Waiting, Welcoming, and Walking in Faith

In the heart of Doha, where cultures and faiths intertwine like threads in a grand tapestry, I have the privilege of serving as an administrator and the Secretary to the Senior Priest at the Church of the Epiphany, The Anglican Church in Qatar. My role extends beyond managing schedules and logistics—it is a sacred calling to cultivate a space where faith flourishes, where a global community of believers stands as one family in Christ. Being a Christian in this land is a quiet yet profound pilgrimage, one that calls for patience, wisdom, and an open heart. Each day unveils a new lesson in trust and service, revealing the depth of what it means to walk in faith where Christianity, though a minority, is embraced with dignity and respect.

Qatar, with its deep Islamic heritage, has extended a gracious hand, offering Christian communities a safe and structured space for worship. The Religious Complex in Doha, fondly known as “Church City,” stands as a luminous symbol of coexistence—a place where believers from across the globe gather in devotion and gratitude. The Church of the Epiphany, where 57 nationalities worship side by side, embodies the richness of diversity, while the Anglican Centre, home to 90 churches of various denominations, testifies to Qatar’s commitment to religious harmony. In a world where religious freedom is often fragile, we give thanks for Qatar’s openness and protection, allowing our Christian community to thrive in faith, unity, and peace.

One Church, Many Nations: A Friday service at The Church of the Epiphany, Doha

The ‘Whom Shall I Send?’ Young Adults Conference in 2023 stirred something deep within my spirit, calling me to pause and truly listen—to God, to my own calling, to the whispers of divine purpose. It was through this sacred encounter that I was encouraged to embark on a journey I never envisioned—studying Theology.

Joyaline, pictured front left, with fellow ‘Whom Shall I Send?’ participants and clergy from the Province of Jerusalem and the Middle East.

Yet it was on the ‘Whom Shall I Send?’ programme in Cyprus the following year that I truly learned the grace of waiting. We “sat” under the tent of Abraham and Sarah (Genesis 18) and saw how their story is one of trust, hospitality, and unwavering faith in God’s promises. Hospitality is not merely an act, but a spiritual discipline, one that has shaped my own faith journey. Each encounter with a stranger feels like God retelling my story—reminding me of His guidance, reshaping my perspective, and redirecting my steps toward His purpose. As Hebrews 13:2 (NRSV) beautifully reminds us, “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it.”

What once seemed like a mere administrative role has unfolded into a divine vocation. In a land where Christianity is a treasured privilege, my work supports a mission far greater than myself.

Through worship, service, and silent witness, we stand as a testament to the enduring strength of the Christian faith. Peacemaking and interfaith dialogue have deepened my understanding of what it means to embrace differences and walk forward in love, as Jesus taught in Matthew 5:9: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”

Here in this land, our faith flourishes not because of our numbers, but because of God’s boundless grace. The Church of the Epiphany, with its vibrant and diverse congregation, is a reflection of the global body of Christ—united not by geography but by a shared faith in the One who calls us His own. In this sacred space, I am reminded that God’s kingdom knows no borders, and His love is limitless.

As we wait, may we do so with expectant hearts. As we welcome, may we do so with open arms. And as we walk forward in faith, may we tread the path with courage, knowing that the One who calls us is ever faithful.