Balkan relief and recovery

More than 100,000 people remain displaced in the aftermath of the unprecedented floods that ravaged Bosnia, Serbia and other Balkan countries last month. Altogether, the floods claimed more than 75 lives, affected more than one million people and caused damages up to several billions of dollars. Officials in Bosnia fear the costs of the damages could exceed that of the 1992-1995 war. Read more about our response through Week of Compassion, and thank you for your prayers.

Way to Go, Graduates

 

Vine Street congratulates its recent graduates! Bruce Oulson received his Associate of Science degree in healthcare management from Nashville State Community College. He will transfer this summer to Austin Peay State University to continue working on his Bachelor of Arts degree in professional studies organizational leadership with a concentration in occupational health.

John Shuler received his National Board Certification through the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards.

Ben Parks graduated salutatorian from Nashville School of the Arts. Ben is the brother of Jacob and the son of Karen and Ted Parks.

 

Bosnia Herzegovina

Devastating floods in Bosnia Herzegovina and throughout the Balkans are the worst thing the country has faced since the horrific war two decades ago, according to Bosnian president, Bakir Izetbegovic. More than two dozen people have been killed in Bosnia, Serbia and Croatia, entire towns and cities have been inundated, and damage losses will run well into the billions of dollars. read more And make sure you read the very personal story at the end of the report. Thank you for your prayers and your support through Week of Compassion.

Numbers and names

The 28th season of Room in the Inn's winter shelter program concluded on March 31.

More than 6,500 volunteers in 180 congregations provided 31,000 beds and served more than 62,000 meals.

We did this together. Thanks be to God.

Since November 1 last year, 43 people obtained employment through RITI's workforce development program. Michael W., Marion S., Randy B., Monroe S., Donald B., Jason U., Zach S., Kelvin M. and so many more.

Thanks be to God.

Since November 1 last year, 70 people received housing through RITI's case management services. Welcome home, Leroy E., Clarence, W., Cynthia H., Alma F., Darryl K. and three children, David C. and three children, Natasha C. and family and so many more.

Thanks be to God.

Celebration

Thank you for your prayers for Glen Stewart during and after his double knee-replacement surgery. He and Joyce were able to join us in worship on Sunday, and it was amazing to see him walk using only a simple cane. Now it's time to offer prayers of thanksgiving and joy!

Kawaq Yaku

Hello Vine Street!
Ted and I are at Kawaq Yaku cafe which is Quechua (Incan dialect) for "water that brings life".  As they have internet access, we are using this opportunity to check in. We are in our way to the boys home in Kusi, and came by bus from Lima and then a taxi, which are prevalent!  I am glad we have Ted who helps translate, as we now are in areas which even Spanish is not spoken by everyone, but rather an Incan dialect. Meeting a lot of good people, and the cafe is run by ex-missionaries still sharing the gospel through their cafe. A welcome find, but definitely something not expected in this area!  We have great traveling companions and will check in again when we can.
Peace,
Joe