He has filled the hungry with good things -
Welcoming Failed Asylum Seekers
Since the autumn of 2006, members of St. Mary’s, Magor, have been sending parcels of food to the Welsh Refugee Council in Newport to be given out to the failed asylum seekers who go there for help. Once their claims for asylum have been turned down, they don’t get any benefits and are left homeless and with no support until they are deported, or their case comes up again. The centre in Newport tries to give them basic food supplies and very small amounts of cash for personal items. These people are in a desperate situation, and we have been trying to help. Some of the people have young children and babies, and members of Magor Church Toddler groups have given a large amount of baby clothing, which has been very much appreciated by the mothers.
We welcomed two asylum seekers, Norbert and Mbaya, along with Jayne Conlon from the Welsh Refugee Council and her husband Shaun, to our morning service. Norbert and Mbaya spoke to the congregation in a very moving way. It was very painful to hear their stories and to realise that there are many more people in similar situations.
After the service, we had a ‘bring and share’ lunch in the hall and an opportunity to speak to them at greater length. Mbaya was delighted to have the opportunity to play the organ for a few minutes, and those of us who heard him were very impressed by his ability. They left with a carload of food and the retiring collection of over £400 to be given out through the centre.
Revd Alison Price