When the governments of Slovenia and Croatia declared themselves independent in what was then Yugoslavia in 1991, few people from the West would have predicted the full-scale civil war that has erupted and the displacement of two million people. The UN sanctions against Serbia and Montenegro have had a devastating effect on the economy there, with one estimate predicting a million workers losing their jobs as a result of the sanctions. In addition, the wheat harvest is well below expectations and earnings fell by 50 percent during the first quarter of 1992. As the Western media focuses on the horrors of this civil war, they have begun to cover the brutalities and the shortages of food and medicines. But they have not covered what the Christians are doing there to make a difference.
Missionaries traveling to former Yugoslavia have reported several key needs in ministering to the people:
- FOOD. Yugoslavia's was never a strong economy. Today, most people do not have the money to purchase food even when it is available.
- GLASS. The concussion of heavy artillery has blown away windows in hundreds of thousands of homes. Production of glass in the country cannot begin to fill the need, and winter has arrived.
- CLOTHING AND BLANKETS. In Croatia, it is estimated that 250,000 homes have been destroyed. The homeless now are without clothing, blankets, and shelter.
- CLEANING SUPPLIES. Soap, detergents, and personal hygiene products are all in short supply.
- EVANGELISM. National Christians who are involved in providing relief are keenly aware of the spiritual needs of the people. The challenge to help these people know Christ is immense.
To help minister in the midst of this crisis, contact the agencies listed below:
The Croatian Office of Refugees and Displaced Persons is accepting the help of recognized agencies to provide humanitarian relief. Three of the largest indigenous agencies are Christian:
| Agape President Peter Kuzmic D. Tucovica 32 Osijek, Croatia Tel/Fax: 38 54 556-466 Vice President Franjo Prem |
My Neighbor (Moy Bliznji) Dr. Josip Mikulic Pantovcak 5 41000 Zagreb, Croatia Tel: 38 41 516-814; 38 41 517-259 Fax: 38 41 538-982 Spiritual Realities |
Following is a partial list of international organizations providing help to the victims of the civil war:
| International Red Cross CICR 19 Av de la Paix CH-1202 Geneva, Switzerland Tel: 41 22 934-6001 Fax: 41 22 733-2057 American Red Cross United Nations High Commission for Refugees Caritas |
Samaritan's Purse P.O. Box 3000 Boone, NC 28607 Tel: (704) 262-1980 Fax: (704) 262-1796 Tear Fund (UK) World Relief World Vision |
"The Yugoslav Civil War: How Christians Can Help," East-West Church & Ministry Report, 1 (Winter 1993), 6.
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© 1993 East-West Church and Ministry Report
ISSN 1069-5664
