A church has gotta do what a church has gotta do

I heard recently about a small inner city church. It is located in a part of the city that is run down and has a mixed cultural population. 

This church is in a city that is a major centre for refugees and asylum seekers. The regular congregation numbers about thirty people, all either elderly retired whites or working age black people. The building dates back to when the church had many more people and the congregation now less than a quarter fills the large sanctuary. There are wire grills over all the windows and high security locks on the doors as it is in a run down/high risk area. However there are many halls and rooms on several different levels and they are widely used by community groups.

A familiar picture of an inner city church. So whats new? 

One day a tall black guy turned up. He was an asylum seeker from an African country with a poor human rights record. He was going through the lengthy process of trying to become legal. He had nowhere to go. He church had rooms.  They didn't hesitate - they said have a room - and fixed up some furniture and he stayed. He is still there. He does some basic care taking duties and in return the church have agreed to let him stay for as long as he needs.

I was moved by this story - not because I condone the church breaking the law - which they probably have many times by helping a an illegal alien, by not registering a church as a hostel or place of residence, and numerous health and safety rules etc. They have ignored all the bureaucracy and responded to a need and acted.

‘And when did we see You a stranger, and invite You in, or naked, and clothe You? When did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ The King will answer and say to them, ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.’" Matthew 25  38-40