Stories from the Field

Valya's Story
Wednesday, September 24, 2025 by Amber Schafer

Categories: GIVE THANKS 2025

When I attend meetings for refugees at the Church Without Walls, I seem to fall into a world of bliss, spirituality, and peace; it feels calm and comfortable. I always eagerly await these meetings.

It is a very warm and friendly atmosphere. We gather, take pictures, paint, pour coffee, and listen to deep and spiritual themes as we paint. I love that our hostess, Christina, gently blends psychology and the Bible.

During the meetings, we hear from God’s Word, listen to music, and are met by kind and caring people. We get the opportunity to paint and talk about topics that are important to me—it makes me feel better. Because of the meetings, I have confidence, joy, and rest for my soul. We talk, share information, and help one another, and this is very important now.

Painting helps us relax and think about our feelings and experiences. This mix of creativity, communication, and spiritual content has been very valuable to me. I notice that after these meetings, processing life becomes easier for me. More peace and joy appear.

At these gatherings, I have received answers to my questions about God, life, and psychology. I have developed internally and learned to be better and more morally resistant to the challenges of life.

I had never gone to church before. God and faith were something far from me. I always counted on myself and my own strength. Through these meetings, I met God.

If you ask me, "What do these meetings for refugees and painting at a church mean to me?" I would say that it has become a real source of inspiration and support for me.

From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank the shepherd/pastor, Igor, and the girls who lead these meetings: Christina, and her companions, Alyona, and Maryana.

-Valya

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