Many refugees, mostly Christians, have fled their own country due to religious persecution and are seeking asylum in an urban area of South East Asia. They are not recognised by the government, so they are not legally allowed to stay while awaiting resettlement in a third country through the UNHCR.

These refugees are left in very vulnerable situations. They are not allowed to work. And if caught without a visa, they will end up in overcrowded detention centres.

To address this problem, Amy is working with a small organisation partnering with 9 churches to support about 100 asylum-seeking and refugee families.

“God is generous: he has provided for so many people in so many different ways. Families have grown in their faith and dependency on God. And churches have grown in their capacity and desire to help brothers and sisters during their time of difficulty.”

This growth in church and personal capacity has had a great impact. Instead of being overwhelmed and not knowing how to respond to calls for help, churches have been equipped to support asylum seekers and refugees.

As a result, those who were once marginalised have become valued members of their church family and contribute to its flourishing life: teaching children, welcoming others, cooking food and making music!

 

Would you stand with us in praying for the persecuted church on November 6?

Amy is an Interserve worker serving urban refugees in South East Asia.

Names have been changed.