Every refugee welcomed by the local church. #NoRefugeeAlone
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ALT How often are we asked to prove who we are? Or to justify our stories and experiences? For people seeking asylum, this is a constant reality. These questions are part of the process of seeking protection. Yet they can also reopen painful memories. They must be answered repeatedly, in great detail, with the knowledge that everything depends on being believed. โIt really happened to me. But what will happen if it is not accepted?โ
ALT Story: โWhy did you choose to become a Christian?โ the Home Office interviewer asked Zahra. โI didnโt choose to become a Christian. God chose me.โ Zahra answered and quoted John 15:16: โโYou did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit - fruit that will last - and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.โโ Zahra (from Iran) welcomed by a Church of England church
ALT Prayer: God the Father, You know every person fully. You know every story, every wound, every hope, and every fear. Be near to those who are asked to prove their past. Give them strength, clarity, and peace in moments of questioning. Give wisdom, kindness, and discernment to those who listen and decide. May each person be treated with fairness and dignity - seen, heard, and believed. Amen.
ALT ๐ This Refugee Week, let us turn our eyes away from division and towards understanding. Over the next 7 days, we invite you to walk in the shoes of refugees in prayer and in spirit. Each day, join us to: ๐ Pause at a location on your journey (or in your prayers) ๐ญ Reflect on what a newly arrived friend might experience there ๐ Read a real story from people seeking refuge ๐ Pray As we do, may we begin to see our cities and neighbours differently. May we remember those who are braving unfamiliar systems, cultures and navigating challenges everyday. And may our prayers lead us towards deeper understanding, welcome, and friendship.
ALT If I continue to name names I would never finish, but here in England I feel like I am part of the family, with everyone at churchโฆ We are witnesses of His blessings and we attest to many things that He did and does for usโฆ Here at church I have felt like I am without fear of being judged or criticized. A (from Peru) welcomed by Church@TheMegaCentre
ALT Refugees in God's Story: Bible Studies on Migration and Displacement (book cover)
ALT How much financial support do asylum seekers receive?
ALT The support is intended to cover essential living needs such as food, clothing, and toiletries. โข ยฃ49.18 per person per week if meals are not provided โข ยฃ9.95 per person per week if accommodation already provides meals