May 8 – Refugees and Migrants

Center of Reconciliation (Centre de la Réconciliation)

Location: Lille (59)

Represented by Christian de La Roque

Current Context

Under the slogan “Helping the Unsupported,” the Center of Reconciliation is currently active in the following areas:

• Supporting close to 200 minors each year from abroad who are in the process of having their status recognized by the government, but find themselves on the streets without any support like administrative assistance, access to healthcare; schooling or housing.
• Providing overnight shelter for homeless women with children or pregnant women (around 100 a year), with the help of a group of 18 Christian students.
• Opening and stocking a second-hand clothing store.

Several refugees (Christian youth or women with children) have joined churches in the city and are now continuing their life with the Lord. We have seen several young people, in particular, strengthen their faith and progress in their Christian walk, despite the hardships they have been through. We are also recognized in a neighborhood that has a high proportion of Muslims as a center that welcomes both Christians and Muslims.

As far as the “Regeneration” theme, we are constantly seeking to strengthen the link between our social actions and being witnesses to the Gospel. Among other things to that end, we have revised our by-laws and fundamental documents which will also be made available to all those who wish to join us.

Actions taken and results achieved in 2024

In 2024, we increased enrollment from 60 students to 85 in our academic refresher school for minors. It is our goal to teach and equip minors as quickly as possible so they are at less risk of being captured by nefarious networks.

A former missionary who spent 20 years in Africa was recruited as coordinator of the accommodation (for around 40 minors) in a shared habitat that includes a flat-share of around ten Christian students. This will enable us to build more cohesive relationships in line with our values.

Projects in 2025

In 2025, we’re going to start a shelter for homeless under-age girls in a house, initially under a rental agreement. We’re going to start this project as soon as possible, and hope to purchase the house in the next 3 years. 

Prayer topics

1. Pray for our witness to the Gospel among those we welcome and those who help us.

2. Pray for the youth host coordinator and all the staff at the Center of Reconciliation.

3. Pray for the start-up of this shelter for girls.

Further information

1. Solidarity Boutique on the Impact France website: impactfrance.org/solidarity-boutique

2. Center de Réconciliation website: centreconciliation.net; www.impactfrance.org/topmission 
3. TopChrétien website: www.topchretien.com