Finding sanctuary: an oasis for refugees

Emma cries when she shares her story. Emma isn't her real name. She’s here because her life was threated five years ago after her fiancé got entangled with corrupt officials in the Cameroonian military. The situation escalated to the point where her life was in danger, and leaving the country was the only way to ensure her safety. Emma's fiancé, who remains in Cameroon, won’t ever marry again – he can’t leave the country, and won’t risk anyone else’s life.

Emma arrived on Cyprus, having been promised that it was the perfect gateway into Europe. She arrived with nothing, and found a country with a housing crisis that’s struggling to cope with the number of new arrivals. She didn’t know who to turn to for help. But one of the women at the transit camp she was staying in recommended she visit the Oasis welcome centre, supported by BMS. The centre has become a sanctuary for refugees from all over the world, providing not only practical assistance like language classes and computer training, but also vital emotional support. There she found a clothes distribution programme, a food bank, a women’s group and more. “The people here were so generous and loving [when I first arrived], the hospitality was just great,” she says. “That's why I chose to continue to serve here.” Emma now volunteers at the centre, helping to book appointments for people to collect clothing and food. She sees it as the perfect way to give back after the welcome she received – and as a way she can live out God’s command to care for those in need.

Five years on from arriving, she’s yet to receive refugee status and can’t leave the country – not even to be with her family when her sister passed away earlier this year. Knowing how much her family needs her in the wake of such a tragedy is heartbreaking. But the community at the Oasis centre has been a powerful lifeline for Emma in her time of need, and they’ll be there with her, praying for her, listening to her, and helping her complete any paperwork she needs to secure a safe life in her new home.

Emma would love for you to pray for her and the Oasis centre so that they can keep serving the needs of even more people like her. “Please pray that God will grant the grace and the ability to be able to travel and see my mum,” she asks. “I really want to have her in my arms even if it's for five minutes.” Please keep praying for the Oasis too. Thanks to your support, they’ve opened a new computer lab this year and a new craft room, to help upskill people so they can expand their job options. Your prayers are crucial for helping more people like Emma get the welcome they deserve and the loving foundation they need to start a new life.