FIRST DAY AS AIRPORT CHAPLAIN

I have recently been accepted onto the chaplaincy team at Manchester Airport. Last week I attended the training and induction day and yesterday (Thursday 10th March) I fulfilled my first actual working day alongside the co-ordinating chaplain George Lane.

There are many facets to the job. There is now a significant issue regarding homeless people turning up there as it is seen as a safe, warm place. The chaplains seek to meet their immediate needs for food, 'phone calls or emergency accommodation and then signpost them to other agencies for on-going support.

In addition to this there is a constant stream of refugees and asylum seekers who have to be met off the aircraft having been processed and referred to the chaplaincy by Border Force. Many are bewildered, traumatized and in need of simple compassion and reassurance, in much the same way we saw previously regarding our guests who were referred into the Narrowgate Shelter. Surprisingly we are already receiving people escaping from the war in Ukraine.

The team, as always has to also deal with the usual, day to day matters of concern such as bereaved relatives bringing their deceased loved ones home, distressed passengers having missed flights or lost their children or elderly family members in the crowd.

Even though I have had much experience of dealing with vulnerable people in the past, my first day was something of an eye-opener. However, I am confident that God has opened this door for me and I look to Him in anticipation of what He will do as I seek opportunities (through both practical help and spiritual ministry) to bring the gospel message of the love of Christ into peoples' lives.

Incarnation | Compassion | Proclamation