The “flight into Egypt” is part of the Christmas story, a family fleeing the harsh reality of children being slaughtered by a brutal ruler. I was reminded of it when I visited Coventry Refugee Centre early in December when I delivered toys from our Toy Service for the children of families served by that centre. The centre offers practical and emotional support to Asylum Seekers and refugees who frequently arrive in the UK with no money, friends or a place to live.

Mary and Joseph fled to Egypt, a neighbouring country. In our 21st century “Global Village” people and families flee persecution, imprisonment and war from countries miles away. Jane Longville, one of the managers at the Centre told me that they were now seeing people arriving from China, Iran and Africa . Human Rights abuses apparently drive people from China, persecution due to belief, politics or sexual orientation can arise in Iran. In Africa civil war and strife threatens people in Zimbabwe, Darfur and the Congo. Generally speaking we have no idea what it must be like to have to “up sticks” and flee to the other side of the world to hopefully find security and a life free from fear.

Jane told me of an Iranian mother and her 1 month old baby who had been found wandering the streets of Coventry a few weeks ago. The mother had had a Caesarean delivery but apparently was having no medical follow up for either her or the baby. She also had a 13 year old son with considerable emotional problems and an 11 year old daughter who seemed to be acting as mother to all of them. The doctor at the Refugee Centre was able to assess and provide for their medical needs and one of the project workers is now seeking to arrange support for the family.

The centre has 40 paid workers and 100 volunteers and with 21 nationalities working there it is a microcosm of our globalised world. Impersonal, threatening forces have generally brought people to Coventry but the staff there try to help people individually showing great patience and persistence. Our gift of toys is another sign to those refugees that there are people who care.