Christian Church(Disciples of Christ)
Christian Church
(Disciples of Christ)
Contact: news@cm.disciples.org
96b-37
May 21, 1996
NEW YORK (NCC) -- A race against time that is how Church World
Service describes the urgency of its development, reconstruction and
reconciliation work in Bosnia-Herzegovina and Croatia during this year
of fragile peace enforced by U.S. and other peacekeepers.
"Residents are now gauging whether war is more profitable or peace,
and what is the better course for the future of their lives," said the Rev.
Paul Wilson, a Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) minister who directs
the CWS Europe office. The key, he said, is helping people stabilize their
economy and living conditions so that when outside peacekeepers leave,
people choose peace rather than a return to war.
"I have seen people who want to start the war again," said Peter Mikuliak,
CWS regional director for Bosnia-Herzegovina, with offices in Metcovic,
Croatia. This long-term CWS staffer from Mayfield, Pa., was appointed to
his current responsibilities in December.
"We need to out-organize the warmongers," said Mikuliak during a recent
brief U.S. visit. "We don't have much time. We have to work smart and fast
so people will say, 'We want to build our country back up.'"
He described CWS's $17 million humanitarian aid program from 1992
through 1995, which included delivery of food, shoes, underwear, school kits,
health kits, blankets, dishes, anti-lice shampoo and medical supplies.
While such aid continues as needed, CWS now is in "the joyous process
of transition from war relief to reconstruction and reconciliation," he said.
The same indigenous ecumenical and grassroots agencies that have been
CWS partners in delivering humanitarian assistance now are collaborators
in development and economic recovery programs. CWS is helping small
businesses and farms get re-established and is supporting healing and
reconciliation following four years of war.
CWS efforts are focusing on the most vulnerable, including the abandoned
elderly, new widows, orphans, war-disabled and survivors of rape, ethnic
"cleansing" and other brutalities. Attention also is being given to demobilized
soldiers, to encourage them to recover a normal life.
"Thousands of soldiers are being mustered out," said Wilson. "If these men
and youths don't find livelihoods in times of peace, what is to deter them from
returning to war? It's the responsibility of the international community to help."
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