“My Name Is Noah”
Noah’s Story
“I arrived at Weymouth Baptist Church in April 2024. I could not understand the language well, but on the very first day, something deeper happened. As Pastor Peter was preaching, I did not understand his words, but the Holy Spirit spoke directly to my heart in a powerful way. It was like a divine revelation. I felt God saying:
‘I have brought you to this town and this church for a purpose. Through you, others will be blessed, and you too will be blessed. You will wash the feet of many.’
From that moment, I knew this place was holy ground.
Soon, I began to see how deeply the church cared for sanctuary seekers. One lady, Derakhte, had a sincere heart for service. God used her to bless many of us. She cooked Iranian-style meals for us, welcomed us with love, and showed Christ’s compassion in action. I saw Jesus in Mr Dave, in Pastor Pete, and in the whole church family.
The Bibby Stockholm Barge was in Weymouth for nearly two years and hosted around 400 asylum seekers over two periods. If none of us had gone on that Barge, how could the people of Weymouth have discovered their deep heart of service toward sanctuary seekers, people of diverse cultures, and different skin colours?
The Bibby Stockholm Barge gave the opportunity for everyone, black, white, Arab, Iranian, African, South American, to become family. Racism faded in that place. We were all just children of God, serving one another, learning to love each other as brothers. It was a mission, not just from the government, but from God. The UK government may have brought the Barge to Weymouth, but God used it for His greater purpose.
Through my time there, I grew in faith. I served others, and the pastor of the church gave me a new name: Noah, meaning peace, rest, and friendship. Just like the prophet Noah brought peace in his generation, I believe God gave me that name because He used me to bring peace on the barge. I carry that name with honour and tell people wherever I go:
‘My name is Noah.’
When I moved on to Leicester and was referred to a Welcome Network church, I did not know what to expect. But again, I was welcomed. I could see that the heart of Christ exists in many places. The church embraced me, gave me spiritual and emotional support, and helped me continue to grow.
We only come into this world once. Let us use the opportunities we are given, even if they are difficult. God can use every situation, even pain, to teach us, grow us, and bless others through us. On the barge, we learned to complain less, be patient, be thankful, forgive, and love. Nothing is meaningless. Nothing is without purpose. In the end, everything leads to love. Love and Light, which is the purpose of everything.”
- Noah,
Sanctuary seeker who had stayed on the Bibby Stockholm
This story is just one thread in a tapestry of welcome and grace. See what other moments of kindness unfolded in Weymouth - read more here.