Welcoming within the community of faith goes beyond supporting and meeting the needs of refugees. It also means ensuring that, through us, they know that God sees them and cares for them.

There are many accounts of refugees who feel misunderstood and hopeless. Unfortunately, they have many reasons to feel this way, and as we are moved by their stories, we often find ourselves with our hands tied. We can offer all kinds of support, but human empathy alone does not heal wounded people.

But the Comforter dwells within us. The God who cares for the orphan, the widow, and the foreigner. The God who became a man, a fugitive from His own land. He Himself has made His dwelling within us.

And I believe that if the Church puts on the lenses of Christ—full of compassion and honor—we can ensure that people in refugee situations feel loved far beyond human love. As they are served, I believe they can feel the gaze of God Himself resting upon them.

Through the service and willingness of the Church, these people can be encountered by the love of God, which is the true hope.

Nathalia Donini (Maringá/PR)
Self-taught visual artist, with production centered on oil painting and watercolor.
Instagram: www.instagram.com/nathalia.donini

Artwork presented in 2023 at the VII Refugees Forum
Theme: “Welcoming in the Community of Faith”