Stories

Jean-Marie’s story
My name is Jean-Marie. I come from the Democratic Republic of Congo. My first language is French but I also speak other languages including some Swahili, Lingala, and Kikongo.
Back in the Congo I was living in Kinshasa, which is the capital city. I was in my second year at university studying law. I didn’t complete my education because I began to work for the government as an interpreter and as a guide for the Rwandan army. In 1997 the Rwandan army helped Laurent Kabila to seize power from president Mobutu after 36 years of dictatorship.
My problems began when president Kabila then decided to expel the Rwandan people from Congo. My parents are Congolese, but my grandmother is Rwandan and I inherited my grandmother’s physical characteristics: tall and slim - like a Tutsi.
The government believed that I was a danger to the country. The fact that I was working with the Rwandan army, and had a Rwandan background put me on the list of those who were supposed to leave the country. They decided to get rid of me because they believed that the Rwandans could easily use me against the government.

I managed to escape from prison with the help of an army officer who later arranged travel for me - to Angola first, and then a plane to England. I arrived in the UK in December 2002. I was sent to a hotel for one week and then I was transferred to Stoke on Trent where I now live.

My first month in Stoke was very difficult. I couldn’t speak English. The only thing I had in my mind as a Christian was to find a church where I could meet other Christians and listen to the gospel. The Bible says: "Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God."
One Sunday morning I woke up, took my Bible, and went out of my house in search of a church. Amazingly, only three streets from my house and right on the corner, was Park Evangelical Church. I did not hesitate to go in, and I will never forget how warm the welcome was.
Although I couldn’t speak English the pastor managed to provide me a translated copy of the sermon every Sunday. The church was really supportive all through my asylum process. We took some time to pray specifically for my family and my case. My pastor even went to testify for me at my hearing. I thank God every day for their blessing. As the Bible says:" Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me."

I was granted asylum on 30th December 2004 after almost 2 years of waiting. Blessed be the name of the Lord, the end is always more important than the beginning.

I miss my family and my country. As we say, there is no place like home, but if your home is burning you will have no choice than to leave and save your life, because there is nothing more important than that.

At the moment I am working with The Blue Mountain Housing Association as a volunteer interpreter, and I am also on a volunteer training program with The Citizens Advice Bureau. In the future I would like to be a social worker.



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