Photo: Rescue at Sea

When Nathan* fled his African homeland, he traveled the same route as many before him. He crossed the Sahara in an overcrowded Land Rover. It took 7 days. He feared for his life while in North Africa. It took him 24 hours to cross the Mediterranean in a 16 foot boat loaded with 19 other people. The deck was only inches above the water.

Prayer in the desert and while at sea

Throughout the journey, Nathan experienced how the Lord sustains and saves those who trust him, (Psalm 37).  Nathan said, "I used to read the Scripture during worship services when I was a boy, but it didn't mean anything to me. But after I traveled on this journey, it was different."

"While in the desert, I called the other refugees together for prayer and worship. Later, we prayed in the boat. We even sang while at sea."

Anywhere the Master leads me

I will go.

I have no strength without you.

Where you lead, I will follow.

until I reach the promised land.

- a song they sang together

When their boat broke down at sea, a ship came to assist them. As the ship neared, the waves crashed the two boats against each other. The bow of Nathan's boat cracked. The boat pitched in the sea-nearly capsizing. Fearing they would all die, one of the refugees jumped into the sea. Fortunately, they were able to pull him out of the water with a rope. Their small boat did not capsize. Eventually the Maltese Coast Guard arrived and rescued Nathan and all those on-board.

Reflecting on these events and what he has learned, Nathan said, "In this life, we are all going to die. We are all refugees. We are on this earth for only a short time. Our purpose is to focus on God and give thanks to him-to know him and follow him."

At last Nathan reached Europe, but his difficult journey was far from over.

Nathan has faced discrimination and prejudice. It was difficult to see others like him progress through the refugee process, while he remained stuck in a refugee processing centre.

Faith in detention

Nathan spent over 2 years in different Maltese detention centres and prisons. Once again he found prayer and worship a source of strength.

"After I was in the sea, I went into the detention centres. I was very frustrated and upset at the time, but the Scriptures helped me - especially the story of Joseph. I knew that if God could do these things for our ancestors in the Bible, then he could do the same for me."

"While in refugee detention, we often gathered for prayer and worship. We held devotions early in the morning. In the afternoon, we met for Bible teaching. In the evening, we gathered for preaching and singing. The Bible became my best friend during this time. Previously, I didn't know much about the Bible, but since I began my journey, I have learned a lot."

While in detention, a man told Nathan that he should begin to preach to the other detainees. Nathan ignored him. Then, one night Nathan dreamed that he was given a Bible and told to lead the group. He ignored the dream as well.

Refugee pastor

Two months later Nathan was transferred to a new refugee centre, where he connected with another group of believers. They had no pastor, so the group asked Nathan if he would lead them.

"I had never done this, so I asked them to pray. I took one week to pray about it. I remembered the dream and realized that the new centre was the same as in the dream. God used the dream to prepare me. I decided to do what God asked of me. I began to preach and everyone began to call me pastor."

Eventually, Nathan was released from detention. However, his case for refugee status was rejected and he faced deportation. But at the last minute, he received a limited residence permit that allows him to remain and work in Malta.

The journey continues

He is still not free to leave the country or plan for his future. Nathan must continue to follow the wisdom he found in Psalm 37.

"Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for him."

*Nathan is a refugee from Ghana whose name has been changed.