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Pakistani Christian asylum-seeking families in Bangkok, Thailand, came together on December 24th for a heartwarming Christmas celebration hosted by the British Asian Christian Association (BACA). Held at Joyous Celebration Church, the event provided over 20 families with a rare opportunity to share the festive spirit, savor traditional Pakistani cuisine and witness children’s heartfelt performances of Christian worship songs and traditional carols. With gifts for children, food grants for families, and a delicious cake-cutting ceremony, the celebration brought much-needed joy and connection to those who have endured years of hardship while awaiting resettlement.
Bible readings and prayers were shared, while a children’s nativity performance beautifully reinforced the significance of Christ’s birth and the hope and salvation it brings.
Bangkok, Thailand – December 25, 2024 Pakistani Christian asylum seekers in Bangkok gathered for a heartfelt and joyous Christmas celebration, creating a rare moment of unity and hope amidst the hardships they endure as displaced individuals. Organised by the British Asian Christian Association (BACA), the event offered a safe haven for over 20 asylum-seeker families to worship, share fellowship, and embrace the festive spirit together.
A delicious cake was ceremoniously cut to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.
The gathering took place in a modest community centre, which was transformed with vibrant decorations, a Christmas tree, and an atmosphere of warmth and solidarity. Attendees participated in a lively worship service, featuring carols sung in both English and Urdu, prayers for peace, justice, sanctuary, and a message of hope delivered by local church leaders.
People enjoyed a sumptuous celebratory meal, eating heartily and savoring every bite after a year of scarcity.
Children were at the heart of the celebration, enjoying games, gifts, and a heartfelt nativity production that beautifully highlighted the blessing of Christ’s birth—a source of joy, hope, and salvation for the world. Each child received a carefully chosen gift of clothing, their faces lighting up with smiles that shone brightly despite the hardships they have endured. Families gathered to share a traditional Christmas meal provided by BACA, featuring a delightful blend of local Thai dishes and cherished flavours from their homeland, fostering a comforting sense of connection and belonging. The festivities culminated in a joyous cake-cutting ceremony to honour and celebrate the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Despite the challenges they are facing, the event served as a powerful reminder to the visitors of God’s love and protection.
Twelve Pakistani asylum-seeking families benefited from BACA’s food grant programme this Christmas, each receiving a £25 gift and expressing heartfelt gratitude to BACA and its donors for remembering them during this special season. Maria Asif (40) shared her appreciation, saying, “I am very thankful to BACA for remembering us on this Christmas and giving us clothes for our children. My children shall put on these clothes on Christmas.” Similarly, Sheeba Babu (41), whose husband Yusaf Babu was recently released from detention by Thai Immigration, expressed her thanks: “My husband has just been released from IDC, and we did not have a penny to celebrate Christmas this year, but I am deeply thankful to BACA for giving clothes to my children and £25. I am thankful to BACA for this help, for it has enabled me to buy groceries for our Christmas celebration.” The recipients of the programme included Anna Naveen (40), Sonia Waqar (38), Iram Christina Hanook (40), Iram Sharoon (35), Komal Aneeka (27), Maria Asif (40), Sheeba Babu (41), Parveen Barkat (60), Amir Vincent (55), Ayesha Sandhu (40), Suneha Saddiq (26), and Sana Irfan (37).
Juliet Chowdhry, Trustee for Britsih Asian Christian Association, expressed his admiration for the resilience of the asylum seekers:
“This celebration is a testament to the unyielding faith and strength of Pakistani Christians who have fled persecution. Despite their struggles, they have found ways to rejoice and uphold their traditions. BACA is committed to supporting them, not just during Christmas but throughout the year.”
Children were given the gift of dresses or T-shirts, a special treat for those who have few clothes to wear, making the new garments all the more meaningful.
Many of the attendees are among the thousands of Pakistani Christians who have sought refuge in Thailand, fleeing religious persecution in their home country. Some of these families have lived in limbo for over a decade, with no clear pathway to asylum in a third nation. Despite being registered with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), they are classified as illegal asylum seekers, as Thailand has not ratified UN conventions on asylum. This precarious status leaves them grappling with numerous challenges, including restricted access to work, education, and healthcare. Events like these provide not only a brief reprieve from their struggles but also a vital reminder of their shared community, faith, and identity.
The celebration was made possible through the generous support of donors and volunteers who contributed funds, gifts, and their time. Attendees expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to celebrate Christmas together in safety and fellowship.
One participant, Maria, shared her thoughts:
“For a moment, we forgot our worries and felt the true spirit of Christmas. It reminded us that we are not alone and that God’s love surrounds us, even in difficult times.”
Anna Naveen receives a sustenance grant of £25 to support her during this challenging time.
As the event concluded, the room resonated with the voices of the attendees singing “Silent Night” in unison, a poignant reminder of the universal message of Christmas: peace, hope, and love for all.
BACA remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting persecuted South-Asian Christian communities, providing regular assistance to asylum-seeking families in Thailand. This includes monthly food grants, emergency support for critical needs such as funeral costs and urgent medical treatments, and compassionate care during their most challenging times. However, the need is vast, with countless asylum seekers stranded in Thailand, living in limbo without hope or a clear future. We are determined to expand our work to reach more families, offering them not only sustenance but also a sense of dignity and hope. To help us continue and grow this vital programme, we invite you to contribute to our efforts by donating (here). Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who need it most.
Sonia Waqar receives a sustenance grant of £25 to support her during this challenging time.Maria Asif receives a sustenance grant of £25 to support her during this challenging time.Sana Irfan receives a sustenance grant of £25 to support her during this challenging time.Parveen Barkat receives a sustenance grant of £25 to support her during this challenging time. Amir Vincent receives a sustenance grant of £25 to support her during this challenging time.Irum Christina Hanook receives a sustenance grant of £25 to support her during this challenging time.Komal Anika receives a sustenance grant of £25 to support her during this challenging time.Suneha Sadiq receives a sustenance grant of £25 to support her during this challenging time.Sheeba Babar receives a sustenance grant of £25 to support her during this challenging time.Irum Sharoon receives a sustenance grant of £25 to support her during this challenging time.Ayesha Sandhu receives a sustenance grant of £25 to support her during this challenging time.
