My heart is saddened...

Bajram- I have just learned that a gentleman that I met when I first moved to Kosova, has passed away.

I first met Bajram when I received a call from my friend Sharon, that he was injured severely during a physical therapy session in Prishtina. I went to his home to see what I could figure out on his behalf. He was in severe pain in his left hip, unable to walk. It was later determined that his hip was fractured during the therapy session. I could not believe this.

The rest of the story....

Bajram had stage 4 colon cancer, and the fracture was pathological. It was my first real exposure to health care here in the Balkans...Kosova. Bajram received a total hip replacement in Macedonia...still unaware that he had cancer. The only person in his family that knew of the cancer was his sister, but at the same time there was a large group of Americans that all had knowledge of his medical status. No HIPPA here...! It is not uncommon for the patient and or the family to be told about the prognosis of a patient...especially with cancer. It is just not discussed. Even though Bajram went through some type of chemotherapy, it was not discussed. I believe he was finally told about his condition, I do not know if the rest of the family was ever told.

I helped Bajram with exercises and mobility in his home following his surgery. He greatly blessed me, both of my daughters when they were here, and my friend Sharon to a traditional Albanian dinner...complete with "cultural traditions." So much food, and it was amazing.

Bajram was the mechanic for the fleet of World Vision vehicles in Prishtina, many times he has heard the gospel. Sharon and I shared the gospel with him in the hospital in Macedonia...he knew the truth. Many were praying fervently for this man and his family. But...he never made a profession of faith.

Please pray for the family that Bajram left behind...a wife, 2 daughters and a son. Please pray for the bondage of Islam to be broken in Kosova, that people may hear and receive the truth of Jesus Christ.