The recent image of a drowned child washed up on a Turkish beach brought the refugee crisis into sharp focus. So to help us better understand the complexities of the situation and how best to respond, we’ve asked Dave Smith to send us a reflection. Dave is the founder of the Boaz Trust, a charity that houses, supports and speaks up for the most vulnerable and destitute asylum seekers and refugees in Manchester.

Image provided by Dave Smith. Used with permission.

BOOKS

The Book of Boaz: Jesus and His Family Sought Asylum – What Welcome Would They Have Found in Modern Britain?

Refugee Stories: Seven Personal Journeys Behind the Headlines

QUOTES

“As the barriers are going up and European countries are arguing about quotas and about fairness and about how to stop the tide, we need to take a sober look at the facts and ask ourselves as British citizens – but most of all the citizens of the Kingdom that’s not of this world – what we should be doing if anything.”

“The question is: ‘If you were fleeing Syria or Eritrea, how would you like to be treated?’ That’s the challenge for us as Christians. Because of all the commandments dealing with our fellow man, surely this is the greatest: ‘Do to others what you would like them to do to you.’”