Ghasem grew up in Iran, a Muslim, like his family, his friends and 99% of his compatriots. In a country where converting from Islam is illegal, Ghasem’s life changed forever when he was introduced to Jesus. When his house church was attacked, he knew it was time to get out of Iran.
In June 2019, the UNHCR estimated that 70.8 million people had been forcibly displaced from their homes as a result of violence or natural disasters. That’s about five million more than the entire population of the UK. In addition, many more people have left their homes in search of better opportunities.
Each of these people has a story – a story of leaving the familiar, a story of a journey, a story of arriving in an unknown place. For some, that place is Ireland.
The Bible is full of stories of migration. Noah and his family fled a natural disaster, Abraham left home at God’s command, Joseph was trafficked into Egypt, Daniel was exiled to Babylon, Mary and Joseph travelled to Bethlehem for a census and then fled from Herod, staying away until he died.
Then there’s Ruth. The book of Ruth, in its four short chapters tells a story of loss, sorrow, poverty, and vulnerability that give way to joy, provision, love, hope and redemption. And it tells a story of migration.
The book of Ruth forms the basis of PCI’s new Bible study resource, ‘Home’. Designed for use with small discussion groups, Home contains six studies on Ruth, looking at the theme of migration and how it relates to our churches and communities. Each study contains video interviews with people who have come to Ireland from Mongolia, India, Iran, Zimbabwe and the Democratic Republic of Congo. These people tell the stories of their journeys and experiences of settling in a place where they had no contacts and few resources.
Home will introduce you to individuals. Each immigrant is different, with their own story. For Demi from Mongolia, her biggest challenge was the uncertainty of the future, not even knowing what tomorrow would bring. Vincent, from the Democratic Republic of Congo was interrogated with his family when he arrived at Dublin airport, but spoke barely any English. John, from India came to Ireland after great struggles at home, but now loves worshipping with the many people of different cultures in his church. The stories shared by Ghasem, Demi, Vincent, John and Martin will open your eyes and inspire you as you think about how you and your church can respond to our ever-changing multicultural society.
Over the past two decades, Ireland has seen an increase in immigration, both from within and outside the European Union. North and south of the border, this has shaped our societies and often our congregations. How do we relate to our new neighbours?
If this is a question you have been asking, Home will help you to answer it. The study looks at topics including our responsibility in society, asylum processes, what makes home a home and cultural ‘hot potatoes’. Through Bible readings, hearing real stories and praying through the topics, you will come to understand more of the Biblical perspective on migration as well as how to respond practically.
Home is available now from the Mission Department and it can be ordered online here.
Pip Florit is PCI's Mission Support Officer for Partnerships. She supports the Council for Mission in Ireland and the Council for Global Mission in developing partnerships in Ireland and overseas.