By JUDY A. TOTTS Religion Editor

MONTVILLE TWP. — It’s a canvas big enough to fill any artist’s dreams — a tent. Members of Medina First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Medina United Church of Christ Congregational and Brunswick First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) are partnering to paint the 8- by 10-foot tent as part of Tents of Hope, an international program designed to show support for the refugees of Darfur, Sudan and act as a symbol of the losses they’ve suffered.

Although the tents cannot be sent to Darfur, due to the threat of confiscation, their creators hope they will draw attention to the plight of more than 2 million refugees left homeless by violence and drought. United Church of Christ, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the Dear Sudan organization established the year-long Tents of Hope process to build a community-based response to the Darfur crisis, its Web site reported.

The local painting project will take place as part of Medina First Christian’s vacation Bible school at 7 p.m. July 22 and 23 at the church, 4797 Sharon-Copley Road. They join hundreds of other groups and churches that are transforming tents into tangible prayers of peace and beauty. Participants are asked to be “sensitive to religious and cultural issues” and avoid religious and political imagery.

Upon completion, groups are invited to display the tents in public places to raise awareness of how the refugees must cope and act as a reminder of ongoing humanitarian needs. “It’s a way to bring notice to things abroad,” said Bev Kreiner, mission coordinator for Medina First Christian, adding it also was a way to have fun while introducing the aspect of service to others, which is the premise of the church’s vacation Bible school this year.

As part of the program on July 22, Brendan Dade of Medina, who served as a Peace Corp volunteer for a year in Tanzania, will share his experiences. Songs, prayers, refreshments and a dedication ceremony are planned.

“We encourage everyone of any age to come to paint or just to watch,” Kreiner said. “Bring your compassion and your creativity.” Kreiner will send photos of the Medina effort to the Tents of Hope Web site.

The tent will be displayed at Medina First Christian before going to Medina UCC and Brunswick First Christian. It will make an appearance at Hiram College’s Campus Ministry in the fall before it travels to Washington, D.C., where it will be displayed on the mall with other painted tents from around the United States.

For information about the program, visit ww.tentsofhope.org.

Totts may be reached at religion@ohio.net or 330-721-4063.