In the beginning, God created.

That’s the very first thing we see God doing­—creating! So that’s what we did too.   

Armed with paint and brushes, markers and paper, needles and yarn, fabric and thread, our short-term team served refugees in Athens, Greece, with art, a universal language that transcends culture, breaks down barriers, and speaks to the soul.

Some of the projects were simple, like watercoloring English verbs (and laughing with and at each other’s work). The ladies also painted their pain, characterizing emotional words like “suffering” and “sad.” One woman painted the flag of her home country and her heart, both ripped in two. I couldn’t breathe.     

We swirled acrylic paints that created masterpieces. I will never forget the smiles and wonder on people’s faces and the strong sense of pride in what they created. An older gentleman even did a little jig.     

One swirling motif reminded a lady of her treacherous night journey through Turkey. Another remarked the marbling effect was his life, a series of ups and downs. Another used very dark paint and inscribed the words “WAR” on top to depict his heart, which no one could see.   

The ladies “went to town” with thread and fabric and baby onesies as well as paper and watercolors and markers and ribbons, which all felt like an old-fashioned quilting bee. One young woman could “feel the warmth in our hearts” and shared her story, both the pain of the past and her hope for the future.   

Creating provides nurturing. It heals hearts and brings smiles. It offers solace and builds community. It facilitates empathy and understanding, and a whole lot more.     

I think God started with a pretty good thing.

Kay Burklin serves as MTW’s refugee liaison for Europe.