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‘Can we help?’‘Can we help?’ This was a question that puzzled a number of people in the Cathedral congregation two and a half years ago now. The marked rise in foreign accents in the city was noticeable. In certain work places it was not just country and city accents that set people apart but new languages and customs too. Can we help meet some of the needs these people experience when they arrive in Lisburn was really the question we were facing. Prayerfully, a number of likeminded people sought to address this question. An English Language class was the agreed way to offer a welcome and some assistance to the growing migrant worker population. During the two years that followed we have had the privilege of interacting and serving more than a hundred different people, mainly from countries in Eastern Europe. Much has been achieved, not least a noticeable improvement in the English for many of the regular attendees at the classes. More profound however were the friendships that developed over time. Genuine and mutual respect was evident in the way everyone was able to get along together. In addition, some of those who have ‘returned home’ have taken the time to write and express their gratitude for what was done for them. At the end of June this year those who had been committed volunteers to this community outreach project met to review the term just concluded. Numbers had dropped from a peak somewhere in the mid 40s to 6-8 coming along each Monday evening. Many genuine reasons for this change were noted. The overwhelming consensus of the group was that we would not just open up again in September and carry on as before. Rather, we would pause and ask some of the migrant workers, our friends; how we might best help them, given the expertise and resources we have at our disposal. Exactly what will happen next we are not sure. Our desire is to remain open to God’s leading and to remain a place that offers an unreserved welcome to all-comers. The friendships that have been made will last and be enjoyed – come what may. |
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