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The Forgotten Ones of Bulgaria

© Jeff Taylor

While much of the Western world has been focused on potential Y2K problems and surviving "the end of the world", the other half of the world has been struggling to simply survive another day of malnutrition and inadequate shelter.

The struggle for survival in the bitter cold of Eastern Europe is just that- bitter, hard and grueling. The high temperatures in Bulgaria range around freezing. I have been to both Bulgaria and Romania during the dead of winter (January, 1992) and I still shiver at the memories of the cold. Unlike our homes in America, this cold was both inside and outside due to insufficient heating and low supplies. Sadly, when times get tough, it is those without families who suffer the most. Aneta Naydenova, the field manager for Mission Without Borders writes, "The Children's Home in Vetren houses over 100 little ones ranging in age from birth to three years. Some of them are handicapped and suffer from disabilities requiring extra attention from the already over-worked staff. There aren't enough nappies (diapers) to handle the demand of constant changing so the staff uses tattered bits of cloth. Most of these children are without shoes, let alone a winter coat: their clothing is limited to hand-me-downs circulated through the Home. They are cold, hungry, and worst of all... forgotten."

"The Home for the elderly in Kasilag has 100 residents living in accommodation equipped to handle 65. Their old boiler is straining to supply hot water. Threadbare clothing is worn by many residents. Food is scarce, clothing consists of rags, and winter shoes are non-existant. We are reaching them with the Gospel of Jesus Christ but they need supplies to survive this winter."

Mission Without Borders has been working with Homes for Children and the Elderly for the past two years, trying desperately to give them the clothes, blankets, and other items people need to stay warm. The goal this February is to provide 2500 elderly and children with warm winter outfits, shoes, and other needed items.

Because of corporate donations and low overhead, every dollar will be stretched to meet as many needs as possible. Mission WIthout Borders is audited annually by Ernst and Young. In 1997 (the latest audit), 95.1% of all money received went to fund ministry projects such as this. Only 4.9% was used for administrative costs and fund raising.

The question now, is can you or your church help? $25, $50, $100 or more will put our faith into action, allowing these forgotten ones in Bulgaria to see the love of Christ in practical ways.

The copyright of the article The Forgotten Ones of Bulgaria in Christian Humanitarian Aid is owned by Jeff Taylor. Permission to republish The Forgotten Ones of Bulgaria in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.