Reality in North Macedonia - and a dream

The Methodist diaconal center "Miss-Stone" in North Macedonia provides around 250 people with a hot meal every day. During a visit to Switzerland, the Executive Director, Martin Konev, reported on the challenges and joys of this work.
 
"Most of the people we care for would probably die if we weren't there," says Martin Konev. He is the Executive Director of the “Miss Stone Center” in Strumica, North Macedonia. Together with his staff, he provides around 200 people in Strumica with a hot meal five times a week. Another 50 people are supplied with food in Radoviš, 40 kilometers away. A home care service and a social service are other important areas of work.
 
Martin Konev and his family spent a few days in Switzerland in late November 2024. During a visit to Zurich, Martin Konev gave a public talk about his work.
 
Many people have no relatives to look after them, reported Martin Konev. "Our employees are often the only ones who come to these people." There are a few state or private facilities. But the costs are high. Too high. "Not all of the people we support receive a pension," says Martin Konev. And those who do receive a pension often receive very little money.
 
But it is not only the state that offers little. Other church or private organizations are also practically inactive. "The Orthodox Church doesn't have any services at all. Caritas used to be active here." It does happen from time to time that non-governmental organizations become active, but only for a short time. "They register as an organization, receive state funding, distribute the money and then disappear again."
 
The “Miss Stone Center” is different. The center has been in existence for over 20 years now. The work has grown steadily. "Every time I receive a report from you, the number of people being fed is higher," says Urs Schweizer. At the same time, the report always states that the kitchen's capacity is exhausted. "But you always manage to ensure that even more people can be fed."
 
It is very difficult for him, says Martin Konev, when he hears that there are persons who don't know whether they have food today or whether anyone is coming by at all. "What do I do then? Do I cook an extra portion or not? - That's a difficult, very difficult decision."
 
The huge task is faced with limited resources. The staffing situation is permanently strained. "As a country, we have the problem that young people are emigrating," explains Martin Konev. Many companies in North Macedonia are therefore desperately looking for workers. "If a company is looking for employees, they raise wages. People then prefer to go there."
 
In view of this wage spiral, the donation-funded diaconal center is not competitive. "The people who stay with us are often people who don't work so quickly. They wouldn't be able to meet the requirements at other companies. Nobody wants them there."
 
"What gives you the strength to do this work and not go somewhere where there is more money to be made?" asks Urs Schweizer. - "I don't see it as 'work', but as my mission," replies Martin Konev. After a pause, he adds: "The responsibility we have for around 250 people is really very great."
 
It is not only the personnel situation that worries him. The finances are also a problem. Around 250,000 euros are needed annually for the work of the Miss Stone Center. "It would be nice if there was some certainty: When people donate, they do so regularly over a few years! That kind of certainty makes a big difference when it comes to worries."
 
Martin Konev and his employees receive strength and hope from the people they are there for: "When people’s faces are lighting up or when they are crying with joy." Time and again, he says, people start crying as soon as they open the door. Some say: "Even if you had nothing for me right now ... just the fact that you've come in and respect us as people is enough!"
 
But not everyone is like that, adds Martin Konev with a twinkle in his eye. It has also happened that they have been sent away. And they have also been asked: "Who are you to help me? My only son doesn't want to help me. But you, you want to help me!"
 
But the attitude of those who are skeptical changes over time. "Some of the people we help say: 'You are our children now!’ They call us when they have problems."
 
Martin Konev has a dream for the future development of the diaconal center. "For a few years now, I have wanted to build a social retirement home near the ‘Miss Stone Center’." People who receive a small pension could move in there. That would enable more interaction and togetherness. "Our services could be significantly improved. Then it would be more about the people and their needs." At the moment, they have to spend a lot of time visiting people where they live. Such a retirement home would also improve and facilitate healthcare.  "But I know that's a very big dream."
 
Author: Sigmar Friedrich, Zurich