Mohammed’s Story
Mohammed had no choice but to leave his homeland behind, carrying memories of hardship that most of us could barely imagine.
Like more than 100,000 people arriving in England this year alone, they came seeking safety and a chance to rebuild. But found themselves in a foreign land where they felt invisible, isolated, and haunted by trauma instead.
First arrived in the UK on a crisp autumn day in 2023, Mohammed’s first days in Liverpool were marked by seclusion and a struggle to find his footing in this new country. Mehdi, another person seeking asylum who was similarly isolated, spent days in his hostel room, wrestling with feelings of loneliness.
Mohammed and Mehdi's paths first crossed at Freedom Church in Liverpool, introduced by fellow Iranians who had found support there. Sunday services and the Alpha Course provided a refuge from their isolation - a place where they met welcoming, supportive friends like Chris and John, who embraced them with genuine warmth. The church became more than just a building: they found community there, shared meals, laughed, and opened up about their struggles.
Through these friendships, Mohammed began to feel like he was home. However, just as Mohammed and Mehdi were settling in, letters from the Home Office instructed them to move to Bolton. Leaving Liverpool was difficult, but Chris helped them connect with Grace Church in Bolton through the Welcome Network, where Mohammed and Mehdi met Dave and a new community eager to support them. Weekly gatherings continued, offering stability and companionship that brought peace to their hearts. The compassion the two friends encountered at Grace Church reminded them they were no longer alone.
This journey of hospitality and support transformed them. Both Mohammed and Mehdi embraced Christianity, with baptism marking their new path of healing and hope. The churches’ support had given them more than friendship; it had given them a family.
“ I am happy that now I’m here. I’m happy that I got to know my new friends and this made me hopeful for the future. God willing, I hope to continue to feel good and keep going. ”
Hundreds of refugees arrive in the UK every day. Your gift could help a refugee like Mohammed and Mehdi to know the welcome of a local church.
This Christmas, give the gift of welcome!