Refuge from the war

We often take for granted the freedoms we have. Because of this when we hear of some far off distant land where people are persecuted and tortured, even murdered because of what they believe or because of their ethnic background, we tent not to be moved. Infact we feel nothing. It’s like it’s not real.

In China there are execution vans. These vans have a driver and normally one other person. They are the judge jury and executioner. They will arrest a person and once they are placed in the back of the van their doom is sealed. These vans are special. The cubicle on the back is air tight and has been designed with one function in mind. The van is a mobile gas chamber.

China is not the only country who like to round up people simply because of their beliefs. There are too many to list.

What we want to do is sponncer and rescue those who are able to escape. We want to bring them to a safe place and provide a home and daily support.

We have thought about this and planned how to go about it for years. We are farmers and have been for years but we only have a smallholding just now. Which is not adequate for this project. We intend on selling this property and buying a slightly bigger and more secure place. The reason is that we want to approach this project from a holistic perspective. To look at the whole person and help them to begin a new life.

We would intend on buying a farm of about forty acres and erecting two log cabins, to begin with, on the farm. Each cabin will be suitable for a family to live in all year round.

Each family would, initially stay for two years. During this time we will assess and address all of their needs. We will teach them English, if needed, and teach them about the culture they now find them self’s in. We would teach them to drive and provide training for a career but the most essential provision will be a safe place to live. At the end of the two years we will reassess the situation and if the family are ready we will find them a more permanent home. Then we will begin again. We will never abandon anyone and will always be available for support and advice.

To achieve this we will need to purchase a bigger place. We have found a few places but our current property value is not enough to cover the cost of any of the small farms we have looked at.

I grew up in an abusive home and was made homeless at fifteen years old. Right in the middle of winter. I remember thinking that there would be someone who could help. I called child line and the advice was to go to the local police station and perhaps they would let me sleep in a cell for the night. I found some abandond buildings. But the cold seeped into my bones through the freezing cold concreat. I was scared and alone, confused and did not know what to do. Where would I get food. Where could I stay. I spent that Christmas living under a hedgerow with a flattened out cardboard box for a mattress and the same for a blanket. Every noise startled me.

I’m passionate about this because I know in part what it’s like. I can empathise.

Help me to help these others. I’m not some faceless organisation. I’m a person who cares and I will find a way to make this happen. Help me to change someone’s life. Help me to prove that in these days people still care passionately for one another even for strangers.

Don’t just wish someone good fortune but be that blessing. Be that good fortune. I understand that we cannot all stop what we are doing and go out to help those who need us. But you don’t have to. Just help me to do this and you will be as if you are working along side me