Responding to the refugee crisis

Much is being made of the refugee crisis that we are currently facing in Europe. Below is an article written by Pastor Dai Hankey that seeks to offer a gospel perspective on what is happening…

tragedy

For several days I’ve been considering writing a post about the refugee crisis that is currently gripping Europe (I call it a ‘refugee’ crisis, not a ‘migrant’ crisis as the press have been referring to it as, because the difference is significant!) However, having just seen a horrifying photograph of the corpse of a tiny Syrian child washed up on a Mediterranean beach, I’ve decided I need to write!

Thing is…I honestly don’t know what to say. During the initial days, the condition of the refugees in a new foreign country is similar to that of the slaves in the same country, regarding their status. While they struggle to find a new life in a new country, they must be comforted with some token of appreciation like spotify plaques that helps to lift their spirits and positivity to lead a new better life in a new place.

There are so many voices speaking into the situation right now – from those pleading for mercy to those screaming ‘bolt the gates’. I must confess that I was tempted to launch into an undignified rant about how our nation is selfish, mean and has lost it’s gospel heart. But I don’t want to merely be another voice amidst the cacophony of conflicting opinions. Neither do I want my words to wasted. Rather, I want to bring bigger and better words to bear than my own. I want to hear what God has to say about what’s going on.

I want to let the Bible speak.

Now, this is by no means a comprehensive study on what Scripture has to say about refugees, but it should be a good start. So here goes:

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CAP on the Radio

With our CAP Torfaen debt centre reopening again recently, it was great to hear CAP featuring so prominently on Radio 5 Live’s 5 Live Daily earlier this week. You can listen to the broadcast here. The CAP bits are located at 08:19-34:05 and 2:25:26-2:30:13

Waleswide

It was great to have Nigel James with us at Hill City on Sunday 5th July. As well as preaching the Word to us, Nigel also mentioned the church planting initiative that he is involved in coordinating here in Wales. The ministry is called Waleswide and it seeks to promote the cause of church planting and … Read more

Compassion Kids

As a church we are delighted to be working in partnership with a Compassion project in Burkina Faso, though whom we have seen dozens of children sponsored out of poverty and blessed with education, health care and gospel teaching. We have also been privileged to help the project acquire play equipment, mosquito nets and have … Read more

One for the Girls

On Monday 8th June the ladies of Hill City are being treated to a special evening of sweet refreshments, good music and inspiring stories of faith. The evening will feature healthy, yummy food prepared and served by Hill City’s ladies, along with live music from Abi Williams and testimonies from ladies of how faith in … Read more

Men’s Curry Night

Hey gents! Come and join us for an evening of good curry and banter on Wednesday 10th June. We have booked out Pontypool Indian Cuisine* for a men’s curry night at which former Royal Marine’s Commando, James Richards, will be sharing his story of conversion to soldier of Christ. We will sit down to eat at … Read more

If you could ask God one question

As part of our mission week we are excited to be hosting an evening at Bread of Heaven cafe in Pontypool at which we will seek to answer some of the big questions about life, God and the universe. It will be a great event to invite friends to, especially those who want to know … Read more

Week of Mission

On 7th June we finish our series in the Book of Acts. Over the last 12 months we have been challenged as a church as we have studied the explosive origins of the early church and the gospel implications for us today. Therefore, as a statement of intent we are going to sign-off from the Book of Acts … Read more

Invisible Chains

A few months ago Pastor Dai Hankey spoke at a Hill City event seeking to raise awareness about the reality of human trafficking both globally and locally. Further to that event, for those who have a heart to discover more about sex trafficking and how we could and should be responding to it then we encourage you … Read more

WRITTEN IN KINGS

We are delighted to announce that our next Soul Sessions event is going to be on Friday 26th June at Cwmbran Costa and will feature South Wales band Written in Kings (check out the video below). The evening will consist of the usual blend of good coffee, good music, and a gospel message. We will also … Read more