Ter Apel is regularly in the news because of the large numbers of refugees and the nuisance experienced. After the summer, the Gave Foundation will open a House of Joy in this place. A House of Joy is a place where refugees can go for relaxation and personal encounters and find strength for a new start. Since almost every refugee has to report to Ter Apel, this creates the unique opportunity to reach a large number of them.
'The aim is that refugees can unwind in these living rooms outside the asylum seekers' centre. By doing activities together and relaxing with each other, they will feel like ordinary human beings again for a while,' explains Arco de Leede, acting director of Gave. 'Moreover, it is our desire that they will also experience the love of God. Especially in Ter Apel, where we all know there is so much tension. We pray that soon there will also be a place of coming home for them there.' The House of Joy offers activities such as sports and games, language lessons and Bible studies.
Gave cooperates in Ter Apel, among others, with the Helping Hands working group from Mussel, which is affiliated to the CGK of Mussel. For more information, see: Helping hands | CGK Mussel
