“Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it” (Hebrews 13:2).
What a privilege it is to welcome strangers and to care for them. For those who are fleeing conflict or persecution, coming to a ‘safe haven’ country is probably the most frightening and unsettling thing they have done. And they feel lost and alone, in need of help from complete strangers.
As ‘aliens and strangers in the world’, (1 Peter 2:11) Christians are fantastically placed to show exactly this kind of welcome and care to those who need it. We know what it is to live in a place (this world) that is not our home!
Much of our ministry in these last few years has been among people who are living in a place not their home. The country we usually serve in, is being invaded and bombed every day; hundreds of communities there have been torn to pieces. So many of our people have had to flee to other countries where many amazingly kind families, including Christians, have taken them into their own homes to provide safe shelter.
Yet people from Eastern Europe usually hate to be called refugees! They need safety and respite from the war, but most would like to be back with their loved ones in the land they call home. They are not here in the UK seeking asylum, but are so thankful to those showing them care during their hour of great need.
… then there is the sapping, draining pain of trauma and separation …
Much of our ministry now has been helping our guests with the huge challenges of temporarily living here – a new culture, a different language, a hard official system to understand, and health and education needs. It’s hard to find work that matches their skills, and then there is the sapping, draining pain of trauma and separation that they wrestle with day and night. Often, they do not sleep through the night, as the air raids and missile attacks back home mean their loved ones are not safe. The tears flow, day after day.
God has a special love for the stranger
We are so thankful that our God of the Bible tells us exactly what kind of people have a special place in his heart. These include the widow, the fatherless, the stranger and the poor (Zech 7:9-11). In many places, God instructs his people to give special care to such people, and it has been such a privilege to see so many churches and Christians around the UK doing exactly this for our refugee friends. As we enter the fourth year of this war, it is so hard for them to know how long they will need to stay. Yet knowing they are welcome to be here and are shown the love of God in so many ways is a help to them beyond description.
Praise God that serving strangers is serving Christ
Supporting many different families around the UK to care for their foreign guests has often been challenging. When difficulties arise – such as cultural clashes or misunderstandings, the effects of trauma or mental health struggles – there is such a need for patience, forgiveness and unconditional love. Often there are no easy answers, but there is an opportunity for the gospel to shine through, and we know of many who have been won for the Saviour, by being shown his love as a stranger among us. What a blessing to serve alongside families who have served and loved strangers as if they were serving Christ. Pray for this ongoing witness! What a wonderful way to show that Jesus has won our hearts.
Photo: Refugee pastor and his wife
A&T serve in Eastern Europe, focusing on caring for those displaced by conflict. For the past three years, they’ve supported refugees with practical help and gospel hope, reflecting God’s love for the stranger.