From Today’s Gospel:
‘…anyone who wants to be great among you must be your servant, and anyone who wants to be first among you must be your slave, just as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.’
Matthew 20:17-28
As we continue our journey with Juliet, can you see our servant King in her words?
Juliet’s Story
This week, we introduce you to Juliet, who has been accompanied by JRS for over seven years.
“My story is a long one, as is the experience of so many refugees who seek asylum in the UK. But I’m more than my immigration status.”
Making an application for asylum is a complex process and can take a long time. Much of the time is spent waiting to hear a decision from the Home Office.
“My application for asylum was refused. It was so difficult. I didn’t understand why. I didn’t really know anyone in the UK at that time. I didn’t know what I was going to do, where I was going to go.
“They moved me from London to a different city, it was like starting all over again. Then they moved me again, and again, and again. It’s very, very tiring. Each time you try to get to know new people, to make new friends, to build new relationships. And then you have to leave and start all over again… you’re always scared to find yourself on the streets.
“Everyone is waiting, so you are not on your own – we have kind of like a solidarity, we are helping each other which is really, really good. People are important.”
An Invitation to Action
This week, and especially today, Juliet has shared with us the challenges she faces on a daily basis, particularly with securing accommodation.
We know the difference which a safe and secure home makes to our friends lives and JRS UK is just one of many charities that run hosting schemes for refugees and people seeking asylum.
Throughout Lent, we’re inviting you to make an extra effort to take simple actions to show refugees and people seeking asylum understanding and compassion.
Volunteer: Do you have a spare room? Has Juliet’s experience inspired you to host?
If you live in Greater London and would be interested in learning more about hosting a refugee with JRS UK, come along to our open evening on Tuesday 2 April. You’ll have the opportunity to listen to volunteer hosts share their experiences, and to ask as many questions you wish. Find out more.
If you live outside greater London and would be interested in hosting, get in touch with your local organisation supporting destitute refugees and people seeking asylum. NACCOM’s directory is a great place to start.
Receive these reflections straight to your inbox
