Joel's Story - World Refugee Day

What is it like for a refugee claimant to arrive in Canada? And how does Open Homes Hamilton support newly arrived refugee claimants?

Open Homes volunteer Joel shares here about his experience in Canada so far (including his time as an Open Homes guest) and what he would like Canadians to know about the refugee experience. He’s a remarkable guy, and I’m excited for you to hear part of his story.

His story is just one of thousands—not everyone has such a positive experience at the border, that’s for sure. But I am glad that he did!

This video was created for New Hope’s World Refugee Day service. Churches and organizations around the world mark World Refugee Day on (or near) June 20. It doesn’t really matter when we set aside time to hear refugee voices together. But the Church is missing out if we don’t listen closely to refugee voices and allow them to transform us! Refugee stories weave their way all throughout scripture, and the call to welcome the stranger into festive kinship echoes throughout God’s instructions to God’s people. God’s people are often refugee-d people, and they/we are always called to welcome refugee-d people. It’s not optional. (If you’re looking for some summer reading, I can’t recommend “Refuge Reimagined” highly enough! It’s transforming the way our team sees our work.)