In 2000, the «Miss Stone» social center—named after the former missionary Ellen Stone—was established in Strumica (North Macedonia). Even back then, the idea was to be there for people in need. It’s amazing to see how much has grown since then—and it stands as an impressive testament to tireless dedication and genuine generosity of spirit.
The list of global crises is long - the food crisis, climate crisis, war, military conflicts and a crisis of confidence in liberal-democratic countries are affecting the prospect of a better future. People in the Global South, who are struggling with numerous crises, are particularly affected. How are they faring and what glimmers of hope are visible on the horizon?
Meet people from Connexio hope and develop partner countries online. This time: Gjergj Lushka. Responsible for the Center for Early Childhood Development in Tirana.
The Miss Stone Center in Strumica, North Macedonia, which Connexio develop supports, provides more than 250 people with a hot meal every day. Now
Zaborze is a small village in Poland. For many years, this village has grown to around three times its size in summer - whenever the Evangelical Methodist Church (EMK) in Poland sets up a very special "village within a village".
It will soon be 40 months since the Russian armed forces invaded Ukraine and allowed the conflict, which had been smouldering for years, to escalate into open warfare. Since then, politicians have held countless talks - about ceasefires, necessary arms deliveries and diplomatic solutions. But the suffering and death in Ukraine continues, and the longing for a just peace remains unsatisfied.
The Miss Stone Center in Strumica (North Macedonia) supports people with food parcels. Such help is also possible because others donate to the Miss Stone Center.
The first "Connexio Mission Talk" on the evening of December 2 focused on the work of the Methodist Church in Romania. The surprising outcome of the first round of the presidential elections was also an important topic of discussion.
A few days ago, a warning made the operation of the Miss Stone Center in Strumica (North Macedonia) very difficult. The drinking water in Strumica is contaminated.
North Macedonia is experiencing a very hot summer this year. This is not only having an impact on nature, but also on the people who are suffering from the heat.
