Selam is from Eritrea where she grew up as an Orthodox Christian. Although she was religious, she did not have a relationship with Jesus until she heard the gospel in 1999. After 10 years she arrived in the UK, and after seven years at an Eritrean and Ethiopian fellowship, she started attending All Soul’s Church, Langham Place. It was here that she met an LCM Missionary which started her journey to eventually joining the mission. Selam now supports churches in Tower Hamlets to share the gospel – especially with people who have been displaced.
Selam says: “We are currently facing the worst global displaced people crisis. Now is the time for us to build God’s kingdom by serving these displaced people as Jesus did.”
Selam regularly goes out with members from local churches to visit refugees across the borough – often in the hotels and hostels where they are temporarily housed.
She helps churches build welcoming environments for these families to visit. At one church this has involved hosting a dinner and activities for the whole family. She also supports churches to run English classes alongside Bible studies – helping refugees to grow in their language skills as well as hearing the gospel.
She has also helped to establish a women’s sewing class for displaced women who live at a local hostel. It gives the women a safe place to enjoy friendship and do something creative. During the summer holidays she’s supported volunteers from five other local churches, to run a club for mainly displaced children.
“We hope to bring comfort, support and a sense of dignity to asylum seekers, making them feel valued and welcomed in their new home. We pray for opportunities to share the good news with them, and so often we’re able to bring Jesus into the conversation.”
Together with another church, Selam takes women who live in a local hostel to different parks, libraries and cafes.
“It gives them a chance to get out of the hostel room where they can feel imprisoned. A lot of the women we meet are single mums and they are desperate to speak to someone about their challenges and difficulties. We read the Bible together, and so many of the women are really interested what it has to say.”
“My vision is to reach displaced people from every nation, language, age and faith with the gospel of Jesus Christ.”
Selam enjoys walking in the park and enjoying God’s creation.
LCM shares the gospel alongside the local church of London, equipping everyday Christians to lovingly bring a message of hope in Christ to those least likely to hear it.
Registered Charity No. 247186
