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Theology student Lucy shares her experiences of a recent placement with Interserve in Southeast England:
I’m currently studying a degree in Theology in Belfast, and at the end of the second year this includes a short placement. I have developed a real heart for people in the community, especially those who have recently arrived here and are seeking asylum, and after prayerful consideration I felt God was directing me to Interserve. I was eager to learn from their emphasis on wholistic ministry and support, and also to be stretched and to step out of my comfort zone.
Preparation and Hospitality in the West Midlands
This was my first short term trip. I embarked on my first solo flight to England, albeit 55 minutes long – go me! I spent a few days at Interserve’s mission hub in the West Midlands, where staff were amazing in equipping me, discussing shared expectations and the importance of tuning into your emotional and spiritual health. While there I was able to invest in valuable times of prayer and contemplation. The hospitality I received was a beautiful example of the emphasis in Scripture of sharing a precious meal together for the glory of God. I will never forget the kindness I experienced!
Creativity, Classes and Conversations
Once my placement started in Southeast England, I began volunteering at a local drop-in centre which welcomes people of all ethnicities, backgrounds and abilities. They also offer groups for those seeking asylum in the UK with an emphasis on sharing art, painting, drawing and other creative outlets. This led to really fruitful conversations, and was a great opportunity to invite people to the Alpha course which the church tailors for those seeking asylum. It was amazing to see Interserve Partner Dawn* oversee this ministry, even empowering clients to take up volunteering positions and responsibilities, and so giving them a greater sense of purpose and identity. Before each session Dawn shared five minutes of Scripture and prayer with the team – a moment of holy preparation before practical serving. This was full of wisdom, acknowledging and welcoming God’s presence for the session, and also sharing Jesus with the volunteers, whether or not they are currently Christians.
The rest of the time, I volunteered at a project that supports women learning English as a second (or third, or fourth!) language. The project runs English classes and homework clubs, and offers help filling in forms, reading official letters, securing housing and benefits, and learning basic computer skills. Even more importantly, it’s a place of deep friendship and shared learning.
I had the honour of eating the nicest home cooked Asian meals I have ever had in my life – I never knew Irish rice could be so boring! The English classes were very creative. Sometimes more formal English lessons can unfortunately fuel anxiety or hostility, but instead these classes were brilliant at breaking down barriers. There was a lot of freedom through play, drama, creativity, and laughter! They all had me in stitches.
Learning from a Wholistic Movement
It was also an honour to spend time with a long-term Interserve Partner, who has served here faithfully for twenty years. I was keen to learn, both professionally and personally, from Gloria’s* openness and love for each individual she has worked with, as she has yielded to how God has used and shaped this ministry for His glory. It was also amazing getting to know Partners Dawn* and her husband Felix*, who recently moved to the UK from overseas in order to work amongst asylum seekers and refugees here. I loved seeing how they keep God at the centre as they gently yet boldly proclaim His kingdom through practical serving and intentional conversations. They serve whole-heartedly with much passion and humility.
Coming from a white majority town in Northern Ireland, I was looking forward to soaking up some very different cultural experiences.
It brought to mind Revelation 7:9: ‘Every nation, tribe, people, and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb.’ By the end of my placement, I could really see that Interserve’s vision is not to compartmentalize certain people or ministries, but to build a wholistic movement where people are growing as disciples. I feel as though I have been truly stretched, and pushed out beyond the familiarity that I had serving within my home church. I cannot wait to take back and apply what I have learnt to my own context in Northern Ireland. God is so good.
*Names changed for security purposes