Representatives from six ethnically diverse groups who were affected by the Balkan Wars as recent as 1999, came together for a “day of healing” to receive 500 wheelchairs donated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the Wheelchair Foundation.  The donation was made to the Association of Paraplegics and Handicapped Children of Kosovo (HANDIKOS) in Prishtina, the capitol of Kosovo, on January 29, 2004. 

Dr. Bajram Rexhepi, Prime Minister of Kosovo, and a physician who is dedicated to the needs of the physically and mentally handicapped, hosted the presentation ceremony and expressed that the Kosovar leaders were united in distributing the wheelchairs to people in need without regard to ethnic origin, religion, or nationality.  He saw the project as a tangible example of people’s ability to work for peace and reconciliation in a struggling region. 

Elder Johann Wondra, Area Authority Seventy from the Europe Central Area,
presented the wheelchairs to Mr. Halit Ferizi, president of HANDIKOS, who is confined to a wheelchair himself.  Elder Wondra told the recipients that it was his “hope and prayer that these wheelchairs may help you gain mobility to achieve your full potential in this world, that you may be blessed with the power to overcome the trials of your life”.

Suzana Krstiq, one of the wheelchair recipients, was carried to the presentation ceremony by her mother who has provided continuous care for her daughter for 18 years.  Suzana’s mother expressed her gratitude for a wheelchair and stated that both of their lives would now be improved. 

Other distinguished guests attending the ceremony were Mr. Harri Holkeri, Special Representative of the Secretary General of the United Nations; Mrs. Marcie Ries, Chief of Mission, of the U.S. Office-Prishtina; Major General Giuseppe Gay, Deputy Commander KFOR (United Nations Peace Keeping Force); Dr. Valon Murtezaj, Senior Advisor to the Prime Minister; Dr. Resmije Mumcu, representing the Minister of Health; Mr. Behxhet Brajshori, Minister of Culture; the Mayor of Prishtina and many other guests from churches and the community.

Humanitarian Service missionaries, Elder and Sister Patrick McReaken, from the Croatia Zagreb Mission, organized the event.