New to the UK

"I FEEL like I am in prison," said our asylum seeker friend. Settling into the UK can be a difficult process of trying to find basic amenities and often the right to remain in an unfamiliar and often unfriendly environment. Economic migrants and students similarly struggle with language difficulties, getting suitable accommodation and, most importantly, finding a friend.

The "New to UK" project at London Jesus Centre is providing practical help and support to these migrants with immigration advice, ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) and conversation classes and other practical help and friendship.

Lin from Japan

...was brought to the Jesus Centre by a lady in Chinatown, to learn English. Afterwards, no-one could ever find out who the lady was: "An angel?" we wondered. Lin enjoyed her time with us over the month she stayed here. She was as keen to learn about Christianity as she was to learn English. When she had to return to Japan, she asked if we could find a church like this for her in Tokyo and we were able to put her in touch with Momoko, a Christian we know there.

Ethel was a teacher in her native Rwanda.

She has been in the UK for ten years, and helps in the ESOL class as a classroom assistant to regain confidence in her teaching role.

Mei Ling comes from North East China

...and is here for a year to study English language and literature. Passing the Jesus Centre in November, she saw the sign advertising English classes. She started coming on Fridays to improve her spoken English, and appreciated the friendship and support:

"I found many things different from China. I didn't have much contact with people in England. When I came here I found my accommodation wasn't as good as it said on the internet. I was a stranger; it was so hard. You helped me a lot."

Since Mei Ling's mother in China had became a Christian, Mei Ling had been interested in finding out more about Christianity. She had visited various churches, but not found home there.

Over Christmas time, Mei Ling stayed in the Jesus Fellowship's Christian community, based in the same building as the Jesus Centre. She describes an experience of God she had at New Year: "We were praying to welcome the New Year. I closed my eyes to follow the prayers and I felt a light coming into my mind. I wanted to be a Christian.

A leader, Steve, came over to me and said "New Year, New Life". A few days later, at the big Jesus Fellowship New Year Celebration in Northampton, Mei Ling prayed to accept Jesus into her life. She was baptised in February. Now Mei Ling volunteers in the Jesus Centre's tearoom and is taking strong steps forward as a Christian.

Ivan from Ecuador and Miguel from Spain

...have become friends since they met at the Jesus Centre. They both attend conversation classes to improve their spoken English and have particularly enjoyed making friends with people from different nations. Ivan is here to support his family, because his youngest brother's disability has caused a lot of stress and hardship in the family.

Having the support of friends, as well as help with getting a job has meant a lot to him: "People here are approachable and open. My self-esteem is very good now because I started to work part time. When I came here it was very difficult because I didn't understand. I had a fear of speaking English but now I say 'no more fear'".