‘I’m not afraid anymore’ is a book which takes you into the heart of refugee shelters in the Netherlands and shares the realities faced by refugees everyday. By sharing their struggles, challenges, and resilience, I strive to convey a deep appreciation for the experience of refugees which often goes unnoticed. Through personal stories and lessons drawn from my work as a mental health provider, I offer a glimpse into their world beyond the numbers and headlines. Walking alongside refugees has profoundly shaped my own perspective and transformed my heart to see humans in their most vulnerable form. This book provides a call to empathy which inspires readers to look beyond the statistics. It is an invitation to not only hear their stories, but to be moved and changed by them.

My name is Anne-Marie Verkuijlen, and I believe in the power of compassion, advocacy, and faith. I have heard countless stories of refugees that have deeply touched me. I felt compelled to do something with these experiences, and that led me to writing. With this book, I aim to give a voice to those who often go unheard because I believe every individual deserves to be heard.

Threads of Ruth was created to stand with those whose voices often go unheard — refugees, the vulnerable, and marginalized communities. My mission is to speak up for those who are overlooked, to honor their stories, and to work toward justice, dignity, and hope.

The name “Threads of Ruth” is inspired by the story of Ruth — a woman marked by unwavering faith, loyalty, and resilience in the face of loss and uncertainty. Her journey reflects the heart of what I stand for:

Faithfulness and loyalty in relationships and purpose

Faith in difficult circumstances, when hope is hard to find

New hope after loss, and the courage to begin again

God’s provision in unexpected ways, reminding us that we are never alone

Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute. Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy. Proverbs 31: 8-9