- The Methodist Church
- The Square
- Dunstable
- Beds
- LU6 3SN
Asylum Seekers
“For the needy shall not always be forgotten, and the hope of the poor shall not perish forever”
Psalm 9:18
I remember it was in the Spring of 2022; I picked up a message from the Circuit Office. It was an invitation to a meeting called “Refugees are coming to your town.” The meeting was to be held in Luton and an open invitation was extended to anybody that might be interested to attend. I remember in the weeks leading up to this meeting, it felt like it was always in my mind, but it wasn’t until the actual day that I decided to go.
The meeting was an ecumenical meeting with representatives from all churches and most charities based within Luton. I discovered at that meeting that there were Asylum Seekers already at that time already in Luton, and that some were soon coming to Dunstable. Nearly everybody at that meeting signed up to join a WhatsApp Group that would connect everybody together for news, information, help and support. Within one month a message appeared on the group chat “First arrivals in Dunstable Holiday Inn”
Three years on, and new arrivals keep coming. However, as new arrivals come through the doors for the first time, at the same time many make their way out for the very last time. There is no set time for an Asylum Seeker to stay at the Hotel. For some it could be years, for others just weeks. That is the difference, yet the constant is that for each they will have a place where they will feel safe and try to escape and adjust from the horrors that forced them to flee their homes. They will find new friends at the hotel, and it’s wonderful to see such tight bonds of friendship formed from different corners of the world. Friendship, for many now this is the “new family,” and how important it is for them. Maybe only slightly overshadowed in importance by the Second Interview at the Home Office, which will determine their future security and peace.
There has never been a better opportunity for not only us at The Square, but also all the other churches in Dunstable to make that verse in Psalms to ring true for these unfortunate souls that find themselves right here on our doorstep. We must show them by our words and actions, that they are never forgotten and their hope is very much alive.
This is demonstrated at The Square, by the relationships which are formed at the English classes which are held at the hotel; at The Square on Sunday mornings as we welcome them to our church. The Bible Classes that are offered, including preparations for Baptism. The offers of clothing, but also to other specific requests that unexpectedly arise. Hospitality, providing meals, get-togethers, Parties and Outings. The Open Invitation to our Warm Space ("The Living Room")where many enjoy the Craft Activities and the opportunity to sit and chat in a different environment. And of course, the day-to-day assistances with appointments, applications and transport which they find difficult through language and familiarity.
Chris Berry