This week saw thousands of migrants in Calais forced from the squalor of leaking, cold and grossly uncomfortable tents they called home for many months, after French authorities began the process of clearing the squalid camp that was commonly referred to as the ‘jungle’. The area had been ‘home’ to thousands of men, women and even children and babies. This plight faced by many migrants, was often being brushed off as being someone else’s problem, with most governments and authorities refusing to seriously address this concern with the appropriate levels of resources required.
The facilities were far from basic within the Calais camp. Those fleeing war and terror back home, now faced another form of distress such as hunger, little or no cleaning facilities, lack of appropriate clothing and possibly subjected to abuse. Not the ideal position to be in for someone fleeing danger.
It has been said, you know the measure of a country by the way it treats its vulnerable ones, in particular its widows and children. There are many versions of this viewpoint, however, it was Nelson Mandela who said, “A Nation should not be judged by how it treats its highest citizens, but it’s lowest ones”.
As Christians, we often sing the song, ‘This world is not my home, I’m only a-passing through, my treasures are laid up, Somewhere beyond the blue. The angels beckon me, from heaven’s open door, and I can’t feel at home, in this world anymore.’ Although we await our eternal home, we do have a responsibility here on earth.
Scripture reminds us in Exodus 22:22 ‘Ye shall not afflict any widow, or fatherless child’ ~ KJV. Or ‘You shall not abuse any widow or orphan’ ~ NRV. We all have a responsibility to care for those who are less fortunate than ourselves. If we, or ours, were in such a position, we would want and expect help and assistance – pray, but along with our prayers must come some practical assistance. If you have something you can offer, give it; be it time, financial resources, your expertise or skill – give it, do it.
For the days and time ahead, remember those who are most vulnerable and commit to do what you can and may the Lord enlarge your territory, bless you and strengthen you.