By Debbie and David Hawker2024-05-23T05:18:00
How can churches practically assist those in their congregations who are threatened with removal to Rwanda? David and Debbie Hawker, who work with asylum seekers, share some practical points
Over the past two years, churches in our area have been enriched by asylum seekers who have joined us. They have cooked cultural dishes for our church family, taught us to dance, shared testimonies, co-led services, joined Bible studies, kept warm spaces open, washed up after coffee time, made art, built gardens and shared their lives with us. They have become part of our family.
Many of them fled from war zones, some while still children (although they are now over 18). Several have told us about family members being killed. Others have faced persecution due to their ethnicity or beliefs.
Many of them now fear that they will be sent to Rwanda on the government’s scheme. They are afraid that Rwanda will not be a safe place for them. They fear that Rwanda will return them to their home countries, risking their wellbeing, or even their lives. Some require medical treatment that they would be unable to receive outside of the UK.
2024-02-07T09:58:00Z By Malcolm Patten
The numbers of asylum seekers turning to churches for help is rising fast, says Rev Dr Malcolm Patten. Here’s how church leaders can wisely help them find or continue in their Christian faith
2023-11-15T17:44:00Z By Steve Tinning
The Supreme Court has declared the government’s Rwanda plan illegal. As Rishi Sunak explores emergency legislation to get round the ruling, Rev Steve Tinning says safe routes and community support – including from the Christian community – offer a more compassionate response
2023-07-03T13:04:00Z By Israel Oluwole Olofinjana
Historically, missionaries were sent out from Europe into the rest of the world. But as Christianity continues to decline in the West, many Christians from the Global South now see us as the mission field. Rev Dr Israel Olofinjana explains
2025-07-18T12:53:00Z By Andy Flannagan
Andy Flannagan introduces a new song for the church, which invites Christians to relinquish control and submit to God’s authority
2025-07-18T10:29:00Z By Billy Hallowell
It’s easy to celebrate when high-profile people express faith in Christ. But what about when they falter? We should be slow to judge and quick to pray for them, says Billy Hallowell
2025-07-18T08:11:00Z By Chris Sinkinson
More than 1,000 people from five different churches gathered on Bournemouth beach last weekend. As 92 people came forward to be baptised, local church leader Chris Sinkinson says that it’s another example of the changing spiritual atmosphere in Britain
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