[Oe List ...] (no subject)

[Carol Pierce]

2011/3/10 M. George Walters <m.george.walters at verizon.net>

> 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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