Espoir Njei

    Words cannot describe how Emmaus group has supported me. I am one of the founding and leading members of Emmaus.

The group came into existence when I felt like the world was against me . My mental wellbeing was in a total mess , I thought I was going to die. Thanks to Rev'd David’s timely intervention I regained my dignity and confidence as a human being.

The bi-weekly meetings made me see life in another dimension. He was there for me. Even when I had issues in my accommodation he stayed with me on phone till the matter was resolved by the police and he accompanied me home. What else can one expect from a devoted coordinator? You inspired me in so many ways, I saw Rev'd like my role model. His words still echo in my mind ‘the truth shall set you free.’ Revd David is never tired accompanying and defending us in court. His support letters are second to none. His constant checks on group members makes us feel we have a safe space to speak out and nobody goes back home the same. Your support towards me especially shall never be taken for granted. Rev'd supported me even when I had my leave to remain . Most appreciated Rev'd David. 

Virginie

    I joined the EMMAUS LGBT family in 2023. I have found amazing people in that group, some of them shared their stories with me, helped me to build back better confidence in myself. The group helped me to overcome my fears, to socialise with other LGBTQ people, express myself freely, and know that it’s not a crime to be LGBTQ. I am proud to be a member of the EMMAUS LGBT group.

  Rev. Dave has been a great support to me. He helped me overcome everything I went through back home, to accept myself as a lesbian, to socialise with other members of the LGBTQ community, and understand that I am not doing anything wrong. The most important things are that he makes me believe that I am not a sinner, he gave me hope, makes me believe that I am safe in the United Kingdom, I can be who I am, and no one is going to judge my choices.

  I am forever grateful to have known Rev. Dave, may GOD gives him long life, so that he can always help any LGBTQ person that has been bullied, discriminated and traumatised in their home country. 

Christiana Essien

I am writing to express my heartfelt gratitude to the EMMAUS LGBT group, which has been an incredible source of support for me throughout my journey. From the moment I joined, I felt embraced by a community that truly understands and values each individual. The warmth and acceptance I found within this group have made a profound difference in my life.

The EMMAUS LGBT group has provided me with a safe space where I can express myself freely and authentically. It has been a place where I can share my experiences, struggles, and triumphs without fear of judgment. The members have been incredibly supportive, offering encouragement and understanding during some of my most challenging times. They have listened to my concerns, shared their own stories, and provided invaluable advice that has helped me navigate my personal journey.

Melvin

My name is Melvin.  I’m a member of the EMMAUS LGBT Support Group . 

I joined EMMAUS because it is safe space for me as a Gay person. It is also family to me now. The group  has help me mentally, emotionally, physically. I have experienced love, compassion and happiness here. 

I have a good relationship with other members and made new friends . 

Overall I just want to express my gratitude and appreciation to Reverend DAVID for the love and  support,  most importantly  the guidance throughout my asylum journey. With the help of Reverend David my case was successful and I was granted leave to Remain in the UK.

 I’m grateful to other members and volunteers who work to ensure members have the support and success we have been having.

Uzoma

As an LGBT asylum seeker, life is filled with challenges that are often difficult to express. The EMMAUS LGBT asylum group has been a beacon of hope for me, offering unwavering support, understanding, and a sense of belonging during this uncertain chapter of my life.

Our group meetings are incredibly special. They provide a safe and welcoming space to share our fears, concerns, and struggles, but also to laugh and find moments of joy. Sometimes, we talk about random topics that lift our spirits, and other times, we connect deeply over shared experiences. No matter the topic, the meetings are always uplifting. Rev. Dave, with his kind and attentive nature, makes it a point to check in with each of us. He genuinely cares about how we are fairing, and his compassionate presence creates a comforting and empowering atmosphere.

A standout moment for me was during our zoom meeting on February 22, 2024, when Rev. Dave delivered a session on “how to write your story“. He introduced us to the sad, happy, and-between grid framework, which helped me to reflect on my journey and organise my thoughts. It was not just a practical exercise - it was transformative. Rev. Dave's encouragement gave me the confidence to explore my story deeply and to express it authentically.

Later, I had the opportunity to share my written story with Rev. Dave for feedback. His thoughtful guidance and attention to detail added as a second set of eyes, helping me refine and present my story in the best possible way. His support made a daunting process feel manageable and even empowering.

The Emmaus LGBT asylum group is more than just a support network-it’s a family. It has given me the tools to navigate my journey with resilience and hope, and this is reminded me that I am not alone. being part of this group has been life-changing, and I am forever grateful for the connections and support I found here.

Njinoh Macknight Feh

I'm a Cameroonian by birth and presently in the United kingdom. I have known EMMAUS LGBT for a year now and counting and can proudly say the group has been of great help to me as an individual. 

The group considers everyone as a family irrespective of your race, gender or nationality. It has proven itself over the years not only to be a safe place for people who are going through difficulties especially when it comes to their sextuality, but also a forum where members are free to express their self, share their stories and seek comfort. It also gives everyone the opportunity to share their past experiences, especially the most difficult events in their journey, and how they were able to overcome it despite all the odds. The fact that members are able to express their self without being scared or ashamed of their sexuality or who they are is just something out of this world.

The hospitality and love shown in this group is evident from the influx of many members into the group including my very own self. With the advent of the covid and its detrimental effect worldwide, the group still maintained its stand and instead of its usual face to face meeting,  it resulted to an online meeting just to make sure everyone was connected.           

It will be unfair not to mention our own Rev. David Babbington who has been very instrumental not just for me as an individual but for the group as a whole. A very jovial and magnanimous human being with a spirit of compassion for everyone. He plays a very vital part in the group and tries his best to help endlessly where possible. I remember when I was first introduced to this lovely family, the manner in which I was welcomed and encouraged not to loose hope is something I won't forget any time soon. My life has changed for the better thanks to him and all his efforts to see that not only me but every other person in the group come out of what ever difficulties they are facing right now. I wish to take this opportunity to thank him and other administrators of the group for their efforts and commitment towards the group and may God continue to give Rev. David the wisdom and knowledge he needs to be able to do what he knows how to do best, remain blessed.

Honorine

I am Mengila Honorine from Cameroon, aged 39 and I am a lesbian living in the United Kingdom for over 2 years. I was very fortunate to meet Rev. David during the most difficult and stressful part of my journey as a lesbian. In addition, I consider myself very lucky to be part of the EMMAUS LGBT group with him being an empathic and committed leader.

I still vividly remember those days when I was filled with so much fear because of my sexuality to a point where I couldn’t share my story with anybody and I was scared to speak when people were asked to. But he was so patient to listen to every one of us during every zoom meeting session we had with him. This went a long way to boost me up morally and I also felt relieved and happy to belong in the society like any other person. There is this quality he has which makes him different from other leaders which is the ability to give good and logical advice to the most difficult questions one can think of.

Thanks to him, I was able to conquer stress and also get out of an unending series of nightmares while waiting for a decision to be made by the Home Office. What I admire the most in Rev Dave is the unwavering desire and passion to help every LGBT person to live freely in the society. If I am given the opportunity to choose a leader for the LGBT Community in the United Kingdom and even the society as a whole, I will wholeheartedly choose Rev. Dave over and over.

I will be forever grateful to Rev. Dave for his support through this perilous journey of mine.

Kaitjizemine Mbahepa

   The EMMAUS LGBTQ group helped me tremendously with my asylum case and emotional, financial support. When I first joined the group in 2019 we held physical meetings every second week Thursday at St Marks and Chad's church in Wolverhampton. The group assisted me to register with my first GP, registering with my solicitor and how to present myself and communicate effectively, encouraged and prompted me to attend college and assisted me with top-up and bus fares to attend meetings and appointments.

Meeting new brothers and sisters whom we're still talking till today on our personal capacity and on the group watsapp as well. Being new and lonely in Wolverhampton I was stuck in the house most of the time without no one to talk to nor hang around with this let me to being depressed and anxious, However, when I joined the group this changed drastically as I met people who resonated with my situation, having peers to socialise with helped to curb my depression and loneliness. 

Reverend David Babbington played a significant role in my life as a group leader and as a spiritual father. He taught us how to write our personal statement (always tell the truth as the truth will set you free), how to express ourselves/case verbally without being explicit and how to handle emotions, anxiety, anger and depression. Most significantly the spiritual growth and connection with God as a LGBTQ person.

Reverend David played a huge role in my spiritual life journey, knowing that Jesus loves me for who I am, what I am, and how I am really strengthened me emotionally and physiologically and all thanks to Reverend David for awakening my inner spiritual connection with God. 

Ubuthu,' (humanity to others) I am what I am because of who we all are.

Sonia

    I joined the EMMAUS LGBT family in 2023. Rev. Dave has been a great support to me. He helped me overcome everything I went through back home, to accept myself as a lesbian, to socialise with other members of the LGBT community, and understand that I am not doing anything wrong.

The most important things are that, he makes me believe that I am not a sinner, he gave me hope, makes me believe that I am safe in the United Kingdom, I can be who I am, and no one is going to judge my choices. 

   I am forever grateful to have known Rev. Dave, may GOD gives him long life, so that he can always help any LGBT person that has been bullying, discriminate and traumatised in their home country.

Ifeanyi

My name is ifeanyi. I met Rev Dave 6 months ago. A friend of a friend introduced me to him all in the name of his good deeds in the LGBTQ community. Rev Dave has been a very good supporter in my Journey of Claiming Asylum. He has supported me with awareness and guidance the fact that he is also patient with his communication making sure you are clear and well understood.

Rev Dave is an advocate of peace, justice, harmony and love. Through his effective communication he has built a strong relationship with everyone is their group. If anyone needs a friend and supportive Group I did say you are in the best place. I am happy to have joined your group. I truly appreciate your professionalism. 

Maria

Emmaus LGBTQ group in Wolverhampton was recommended to me by a friend; that was in 2020.

This group felt like home, I was welcomed with open hands, made a lot of friends who understood me and not judged me.

In particular I would like to express my gratitude to Rev'd David who have worked extremely hard and helped me with my case, he was always there to reassure me. He advised me, prayed with me and made sure my case went through successfully.

I finally got my leave to remain in 2022 all thanks to EMMAUS.

Festus Osuji

My name is Festus Osuji, I am a proud gay man.

Why Emmaus is GREAT!!! - It is an LGBTQ+ group here in the UK. It has served and is still serving as a sanctuary to LGBTQ+ asylum seekers.

Personally, EMMAUS gave me strength and hope during my darkest days and years as an asylum seeker. 

 James Verbe

    The EMMAUS LGBT GROUP was a Godsend to me. I was in a very bad situation 3 years ago and living in so much fear. Finally I was supported to move, very far, to feel safe and secure.

EMMAUS LGBT GROUP, most especially Rev. Dave  helped and supported me to get my refugee status in the UK. 

My life has changed so much because of the support they gave to me. I have things I never dreamt of and am so happy because of EMMAUS LGBT Group. 

 Fallonne

    It's not been a long time since I joined the Emmaus group, but the first time I turned on my camera, I came across Rev's Dave. His humour, his big smile, I felt good in my skin, without judgement and I accepted what I am because I know that the Lord loves us as we are.

Thank you Rev, for accepting us as we are and for giving us your precious advice.