(2) What would you feel like if ... life at Coventry Jesus Centre

Yes, life goes on and, if you are a member of staff or a volunteer at the Jesus Centre, you see life ......

I mean, what would you  feel like if …

Your husband was murdered in the country you come from, you fled and haven’t seen your only child for three years; your asylum case is dragging on and on … no chance of settling yet .. no chance of seeing your child ...

You miss a vital appointment at the Job Centre because you couldn’t read the appointment letter. You are afraid you may lose your benefits.

You are a trained doctor in your own country but you don’t speak much English. You would love to use your professional qualifications but that’s just not possible at the moment ..

If you live in a multiracial city like Coventry, the chances are there are people living near you, your ‘neighbours’, who are facing dilemmas like this.

Hey, what did Jesus say about neighbours? 

“Love them ..”

All the following people have come to the Jesus Centre recently (I never use their proper names):

Michel is a refugee from west Africa. He fell into bad company when he came to England as a teenager and ended up in prison.

Michel has had very little education in is own country. He has done over 80 hours learning at the Jesus Centre. His English has really improved and recently he wrote a letter to his daughter whom he rarely sees. He takes great care and pride in his writing …

 Filip is a homeless man from eastern Europe. He drinks a lot and sometimes I see him staggering down the street. I was so proud the other day when I gave him a certificate for attending ten English classes. We had to hold onto it for him as he has nowhere to keep it safe.

Filip has his ups and downs – sometimes drinking, sometimes not. Recently he had an accident and I haven’t seen him at class for several weeks.

Filip’s got a great smile and sense of humour and I can’t stop teasing him which he enjoys. We laugh together and, you know, fun and banter is just what he needs … he’s got to speak back to me in English. Come back soon, Filip … you do me soooo much good … especially when I’m having a stressy day.

 Lewis is from England but he never learned to read and write well at school and he comes into the Jesus Centre each week to learn. He’s so keen I have to tell him at least three times each week that it’s time to go home now when class finishes!

Shirley struggles to tell the time. She has to ask people what the time is if she has to go somewhere.

I’ve been explaining to her the difference between the big and the small hand. Shirley doesn’t find it easy but she is learning. Keep coming, Shirley!