“I was outside playing with my cousin when I heard a big noise and saw fire surrounding me. My jacket caught fire and I began crying. My cousin helped me take it off and said we must run. But we did not know where to go. There was smoke and the ground was shaking. I cried out for my mother, but she was not there. A neighbor took me in his arms and carried me away. We went into a bunker. It was very dark and I was so cold. When we came out later, I saw that I had a big wound on my left arm.”
This is the experience of 6-year-old Rexhina on March 15, when a series of blasts occurred at a weapons depot near Tirana, Albania, that lasted for 14 hours. More than 300 homes were destroyed; as of March 25, the death toll had reached 22, with over 350 injured and 50 missing. The explosions occurred while official teams were working to destroy excess ammunition stockpiled since Albania’s communist past.
The Albanian government has provided temporary housing and meals for many whose homes were destroyed. But most remain in a state of deep shock, denial or fear. They need to hear and experience God’s love for them. Responding to these emotional and spiritual needs, TWR’s Albanian partner, Valët e Ungjillit (Gospel Waves), developed a daily radio program titled The Answers: When the Whole World is Shaking. The broadcast addresses the difficult questions people are asking in the aftermath of the tragedy with a biblical perspective and offers hope for the future.
Gospel Waves is also partnering with World Vision to provide a Creativity Center for local children, offering them a positive experience in the midst of trauma and building into their futures. The center will be built in Gerdec, where the explosions occurred, but classes have already begun in temporary housing facilities. Gospel Waves, World Vision and local churches are providing dancing, singing and acting classes for children aged 8 to 17, while those from 5 to 7 are making crafts to sell at an exhibition.
TWR listener Thelleza long dreamed of operating a beauty salon in her home. After saving money for several years, she had finally purchased equipment and was close to opening her salon. Then the explosions occurred. At risk to his own safety, Thelleza’s 11-year-old son attempted to save his mother’s salon equipment from the fire that consumed their house, but to no avail.
Gospel Waves staff heard Thelleza’s story and surprised her with a new beauty salon. They gathered donations from churches, contacted businesses about donating equipment and called upon the Prime Minister’s wife for additional help. On March 30, Thelleza’s beauty salon officially opened in temporary housing facilities. The opening was attended by many national and international media personnel and the Prime Minister’s wife.
Countless others in Albania lost their homes, dreams and hope, just like Thelleza. That’s why TWR established the Albania Relief Fund to assist Gospel Waves in reaching out to those in need. Give now to help Albanians in need. For additional ways to give, call TWR's Donor Services department at 1.800.456.7897.
European Web site visitors: If you’d like to contribute to this crucial need, send your donation to the TWR partner in your country or directly to TWR. Designate your gift for the Albania Relief Fund.
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