Home for Christmas!

As many of you get together with family and friends, I'd like to highlight a group who, in spite of being thousands of miles away from their loved ones, find themselves "at home" this Christmas.

For the hundreds of domestic workers we serve, Christian Action's Centre for Migrant Domestic Workers (MDW) is a safe oasis where women encounter hope and support on their often difficult journey. Our services help them get access to justice, to shelter, and importantly, protection. Since many of the women who come to our Centre are involved in on-going legal cases or contracts, returning to their homelands was not an option. Some will spend their holiday in our shelter.

As I reflect on their reality, it grieves me to think that these women will not be spending Christmas with their families. I purchased a ticket for my own domestic helper, Violetta, and encouraged her to go home and be with her son. Other domestic helpers don't have thoughtful employers, but in spite of the hardships, these ladies remain resilient and full of hope! At our MDW Christmas Celebration, Angi* from Sri Lanka brought many of us to tears as she shared how she’s experienced "home" at our shelter. She is grateful to God that she not only has a roof over her head, but has the support and care of Christian Action staff and others who use our services and understand their situation - they have become her family and that’s all she needs this Christmas.

May the birth of Jesus be a wonderful celebration for you!

Warmest blessings,
Siew Mei

* Name has been changed