The winter is cold and the snow lies deep around. A queue of people lines up along the street. A kind volunteer brings tea and coffee along the line to help them keep warm. Reaching the front of the line, Bohdana is greeted by a gentleman at the door, who checks her invitation and she steps inside. Smiles and kind words of welcome invite her to the check-in table.

The room is full of people excitedly choosing from the available selection of clothing, food and hygiene products. There are people from many nations helping to distribute, some speak her language and other don’t, but it’s okay, Bohdana can see from their faces that they care for her. She gratefully receives the items that are provided.

Sitting down for a moment to rest, a lady begins to talk with her, tenderly asking about her life and how she is. Feeling that this is a safe space, Bohdana pours out her heart, telling of her struggles and the lady offers to pray for her. Bohdana doesn’t know if she believes in God after the suffering she’s experienced, but she is willing to accept any chance of help.

The lady invites Bohdana to come back and join other activities during the week where she can be supported further. Bohdana thanks the lady for the invitation and says she will think about it. She walks out onto the cold of the street, with a new warmth in her heart. She is thankful that she has received not only much needed practical help, but more importantly, a sense of love and peace that she can’t quite explain.

Around a hundred people every week receive aid through our ‘Care Fair’ programme, which takes place at our community centre, Dom Kultur. These are people with refugee experience who are unable to work such as mothers with young children, elderly people, and those with disabilities. Meeting felt needs in the form of practical items is one big way we can demonstrate God’s love, but it can also open the door to connect with people deeper and with other activities. Many people who now regularly attend our activities first connected with us through the Care Fair.

We are thankful to our donors who supply the items for distribution or the funding to purchase them. We are also grateful for the hard work and commitment of the volunteers who enable smooth and organised distribution every week.

🙏 Pray that everyone who enters our community centre, Dom Kultur, would find fulfilment for not only their physical needs, but their emotional and spiritual needs too.