A tribute to the City of Manchester for Kosovar Aid and the Amazing Men who delivered it
Bob Johnson, Refugee Camp Director, Durres, Albania, 8th April 1999 edit from email to the Manchester team
“Strange creatures these Brits – with their shorts, sunburnt hides, earrings and tattoos. Never had the refugees laid their eyes on such men. However, unlike their parents, the children had no misgivings about these alien beings.
Unloading completed, the team relaxed and went about winning over the Albanian volunteers and refugees. Playing chess, drawing, pictures, skipping rope, holding hands, playing rider and horse, taking photos and listening to the refugees tell their stories were all part of a wonderful afternoon. It was an extraordinary encounter. Yes, the lads did manage to sneak in a toy and gift hand out producing panic in the staff and a near mini-riot among the refugees. In the end it turned out well. One man came to me privately at the end of the visit. Unable to contain his emotion he said, ‘Bob, I did something today that I haven’t done for many years. I cried. You’re doing a —-ing good job.’ I can’t remember when I’ve had such a complement.
The children, many of whom have experienced unspeakable brutality, were a little bit happier at the end of those two days, their burdens perhaps a little easier to bear. The love and compassion of the Manchester men somehow managed to overcome the language and cultural barrier, sending a message straight to the heart. We thank the Lord for sending to Albania a convoy loaded with material aid. It will make a difference in the lives of many, many Kosovar families. We thank the Lord for the generous outpouring of help from the families, churches, businesses and other organisations of the city of Manchester. It is a refreshing testimony to the well of decency and goodness that is still there to be tapped. Finally, we thank the Lord for the extraordinary envoys from Manchester, men with rough hands and soft hearts who did themselves and their city proud.”
