LCM's Senior Content Creator, Agnes Wilson, reflects on God's heart for people who have fled war and persecution to seek refuge in a foreign land.

When I was growing up, my family moved from country to country, searching for a better future. Not only did we have to absorb new cultures quickly, but we also grieved for the people and places we left behind. It wasn’t easy.

However, being a stranger in new lands taught me the importance of welcome and hospitality. The recognition that, no matter our differences, we are all human, longing for love and acceptance, made it easier to integrate into new communities.

Our family moved because we chose to do so. There were no bombs. No death threats. It was only the hope for a better life that drove us on.

I cannot imagine what it would be like for people forced to flee for their lives with just a few papers, a mobile phone, and the clothes they’re wearing. And when they arrive, some don’t find safety. They don’t find welcome. Instead, they encounter threats of violence if they do not go back to the horror from which they came.

In a world where millions of people are displaced by war, persecution, and natural disasters, the plight of refugees presents a profound moral and spiritual challenge. For Christians, this challenge is deeply rooted in Scripture.

Caring for refugees is an essential expression of our faith, reflecting God’s heart for the vulnerable. All throughout the Bible, God reveals his unwavering care for the marginalised and vulnerable.

The Old Testament is rich with commands for God’s people to treat foreigners with dignity and compassion. In Leviticus 19:33-34 (NIV), God says “‘When a foreigner resides among you in your land, do not mistreat them. The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the Lord your God.”

This passage reminds us that God’s people, once strangers in Egypt, are called to extend the same grace and hospitality they received.

Similarly, Deuteronomy 10:18 declares, “He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the foreigner residing among you, giving them food and clothing.”

I find comfort in the fact that refugees are the kind of people God defends and calls his followers to mirror his heart. In fact, Jesus himself was also a refugee when his family fled to Egypt for his safety soon after he was born.

The struggle to find true refuge in the UK

When someone fleeing persecution or conflict receives refugee status in the UK, many assume the hardest part of their journey is over. But as I’ve learned through my work at London City Mission and my experiences walking alongside people who have fled conflict and persecution, this moment, though joyous, often marks the start of a new set of challenges.

David was overjoyed when he was granted refugee status. But with that status came a stark reality: he had just seven days to leave his government-provided temporary accommodation.

He was so positive about everything. But we knew this was when he’d need the most help.

Refugees often have no safety net. Like David, many face a sudden withdrawal of support, thrusting them into the overwhelming tasks of finding housing, opening a bank account, and securing a job - all within days.

Sadly, many have nowhere to turn. Without intervention, many find themselves on the streets.

This moment of transition is a critical time to intervene. Without guidance, refugees can quickly spiral into homelessness and poverty, preventing them from starting their new lives in safety and dignity.

Darius, one of our missionaries who works with asylum seekers and refugees, shared a story that broke my heart.

A young man who had recently received refugee status needed help. He didn’t speak English. He had no network and had no time to figure out housing. It was impossible without support.

This young man tragically ended up on the streets and soon disappeared. We don’t know where he is or how he’s faring.

The role of the Church

One of the most beautiful aspects of David’s story is how the church became his family. When he desperately missed his mother, members of the church invited him to meals, encouraged him to join life groups, and loved him as Jesus would.

Hospitality is part of our Christian life. Hebrews 13:2 reminds us: “Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.” Showing radical love and hospitality to people who have fled conflict and persecution and are strangers in a new land should be an extension of our love for Jesus.

We embody the gospel's message of grace by opening our hearts, homes, and communities to refugees. This hospitality is not just about providing shelter or resources but about recognising the image of God in each person and affirming their dignity and worth.

This sense of community is vital for integration. Refugees often arrive in the UK with no friends, no family, and no understanding of the new culture. But imagine walking into a church knowing this is your family. You’re no longer a stranger — you’re a brother or sister in Christ.

The church has the unique opportunity to not only meet practical needs but also reflect the love of Jesus in a real, tangible way. Through simple acts of kindness, like sharing a meal or providing guidance, we can help refugees find stability and hope.

Unlocking potential

Many people who have been forcibly displaced come to the UK with dreams of contributing to the home that has given them refuge. David had a strong work ethic and determination but needed a helping hand to get back on his feet. With the right support, he’s now working, learning English, and building a life in his new home.

This is what we’d love to see. Refugees fulfilling their potential, growing in faith, one day, helping others and sharing the love of Jesus in their communities.

Early intervention doesn’t just prevent homelessness –it transforms lives. By stepping in during that critical moment when refugees are most vulnerable, we can help them thrive.