A group of students from Dordt University spent part of their summer serving refugees and asylum seekers in Greece, gaining hands-on medical experience while providing care to some of the world’s most vulnerable populations.
Thirteen nursing students and one pre-med student traveled to Athens earlier this summer through Dordt’s A Mission Outreach (AMOR) program. The group was accompanied by Dr. Melanie Wynja, professor of nursing, and served at the Medical Brigade Clinic Athens, a non-governmental organization that provides free healthcare services to refugees and asylum seekers.
Caring for Refugees From Around the World
During their time in Athens, the Dordt students worked alongside physicians specializing in pediatrics, gynecology, emergency medicine, triage, and ophthalmology.
The clinic serves refugees and asylum seekers from numerous countries, including Pakistan, Iran, Afghanistan, Ukraine, Egypt, Somalia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Albania, and Russia. Many of the individuals receiving care are unable to access Greece’s universal healthcare system and face significant barriers to receiving medical treatment.
A Different Kind of Mission Experience
Wynja said the trip was intentionally designed to provide students with a unique cultural and healthcare experience.
“After prayerful consideration, we felt led to offer a different type of cultural experience that would allow students to experience a diverse patient population within a more established universal healthcare system.”
Throughout the trip, students not only assisted with healthcare needs but also gained a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by displaced populations around the world.
Seeing the Image of God in Others
Wynja said one of the most meaningful lessons students took away from the experience was learning to recognize the dignity and value of every person they encountered.
“One big takeaway we discussed in multiple debriefings was seeing the image of God in all we served.”
She added that the group also witnessed God’s work in unexpected ways.
“We also experienced firsthand God’s sovereignty by seeing Him use believers and non-believers to further His kingdom.”
Preparing Students for Lives of Service
The experience reinforced the importance of providing holistic care that addresses both physical and spiritual needs, aligning with Dordt University’s mission of preparing students for lives of service and leadership.
Wynja said these types of opportunities can have a lasting impact on students’ perspectives and future careers.
“These types of experiences broaden students’ view of the kingdom and allow them to experience it firsthand. This prepares them to go out and serve in whatever area of the kingdom God calls them to.”
She said the trip helps equip students to become healthcare professionals who care for others with compassion and “the love of Christ.”
