Floods Overwhelm Romania and Serbia

Thursday, April 27, A.D. 2006

In the Eastern European countries of Romania and Serbia, floods have destroyed homes, farms, and entire communities. According to ACT International, in the past week the floods have “inundated 40,000 hectares of farmland and submerged hundreds of houses, leaving thousands homeless and leaving tens of thousands at risk. Thousands of villagers have fled their homes, leaving all possessions behind as flood waters from the Danube spread across southern Romania.” As recovery efforts take place, almost five thousand people are now homeless, finding temporary shelter in schools, hospitals, and tents.

In the northern province of Serbia, Vojvodina, people are bracing for the worst. As waters continue to rise, folks are working day and night to protect their villages by repairing and reinforcing dams. Several dams have already cracked. “Currently the greatest needs are food, drinking water, boots, construction equipment and diesel fuel for the people working on dams and helping to build barriers to hold back the waters.” The Serbian government has declared a state of emergency in some municipalities.

Week of Compassion has responded to our international partner, ACT International, with an initial grant to aid these flood victims and the recovery efforts.

Director Returns from Pakistan

Johnny Wray returned late last night from his trip to earthquake-ravaged Pakistan. His meetings with Church World Service Pakistan/Afghanistan staff were not only encouraging, but also inspiring. We can be incredibly confident and very proud of the work we are doing as Disciples in this region. Our contributions of almost $300,000 to Pakistan and other southern Asian communities affected by the October earthquake are helping CWS to respond to one of the greatest natural disasters of the last year.

In the midst of Johnny’s travels to the devastated region, five Disciples congregations in St. Louis, led by Memorial Blvd. Christian Church, participated in the 32nd “Hike Against Hunger” with all the proceeds going towards our continued recovery and rebuilding efforts in Pakistan. Many Disciples prayed with their feet for the full 20K hike on Saturday, walking in solidarity with those who have lost everything. Along the way, we met many passers-by who asked why we were walking. For many, the situation in Pakistan is old news. Our witness spoke loudly to folks who had forgotten the many suffering in southern Asia. Likewise, it reminded us of just how long recovery can take and how we simply cannot forget those in need of our love, resources, and compassion.

As we walked in St. Louis for those in Pakistan, Johnny was actually there. It was a marvelous moment! We thank God for his safe return home.