Kampen Church Offers Shelter For 547 Days

Why this is here: The Open Hof church has maintained a continuous service for 547 days to prevent the deportation of the Babayants family.

In Kampen, Netherlands, the Open Hof church community has provided continuous shelter to the Babayants family for 547 days, preventing their deportation to Uzbekistan. Predikant Kasper Jager describes this act as embodying what it means to be human. The family, who have lived in the Netherlands for twelve years, fears for their safety if returned to Uzbekistan.

The church hosts ongoing services filled with singing, conversation, and readings, sustained by rotating volunteers who offer refreshments. This Friday, Open Hof received the Over Hoop Prize—25,000 euros and a trophy—for its boundary-pushing social initiative. Jager intends to reserve part of the prize money for the Babayants family and explore establishing a theological advisory group and website for the church asylum.

Jager acknowledges the fatigue involved but emphasizes the growing determination to continue. The future remains uncertain, as the family's well-being depends on a resolution that may not come. The church continues to fill gaps in the volunteer schedule and support the family, hoping for a positive outcome.