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Welcoming refugees
The challenges faced by migrants around the world is ongoing. How can we continue to welcome refugees? This month we look at what has been happening across the Mahabba network to welcome, connect and share faith with migrants facing these challenges.
We also feature our Resource of the month – a podcast from two members of a local Mahabba group, sharing their stories.
Update #17 for NOVEMBER from the Mahabba Network
The challenges faced by asylum seekers continue, with many still making the treacherous journey to the UK. Andrew Jackson, CEO of Upbeat Communities in Derby, one of Mahabba’s partner organisations, shared this perspective on the current situation.
“While recent news has focused on the numbers of people making the dangerous journey by boat between France and the UK, this is not something new. People have been claiming asylum in the UK for many years, and as an island the only way for many of those seeking sanctuary is by crossing the channel.
Some of those making these crossings have ended up accommodated here in Derby and we have heard first-hand about their experiences.
There are no easy solutions, but we pray for wisdom for those decision makers and for compassion and justice to be at the heart of any Government plan. ”
Network Connections
Mahabba groups continue to have the opportunity to welcome asylum seekers. Here are a few recent testimonies from around the UK:
Using a Facebook page for Syrians in the UK, a woman shared that she and her daughter had been moved to a town where they didn’t know anyone and were really lonely.
A Syrian in another town saw it and told her friend, a Christian from the local Mahabba group. Through the network they were able to find another Mahabba group near this woman and daughter and within two days some women were able to visit and befriend them.
There have been many opportunities in resettlement centres for Iranians to be introduced to Jesus, by Christian Iranian migrants and local Christian volunteers.
One of these volunteers contacted Mahabba to see if local groups could carry on befriending when these migrants are moved to other towns, often alone and desperate for friendship. He said, “The response from people has been wonderful.”
One Iranian man had come to faith and been baptised at the resettlement centre. After he was relocated, he was put in touch with a local Mahabba group and within a few days was introduced to church, two other Iranian believers, as well as an English conversation group and a football team! He is so happy.
These stories remind us of the fantastic way the Mahabba network can work together. It’s wonderful how God can put people in the right place at the right time to encounter him.
Want to hear more stories?
Check out our Resource of the month.
A podcast from two members of a local Mahabba group, sharing stories of how they became passionate about engaging Muslims and learnt how to befriend them.
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P.S. As a network from the grassroots to the regions, Mahabba is making an impact through its work. Read about how we are putting our financial support into action: Making Friends