Who are asylum seekers? That seems to be a question many people are asking these days. Like any other human on the planet, people seeking asylum* are unique - and deeply loved by our Creator. I want to share this story from one of our teammates about an asylum seeker who happens to be in France. His name is George.

George needed shelter.

Paul connected Brett and me to George, a refugee who used to attend French classes at the center, and who had recently (two years after receiving asylum!) been granted housing.

I met George for coffee and asked him to share a little of his journey in France. He had experienced homelessness for eleven months until he met a countrymate at a local church who offered to host him on her couch. Once he was off the street himself, he helped Joe and Paul distribute the monthly supplies in La Friche.

"It's only because of God..."

He explained to me that he had finally been able to move into his own apartment in July but still was struggling to furnish it. Would we be able to help with a mattress or a blanket? I said that we would like to offer him a blanket, but I was also wondering if our team could visit his place and pray a blessing over it. His face brightened. “Oh, yes, that’s good. I need prayer. It’s only because of God that I am here with asylum; it is only God who’s done it.”

Our team arranged a time to come visit George at his apartment. We brought a housewarming gift of a couple blankets and a rug. I was aware of how little it was compared to what he needed to furnish his place. But he welcomed us warmly, and when I asked again if we could spend some time blessing him and his home, he said, “Yes, please. It’s so important. I have been here since July, and no one has come to pray over this place. I want to invite God’s presence in.”

"I want to invite God's presence in."

I read from Revelation 21:3-5.

"And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”

We spent time thanking God for the safe, physical dwelling that He had provided for our brother, and that He is the God who dwells with and in his people by the Spirit of Jesus. We prayed that Georges’ house would be a place of peace and joy for him and for others, that God would continue to bless and establish him in France.

Being able to pray with and for George was a good reminder for me that what may initially seem like a simple request for material need is often an invitation into the greater story of how God is working in and through each individual. It opens the door to being hosted by those we serve, and to meet together in hope, celebration, and worship.

CLICK HERE to learn more about the ministry in Lille, France!

*Seeking asylum simply means seeking safety. Asylum seekers are people uprooted by the forces of war, persecution, and gross violations of human rights. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights includes the right to seek asylum in a foreign country (Article 14). The US is a signatory and has obligated itself to offering asylum to people who are in danger of losing their freedom or life due to forces such as war, persecution, and gross violations of human rights.