I Was Not Alone
Mekoya’s Story
“My first Sunday service at WBC was in the first week of June 2024. On my first day, I was warmly welcomed at the door, and the people were genuinely welcoming when they introduced themselves and struck up conversations with me. I immediately felt familiar and at home. Due to that warm welcome, I was not afraid to interact with everyone at the coffee break, and I was able to mingle with other church members and have a blessed time.
I am still amazed at how well church members got to know and care for us. The support system the church put in place for people like us, living on the Bibby Stockholm Barge, was thoughtful and personal. With help from Mr Dave and others, we were supported every step of the way, from spiritual encouragement and prayer support to meaningful workshops that helped us understand the asylum process and begin to integrate into British society. That welcome did not leave me feeling just accepted; it left me with a feeling of belonging.
There were several memorable moments during my time at WBC and on the Barge. One of the first was my day in the church kitchen, where I had the chance to cook traditional Ethiopian food - it was a joyful and proud moment to share my culture with others. The most unforgettable moment, however, was our farewell gathering at Mr Dave’s house. From exchanging recipes and cooking together, to trying each other's national dishes and chatting around the kitchen, it was a warm and genuine time of connection.
That evening brought us even closer and created memories I will always treasure. After I volunteered my digital media management skills to the charitable organisation called The Nest Weymouth, which was gratefully appreciated. My weekly meetings with the CEO, Dr. Neil, turned into relaxed coffee chats every Wednesday. These informal discussions taught me so much about the church, the town, and British culture. Our ‘Wednesday Costa time’ quickly became a highlight of my week, something I still miss today.
I now regularly attend Hillsong Church Southwest London in Clapham Junction, and the welcome there has been warm, uplifting, and enveloping. While it is a much bigger church, I have found a connection there and spiritual nourishment that continues to sustain me. I thank God for His faithfulness in this journey, from Crawley to Luton, then from Weymouth to London. His grace has shielded me, provided for me, and guided me every single step of the way. I am also deeply thankful for every church and every person that He placed in my path to remind me that I am not alone.”
- Mekoya (from Ethiopia),
Sanctuary seeker who had stayed on the Bibby Stockholm
From coffee breaks to prayer times, the welcome in Weymouth ran deep. Discover the full story of how faith and friendship met on the Dorset coast.