TUZLA, BOSNIA…
The following statistics are based on the Roma village of about 15,000 people in Tuzla. They are the largest of the 17 minorities in Bosnia-Herzegovina.
* Almost 100% are without a permanent job
* 90% do not have any health insurance and are outside health services
* 60% are illiterate
* 80% are without vocational education
* 80% of the children do not attend school
The problems of the Roma in Tuzla are very similar to the Bosnians in general: extensive poverty, unemployment, the lack of education, poor housing conditions and the lack of identity documents. Many families live without water and electricity. A large number of children and women make their living begging, which is in fact a criminal act in Bosnia.
The kids here are wild and have no discipline. The times they are is out of anger and physical abuse of the adults. Kim and I were painting faces for the children last night, and at times…we had about 30 little ones screaming in our ears. It’s reassuring to have the opportunity to show them Christs’ love through a gentle spirit. All they are used to is people screaming back and throwing fists. We saw way too many kids slapping each other, and even an older man came into the room and tried to chase the kids out. He chased one little girl out the door by kicking her. It’s definitely hard for me to watch, but I’m putting all my hope in the Lord’s promises to restore each child and parent in this village.
Isaiah 40:29-31
29 He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.
and increases the power of the weak.
30 Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
31 but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.
