Give the Gift of a Welcome: Daniel’s Story
Daniel fled Iran due to his Christian faith. One Sunday morning after arriving in the UK, he walked into the local church building not knowing what he would find behind the doors. He found a welcome that he couldn’t have imagined, and the church discovered a new ministry right on their doorstep! Your donation gives the Gift of a Welcome and the chance for a loving community to help rebuild lives.
Meet Daniel, in Iran, he was an undergraduate student in his final year working part-time as a manager for a finance company. He comes from a small, close family and was a swimming enthusiast receiving many gold medals as well as playing in the Tehran basketball team.
While this may sound like an idyllic story, Daniel’s life changed forever when he converted to Christianity from Islam, after meeting some followers of Jesus.
One Sunday while arriving at his underground church, Daniel witnessed his fellow believers being arrested for following their belief in Jesus. Although in shock, sadness, and full of anger he managed to escape but couldn't even say goodbye to his own father. God protected him throughout his difficult journey lasting several days, traveling overnight by truck before flying to the UK.
‘Even though I walk through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil, for you are with me;
your rod and your staff, they comfort me.’
Psalm 23:4
Thatcham Baptist Church
When Daniel appeared at his local church in the UK one Sunday morning, this was the first they knew that a local hotel was housing people seeking asylum from around the world. For someone from the persecuted church to walk through their door unannounced was a pivotal moment for the church and they quickly sprung into action to offer support.
They welcomed their new neighbours in many ways - giving lifts, helping to navigate the education system, helping to access medical services, providing clothes and other things they need, inviting them for meals, and celebrating birthdays.
‘We also have so much fun together, playing games and sharing food. In the kitchen we had El Salvadorians and Iranians, men and women, cooking alongside each other, chatting in all languages, and much laughter.’ - Thatcham Baptist Church
Thatcham Church’s ‘Gift of a Welcome’ had a profound impact on Daniel, in his own words:
‘’Sometimes we forget that our behaviour can make other people’s lives better, giving them faith to live. When I first came here I could hardly speak English, I’d left my family and the opportunities I’d had in Iran, and I was scared to death. The church has helped me so much. They’ve taught me their language and more importantly shown me how to live in Christ. They’ve become like my family and the church is my first home in the UK.’’
Your giving has an impact beyond what you could imagine. Welcome Churches is equipping churches across the UK to Give the Gift of a Welcome to people like Daniel. Through our Welcome Network of over 1000 churches, refugees are connected with local people from the church when they first arrive in a new community to say ‘welcome’!
Donate today to Give the Gift of a Welcome to more refugees arriving in the UK.
