[Oe List ...] (no subject)

[M. George Walters]

For John Stringham's 65th:

 

John is a man of incredible strength and courage of his convictions, with a
deep sensitivity to the innocent human suffering in the world. He combines
this with a powerful intellect and almost innate sense of diplomacy to be a
forceful impact for change. 

 

The last opportunity Carol and I had to work with John was when we were in
Brussels/India in 1982-86 as he organized the delegation coming from Germany
and then organized and managed the exhibit hall for the IERD in 1984 in New
Delhi. It was an exhibition masterpiece as exhibitors gathered from 55
countries around the world to show what they knew and had learned about
doing all types of development through their villages and communities in
their home countries. I remember walking into that hall the day it opened
and thinking I was maybe in the wrong place because it was so stunning and
masterfully done and laid out. And it was not just me, but everyone there,
like the guests from the Indian government where 35 of their villages were
represented who wanted to turn it into a permanent exhibit in New Delhi and
who came back again and again bringing others from government and industry
to see.

 

On other occasions in Germany where John had established an incredible
relationship with leadership in that country, with his insightful knowledge
of what was going on at the local level and ability to communicate with
flawless German with those in leadership roles, he took Sir James Lindsay
and others of us to meet that leadership and secure support from the German
Government agencies that endorsed and supported their delegates to the IERD.
And after the IERD, he seemed to know intuitively exactly what to do to par
lee that success into future working relationships there and elsewhere in
Europe.

 

Alan Berresford who was assigned to India at the time, used his training and
background to take on the professional documentation task for all of the
250+ projects from the 55 countries coordinated closely with John, probably
has many more details than I about John's role but in fact these two
together were keys to the level of success the IERD enjoyed. 

 

What John has gone on to do the last 25 years since the IERD is another mark
of his deep sensitivity to the innocent human suffering in the world and his
commitment to alleviate that suffering and address the causes. Few of us
know much about the Roma. Like many segments of society, the migrant workers
in the US for instance, they are basically transparent to the rest of
society as it goes about pursuing its objectives, except when they become an
unanticipated nuisance and/or irritant in that pursuit. There is no doubt an
important "memoir" that only John can write about them, their needs and how
these may be addressed. It is a "memoir" we should publish for others who
are engaged and/or would join this effort.

 

This will no doubt be a grand gathering and for those of us who are not
there, it is our loss. 

 

John, we not only love but cherish you and are all indeed thankful for the
moments when we are able to stand at your side and "serve the suffering
world." We look forward to more moments, should God grant them, and pray for
your well-being. But in whatever, God grants, you have given us yet another
profound sign that those who care  and act upon it are the doorway to all of
earth's futures.

 

Grace and Peace be Yours.

 

George and Carol Walters

 

Resurgence Publishing Corporation

4240 Sandy Shores Dr

Lutz, FL 33558

USA

Tel: +1 (813) 948-7267

Fax: +1 (813) 333-1787

Mob: +1 (813) 505-9041

 

URL: www.ResurgencePublishing.com 

Professional Profile: http://www.linkedin.com/in/mgwalters

 

 

 

 

From: oe-bounces at wedgeblade.net [mailto:oe-bounces at wedgeblade.net] On Behalf
Of PSchrijnen at aol.com
Sent: Thursday, March 10, 2011 02:43
To: oe at wedgeblade.net; dialogue at wedgeblade.net
Subject: [Oe List ...] (no subject)

 

Dear Colleagues,

 

Alan and Barbara Berresford, Christine and myself will be going to Frankfurt
this weekend to join a celebration for John Stringham's 65th Birthday. 

 

He has just started chemotherapy on a secondary cancer. The primary cancer
has yet to be diagnosed. 

 

I wonder if you would help us put together some stories and images about
him. So, What 3 qualities come to mind when think about John and what story
or anecdote do you recall about him?

 

I am not sure how many of you are aware of John's steadfast dedication to
improving the life of the Roma, particularly in the Ukraine, where they are
treated, much like untouchables.  He was instrumental in the organisation of
volunteer exchanges while in the Frankfurt House. He has evolved this, and
has become a symbolic leader in that movement in Europe. One of the schemes
he was involved in was to organise volunteer exchanges from the Ukraine to
different countries in Western Europe, both ways. Gypsies working in Western
European projects and the other way around. 

 

It appears he is now entering a new phase in his life.

 

Best wishes to you all,

 

Paul 

 

Paul Schrijnen

London

 

 

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