6 ways Christians can help asylum seekers in their church

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.