Countless Evangelical churches and organisations across Europe are involved in welcoming and caring for asylum seekers and refugees. Some have done so for decades. Others have responded to more recent refugee arrivals. Here’s the story of just one great project.
In Turkey, there are 4 million Syrian refugees and countless Iranian, Afghan and other refugees too. Most struggle to rebuild their lives. Poverty, language difficulties, the trauma of dislocation; these and other barriers can seem impossible to overcome. But Turkish Christians are finding creative ways to love and support.
In Izmir, the Ekmek Association runs the Asma launderette serving Syrian refugees.
Why?
-
Because poor refugees do not have anywhere to wash their clothes and cannot afford to go elsewhere to clean them. Asma washes 55 loads per day.
-
Because a launderette can be a hub for friendship and integration support. Relationships are built, many extra activities can happen.
-
Because a launderette can employ people. Three Syrian ladies are able to work part time, running the washing machines, enabling them to provide financially for their families as well as care for their children.
-
Because a launderette can be a place of learning. Refugee children struggle to keep up with school classes when they are also overcoming language and other issues. The women who rely on Asma feel happy to bring their children to have fun but educational classes there.
