From Today’s Gospel:
‘Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Ask, and it will be given to you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. For the one who asks always receives; the one who searches always finds; the one who knocks will always have the door opened to him.’
Matthew 7:7-12
As we continue to walk with Fernand today and accompany him on his journey, can you see the face of Jesus through his search for justice and recognition?
Fernand’s Story
Fernand’s asylum claim was refused. He appealed to the courts, but was also refused there. At this point in the asylum process, all support is cut off. To have a chance of being recognised as a refugee, it is necessary gather new evidence to make a fresh asylum claim, but destitution makes this even harder.
“I’ve been through this cycle three times. For the time being I don’t have a solicitor. A charity is helping me find one so I can prepare a fresh claim.”
This impacts Fernand’s whole life, and he is frustrated that the Home Office and courts don’t understand his situation and history:
“With the life we’re living here, every day is just difficult. My first refusal from the judge really hit me hard. Now I am a bit better, but finding a lawyer and gathering documents is hard. Despite all the evidence and the arguments I presented, the people assessing my claim still find it hard to understand.”
An Invitation to Action
Our mission of accompaniment is one which puts people at the heart – we are fortunate to be able to spend time with our friends to journey with them and talk about whatever it is that they wish to talk about; through sharing a meal together or offering support in the anxious moments. It through this accompaniment and companionship – in treating others as we wish to be treated – which we find and serve Jesus, and transform .
Throughout Lent, we’re inviting you to make an extra effort to take small actions to show support to refugees and people seeking asylum.
Become a regular donor
Will you consider donating regularly to JRS to allow us to continue to accompany Fernand and Ibrahim?
Your regular donation will support our work in accompanying our friends, for example to their reporting appointments, to ensure hardship grants are available, and to enable our friends to access essential services.
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