loved and protected by our Lord and the only thing they have to do is ask for His help in order to find solutions to their problems.

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The Mocanu family has only been enrolled in the F2F Program for a short time, but the life of this family has already improved significantly. Constantin (35) and Mariana (34) are endeavouring to raise their three children Irinel (15), Nicusor (13) and Ana Maria (2) despite intense hardship. They live in a rented room, without running water or electricity. The living conditions are awful, making it impossible to keep up an acceptable level of hygiene. They do not have a fridge so food cannot be stored safely. The children do their homework by candlelight. Both parents are unemployed. Mariana was injured in a car accident a few years ago and has a pin in her leg. This coupled with a heart problem, makes it impossible for her to secure employment or do anything that requires significant effort.  The monthly income of this family is $150, the majority earned by Constantin doing casual work when he can get it. Before enrolment in the F2F Program, the atmosphere in this family was tense. Mariana was always worried, because they weren’t able to afford the necessary food, school supplies, clothes and shoes the children needed to grow and develop well. Constantin joined the trend of men who drown their sorrows in alcohol, drinking away the small income they had. This caused great tension between them.  

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From the first time the MWB Coordinator visited them and offered them a Bible, their life has changed significantly. They listen carefully to everything they are told and are so happy that they are not alone. MWB will help, but most importantly they have a Heavenly Father who wants to offer them the life-changing help they have always wanted.            “They were surprised when I agreed to enter their small room because people usually refuse their invitation. They told me that a few times people have come to offer them food or clothes but refuse to enter their house because they are too poor. There is no doubt that their needs are huge. It is so encouraging to see that what they needed most was the opportunity to share their fears and problems with someone who cares”, said Adrian, the F2F Coordinator. As a result of the meetings and couselling with

Adrian, Constantin has given up alcohol, and Mariana is more optimistic and faithful. They now understand their future is in God’s Hands and He is the only One who can help them overcome their difficulties.
 

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Thank you for your support of this vital Family-to-Family ministry. This comprehensive ministry has enabled us to feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, give a light to those who were in darkness, to keep warm all those who were freezing, to help sick people struggling with chronic illness, to bring the Gospel to hungry souls and bring joy and peace into humble homes. 

Mission Without Borders Ministry to children aims to meet their physical, emotional and spiritual needs. Summer Camp is a wonderful ministry healing souls and providing a dream come true to some very special kids.

This is the testimony of 12 year old Diana who was lead to the Lord by our CRI field worker at last year’s Summer Camp.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

“I grew up in a dysfunctional family. Memories of how my father abused my Mum often disturb me to this day. My twin sister and I were only three when our Dad would put us both on top of the high wardrobe so we couldn’t see or hear how he was beating our Mum in the next room. There have been many other memories of my father’s inexcusable behavior. However, I am glad I don’t remember all of them. As a result of such a childhood I am now shy, find it hard to express emotions and often seem overwhelmed by grief. However, I pretend to be brave and confident, even though I often feel miserable.  In school, I discovered that if you used foul language and hung around in the right gang, no one would touch or harm you. So with their help, I gained ‘friends’ and ‘respect’ for myself. Soon enough I realised these friends were fake. One incident well and truly proved this.. I had told my ‘friends’ about my idea of making a surprise birthday present for my favorite teacher. At first they were jealous, they made fun of me and then told my teacher that I had said bad things about her and that I hated her. They then passed on the news that my teacher would not be accepting any gifts from me… The situation disintegrated further… suffice to say these friendships were not real, were very damaging and left me feeling very alone.  

Everything seemed to be going wrong in my life. I was doing terribly at school, I had a bad reputation, no friends and then my Mum got very sick.  Little did I know that an offer of a Summer Camp was going to change my life!It was a perfect day! The first day of Summer Camp had bright blue skies and warm sunny weather. But inside, I felt cold and sad as I wanded around the Camp. Taras, our camp leader, noticed me and sat down with me for a talk. We prayed together and he asked God to let me know how much He loved me. I felt very special. After our little chat I felt relieved and at peace. I started to think differently and there was a lot to think about. During the evening service, I gave my life to the Lord. It was also very exciting to see my sister’s eyes full of happy tears on stage. She met Jesus that night too!  Since then, all of my bad words have gone. I don’t even know where? I have asked God for real friends and little by little I was meeting new friends every day at Summer Camp.  As I got to know my Camp ‘Dad’ Talking, I begun to see that not all men are like my father. This prompted me to forgive my father. He probably still feels bad for what he did. I also started to write poems at Summer Camp.  At first, they were only one or two lines. When I showed them to Taras, he encouraged me to do write more as he saw I had talent. So I started to put all my emotions and feelings on paper. Now I have two hobbies, playing soccer and writing poems. I am good at soccer too, only the physical education teacher can score against me! 

When I got sick at Summer Camp, all of the staff members came to my room and sang to me. This has never ever happened in my life and was so wonderful! Returning from Summer Camp, I was terrified about what I would do without “Daddy” Taras and “Mama” Ira. But God took care of that concern. My sister and I have kept in touch with Taras, Ira and many others from Summer Camp. Taras often comes and visit us here at the Children’s Home. We also regularly attend the local church in Ostrig together with our Camp ‘Mum’ Ira”.  

When Diana and her twin sister Vika returned to the Children’s Home, their sparkling eyes told everyone they had changed. Their school physiologist expressed his surprise in seeing such an instant change in the girls. “It was like two new girls had arrived at the Home!” 

Unfortunately, there are many children like the Darinas girls not only in Children’s Homes that struggle with a painful past, unforgiveness and have bitter hearts. These kids need at the very least emotional support. Many may well have bypassed Diana with her bad behaviour and attitude, but the leaders and volunteers at the Summer Camp reached out to her with love and compassion and the change was absolutely amazing!  Diana’s poems were mostly about Ira, Taras and her new life with Jesus. Like Taras and Ira, we have many more staff and volunteers throughout our field countries reaching out to kids with the love of God. Their ministry is made possible thanks to your support. You may not be coordinators of a Summer Camp, or the Sunday school’s teachers but by the grace of God, the lives of others can be changed through you and through those you empower with your generosity… thank you for making our ministry possible! 

Diana’s favourite poem begins with… “Mama Ira is a dream-friend…Now I can enjoy this new friend, I no longer have to dream…” 

Thank to our sponsors and supporters, 80 children in Ukraine had the chance to spend their Spring break at the Christian camp called “Seeds of Truth.” The children come from dysfunctional families and 80% of them had never been to a camp before. For the 10-18 year olds, nine days at camp not only allowed them the chance to eat as much as they wanted - a rarity for children who often have to go hungry; play sport and games, they also received spiritual food for their growth. Every day was a new day to learn more about God and the ways He is celebrated in Ukraine - in church and with public holidays.

Both boys and girls were enthusiastic about what they had learnt - how to communicate and to be friendly - a new skill for kids from dysfunctional and sometimes abusive families; how to enjoy participating in games and competitions, and lose with good sportsmanship; and how to pray.

The children’s expectations were overwhelmingly met and it is our prayer that as they return home they are encouraged to continue corresponding with us through Mission Without Borders Bible Correspondence Course.

By Monika Qerimi -
MWB Albanian Field Manager

Monday, 17th March, 2008

As you may have learned from the news Saturday, March 15th, at about midday in a village called Gerdec, halfway between Durres and Tirana, near the only airport of Albania, there was a gigantic explosion of thousands of tonnes of explosive, artillery shells and other heavy ammunitions. The blast created a real catastrophe of apocalyptic proportions. It was a mini 9/11 for Albania.

According to formal statistics there are about 10 thousand tons of artillery shells and other munitions in Albania that need to be eliminated. In the area of Gerdec there is a factory for the disarming of heavy artillery shells. Unfortunately, the factory functioned by breaking all the rules and technical conditions which are normally very strict in this type of activity. From the testimonies of the inhabitants of the area and employees that managed to survive, it is said that the factory resembled more to an agricultural enterprise. The employees were totally untrained.

Preliminary reports speak of 10 dead and of more than 300 injured. It is dreaded that the number of human casualties will be several times higher considering that there were dozens of women and children, most of them illegal from this poor area, working there. Immeasurable are the material losses; dozens of houses destroyed or dismantled and innumerable small businesses ruined.

Thousands of inhabitants from Gerdec and the surrounding area were evacuated. The Durres-Tirana highway was blocked for the whole day. Many inhabitants found shelter in the bunkers of communist times. The city streets of Durres and Tirana were deserted as the people were at home glued to their TV, waiting for news and updates. The whole country lived hours of anxiety, panic and despair that can be compared to the news of September 11th.

Sunday, Fatos, our logistics manager, Valdet, our communications manager, our drive Arben and myself traveled as near the area as we could get. It was impossible to get close because of the police blockades. We did, however, witnessed the panic and disorientation of the people, and the unfortunate lack of organization.

The hospitals of Durres and Tirana continue to be ready to deal with hundreds of injured. The entire hospital personnel have been on call since Saturday midday.

The buildings of two holiday centers/hotels for the military in Durres beach were turned into welcoming centers for people who have remained homeless. They only have the clothes they have on.

Today, (Monday), we prepared a load of clothes and sent it to these centers. The mayor himself called and was glad to learn that we were organizing this distribution. He also sent representatives from the city hall to help this distribution arranged by all our staff for these 100 people that have found shelter in the buildings. Other distributions will be arranged in the coming days, making use of the Gift-In-Kind items we have in the warehouse because the number of people needing shelter continues to grow.

It is not easy to say precisely what we can do for them at the moment. Actually we hope that the situation gets clearer so that we can evaluate better what we can do. In the meantime we continue to stay in contact with the local government. Even the staff of the first lady asked our support for this emergency.

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

The prime minister called today a day of mourning. Every activity stopped for one minute at midday. Besides covering all the funeral expenses, the government for the moment, will also accord a sum of 2 million leks (approx. 16 thousand dollars) per each family that has had a victim.After the resignation of the Minister of Defense yesterday, the pressure from the press, the opposition as well as of the people in the area continues to mount. On the other hand, Berisha says he or his government do not intend to resign. The number of victims has reached seventeen, while the research operations in the area continue side by side with the operations of cleaning the surroundings from the exploded or unexploded ammunitions.

The first arrests related to the tragedy have also been carried out. Three people, managers/owners of the private companies that dealt with the deactivating of the missiles (or whatever they are called), were arrested today. Other arrests are expected.

Panic persists everywhere in the country and people still fear that this incident may be repeated in other areas in the village of Rromanat (that is quite near Durres).

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

A little over 100 persons have found their way to the two facilities in Durres organized to receive the homeless temporarily affected by Saturday’s (March 15, 2008) ammunition depot explosion near the cities of Durres and Tirana.

At present, our Albanian colleagues, working together with the local authorities, have started distributing clothes, blankets and other ‘Gift In Kind’ donations to the growing hordes of people seeking shelter at these centers.

In the coming days, the situation will hopefully become clearer as to how MWBA can best assist in this critical situation.

If you desire to help our efforts in this crisis, you may do so by clicking “Donate Now”.

Response to Kosovo’s declaration of independence in February has reminded the world that the former Republic of Yugoslavia is still very volatile. Strong ethnic feelings lie just under the surface and political forces are maneuvering without much world media attention. During and following the war of the early 1990’s, refuges fled persecution and violence.

Nearly four million people from the former Republic of Yugoslavia have come to depend on international emergency assistance since late 1991, when the horrific term “ethnic cleansing” was heard around the world.The term “refugee” is broad, but in Bosnia, for those people that Mission Without Borders reaches, the more appropriate term would be “internally displaced persons.” Due to the violence that they were exposed to during the war, they were forced to escape and find a new place where they could live without being afraid for their lives. As their numbers increased each day, refugee camps were the only alternative for them back in the 90’s.

Life in the camps was, at that time and still is, very hard. The intention of all the people living there was to leave as soon as the fighting and violence stopped and return to their homes. However, they have found it impossible to do so for many reasons. An example is the Drljo family, who were not able to return home because it’s located in an area of Bosnia that is ethnically “cleansed” - meaning that they would live in an environment where almost all the population is Muslim. Being Christian would expose to all sorts of maltreatments by their neighbors; their children would have to attend a school where the curriculum is written for Muslim children. Their chances for employment would be minimal since they would hardly get a job in an environment where the majority of the population (Muslim in this case) is still unemployed. Many families were so traumatized by the horror they witnessed and experienced that the idea of going home is too frightening. When refugees are asked why not return home the reply is literally:”I would rather die in the camp than return to the place that once I called home.”

Mission Without Borders is touching the lives of many of these internally displaced people on a practical and daily basis.

Your support helps make this possible.