Liverpool #3 - From Yemen to Liverpool - Finding Christ on the Way
From Yemen to Liverpool – Finding Christ on the Way
By Rev. Dr. Larry Michael, Pastor for Adult Ministries
South Highland Presbyterian Church, Birmingham, Alabama
His name is John. He is one of many refugees who has a unique story to tell about his arduous journey to Liverpool, England. His story began in the nation of Yemen, where he was raised as a Muslim, later married, and fathered two children. Something phenomenal happened to John. As a young man. John was a devout Muslim. He embarked on a pilgrimage to Mecca with his parents. While there, encircling the holies mosque (Ka’bah) seven times like all Muslims are called upon to do, he began to doubt the Islamic faith. His doubt eroded into disbelief, and he became an agnostic, not sure whether Allah or God even existed.
In a country that requires strict adherence to Islam, John realized that he was dishonestly living outwardly like a Muslim, but inwardly no longer believed the Koran or in its founder Mohammad. The authorities got wind of John’s apostasy, and it became necessary for him to leave Yemen. As a result, John hastily left Yemen. His journey took him to Greece after tough experiences in Sweden and Turkey. While in Turkey, though, John attended a Christian church and was overwhelmed with the joy and praise of the believers there. He was ministered to by the pastor, John was exposed to the truths of Christianity, and became a follower of Jesus Christ.
John’s journey then continued to Greece, a most difficult passage by boat that was traumatic and dangerous. Upon entrance to Greece, authorities asked for John’s passport, but he had no credentials. They immediately arrested him, and he spent six months in jail. Finally, he was released, found refuge with a South Korean family, and began to share his faith in refugee camps. He felt led to leave Greece, and embarked on a journey to England, finally arriving in Liverpool. He discovered that unlike Greece, where he was able to move about freely and participate in sharing his faith in refugee camps, the reception to his new faith was not well received by the locals in Britain. But he continued to develop his faith and witness regardless.
To complicate matters, after he left Yemen, John’s wife was forced by the Yemen government to divorce him, and to this day he has no knowledge of the whereabouts of his former wife or his two children. His heart is grieved at the separation, but he prays for strength and the possibility of seeing his children again one day. We have met several people who are separated from families, the cost of being a believer in some countries is very high. John continues to witness to his faith through Facebook and other social media, and to other refugees in Liverpool. He can never return to Yemen. A war is raging now in his home country, and prospects for a reunion with any family appear humanly impossible. We are praying for John. He has joined the Iranian Church in Liverpool under the inspiring leadership of Pastor Shapoor, where he receives training, ministry, and inspiring fellowship with refugee believers.
As our mission team in Liverpool is having the opportunity to hear the stories of John, and other brothers and sisters in Christ who comprise the Diaspora, the scattered ones, the refugees who have come to the UK and found Christ in the process, we are amazed at their fortitude, their faith, and their patience, as they await documentation to grant them asylum. It often can take up to two years or longer – meanwhile, they are not allowed to work and are living on a mere subsistence of $45 a week. As well, there may be no guarantee that the government will grant them asylum and the subsequent steps toward naturalized citizenship that they need. We pray for them, and ask for your prayers as well, as they are sequestered in hostels, that they will receive their interviews and necessary documentation.
Meanwhile, they remain strong in their belief in God, are encouraged and supported in the Iranian church fellowship where they worship each week, and have formed invaluable friendships in the faith. May God bless these refugees and the 71 million refugees around the world who most often are living in squalor and unhealthy circumstances with little hope for better lives. With God all things are possible.
We praise God for miraculous faith stories and the hope that continues to emerge because of saving faith in Jesus Christ.
