Forests have been burning in North Macedonia for weeks. Flames keep flaring up - in places where the fires seemed to have been extinguished, but also in new locations. Certain areas have been closed to the public. But even where there is currently no fire risk, for example in Strumica in the east of the country, older people in particular are advised not to leave the house during the day. It would not be safe due to the extreme heat.
Around 200 elderly and infirm people in Strumica are still being provided with a full meal five times a week these days - despite the difficult conditions due to the temperature. It doesn't matter whether these people stay at home because of official recommendations or whether they are unable to leave their homes anyway for health reasons: This meal service provided by the "Miss Stone Center", an independent ministry of The Central and Southern Europe United Methodist Church, is of existential importance to many people.
The United Methodist Church is a part of the Central and Southern Europe Annual Conference.
However, this support is not a matter of course. On the one hand, it is always a challenge to be able to cover the costs - especially when, for example, unexpected kitchen renovation measures become necessary. As part of a kitchen renovation including a renewal of the kitchen equipment, it was discovered that not only did the power supply need to be renovated, but that the heavily corroded water pipes would also have to be replaced in the near future. On the other hand, the staffing situation is always a burning issue. If employees are headhunted after a short time or find a better-paid job elsewhere, time has to be spent looking for and training new staff in addition to the extremely intensive daily work.
Despite these challenges, the work has never been interrupted thanks to the impressive commitment of those responsible, which is a reason for great gratitude. The fact that companies also recognize the importance of the "Miss Stone Center" and support the preparation of meals with donations in kind (agricultural products), for example, is an important sign of appreciation - and also a welcome financial relief.
The staffing situation for the home care service was even more difficult than for the meal delivery service. Despite great efforts, neither a nurse nor a physiotherapist could be found for more than two years. If staff shortages in the Western European healthcare system can at least be alleviated thanks to employees from the Balkans, this is good news for the facilities in question and the people receiving medical and nursing care there. For the people in North Macedonia, on the other hand, the news is not quite so good - because there is a lack of specialist staff there as a result. Nevertheless, after a conceptual change to the work, a qualified nurse has now been found, which has given the home care service new impetus and made it possible to expand its work.
The meal service in the small town of Radovish also continues to operate. There, 50 people are provided with a hot meal every day - unemployed and physically or mentally ill people living below the poverty line, as well as single mothers and their children. And where these people live in extreme poverty and simply have no one to help them - neither individuals, organizations nor the state - those responsible at the "Miss Stone Center" sometimes help out with clothing, firewood or medication.
The need is great. The fire of love and hope in the hearts of those responsible is greater.
Story by Urs Schweizer (based on a newsletter from Christina Cekov, Strumica/North Macedonia)
This story represents how United Methodist local churches through their Annual Conferences are living as Vital Congregations. A vital congregation is the body of Christ making and engaging disciples for the transformation of the world. Vital congregations are shaped by and witnessed through four focus areas: calling and shaping principled Christian leaders; creating and sustaining new places for new people; ministries with poor people and communities; and abundant health for all.
