News Flash on Mission Project in Vietnam/Cambodia

THE JOURNEY OF FAITH WITH THE LANGUAGE OF LOVE
Starting the journey by coming home

Early morning of Oct 5th, 2013, the group of IFFAsia students and staff started our journey by entering the land of Vietnam.
We were warmly welcomed in the Parish of Fr. Joseph Tuan (Responsible of Children Ministry of Saigon Diocese, Chaplain of Eucharistic Youth Movement).

We could feel how much we were treated as a family and how much the church today is open to receive us. We are touched by their generosity to open the parish to us, to take care of all our needs without any condition.

Although we have different nationalities but we create a common unity that builds a community.

“They were so kind to us and would really accompany us whenever we needed. Sometimes, unexpectedly, they would just lend a hand for us.” – Jhimus (Philippines)

Witnessing Vietnam Church today
We’ve witnessed a very active and dynamic faith and church life in Vietnam. We saw how the people value their faith and participate actively in the church life. They have a systematic way of building the faith integrated in the person’s life. They make sure that the foundation is built from a young age as seen in the Sunday catechism classes.

The Youth encounter had been a good time to share and discover the life of young people in Vietnam.

“ I was amazed by the spirit of volunteerism of the people who are really actively participating in church activities.” – Evelyn (Malaysia)

“These people are young professionals and some are very young and committed.” – Angela

“Changes start from within”
Meeting also the NGO’s like Initiatives of Changes (IofC), One Body Village and the Businessmen Group showed us how to live mission and affect change in the society- no matter how small the step or action could be. The most important is the faithfulness to take the little steps. “Change start from within.” “Be a voice – lend a hand. Make a difference – Save a life” – a slogan from One Body Village that called us deeply.

“I was able to see weakness that I am not so aware of, that brings such impact on to the society. This experience helps me to be part of starting changes. Start the changes from me.” – Tugso (Mongolia)
“Before this I am easy to give up and often time run away from God. I cannot carry my cross, especially when I have any problem, I always complain to God. But today, I understand God loves me and always calls me to be joyful in God’s power.” – Evelyn (Malaysia)

“I was so afraid of taking the risk for my life. I felt that I have so many things that I cannot balance or handle anymore. Sometimes, it becomes so heavy for me. The time with IOfC, It encourages me to make change for my life. The opportunity is there.” – Suong (Vietnam)

“I am fully aware that I am on a mission, and I can’t contain myself on being the way I was, I should respect other’s culture and belief, I must put more effort to be more flexible, adaptive and interactive to the new community I am engaging with. I am not in my own world now, this is the new world I am dealing with, the world for understanding, world full of respect and compassion to one another and the world with sustainable peace and equality.” – Angela (Philippines)

Time with students’ family
We also spent a good time meeting the family of the students. Parents were very grateful of the changes they have seen in their children. What was also important in all these meetings and encounter was the witness we gave as Institute, the witness of the students of their transformation because of the formation… no matter how small it maybe when put together becomes a bright flame of witnessing God’s transforming love and action in our life.

As we ended the first part of Mission Project in Vietnam…
… what was strong are the words… ”we have pitched the flag of mission in Vietnam as Fondacio” and with the Church welcoming and ready to collaborate with us. We have proven ourselves as an Institute, in our sincerity to form their young lay leaders for the building and the moving forward of the church in Vietnam which today they are seeing the fruits of the difference they are making in the church and society. They are now more open to collaborate with us in whatever mission we are called to respond to in Vietnam.

Initiatives of Change (IofC) is a world-wide movement of people of diverse cultures and backgrounds, who are committed to the transformation of society through changes in human motives and behaviour, starting with their own, in the areas of trust – building, ethical leadership and sustainable living.

One Body Village (OBV) is an Organization which its vision mission are: To combat human sex trafficking in developing countries; to provide at risk children and survivors with shelter, medical and behavioural health care, educational assistance, and vocational training to improve their future.

A Reflection by Sunday Samuel Work, IFFAsia Batch-7

(Sunday who hails from the Paitan Missionary Area, Sandakan is currently pursuing a one year formation program in IFFAsia, Quezon City, Philippines and is expected to graduate on 24th November 2013)

During my first few months here in IFFAsia, we were taught to build strong foundation of faith and prepare ourselves to be primary initiator on facing the challenges of the church through series of sessions. For the first phase, we went through the human module that helps us to deeply understand ourselves, explore our inner-selves, discover our talents. We were also taught on tips about building relationship bonds with others. We experienced a 'Weekend Retreat Towards a New Life' that really helped us to discern, think and have a break to re-look at our inner journey and to have time to talk with God. All of these really led to spiritual renewal and preparation of oneself for the Holy Week. Likewise, we joined the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ by conducting a Faith Walk. It was a long walk with very precious purpose for each and everyone.

Children play on the streets as there is no space for recreational facilities.

As we continue to journey in community living, the Social Immersion as part of our Social Module helped us a lot to understand what community really is. Not only by knowing its complexity and to know its profile, it is also important for me to experience the love, care, kindness and hospitality that we shared among us, the host parish and our foster families. Through these, it gave me an impact and to dig deeper about understanding society, in all aspects and appreciating the people who were involved in the program. We continued to feed ourselves with knowledge and compassion to the society as we started to study about the principles and perspectives about social development. By applying what we have experienced and learned, we are now making a Developmental Action Plan that would help our community to enhance their lives and empower every individual in the light of our Lord.

Payatas, the dumpsite in MetroManila - children live by the streets

Moreover, Spiritual and Pastoral Modules were also given to us so that we could have an integral formation in order to become better Christian servant-leaders. We finally share and attest our knowledge, skills and attitude when we conducted our Professional Internship. As I prepare and discern, I have asked myself, if I am really going to achieve my objectives? Do I really have the character to be a lay pastoral worker? I need all the formation, the grooming to be more confident in my mission as I return home to my parish where I will serve the parish as a whole and the youth ministry in particular.

Furthermore, I felt that I may achieve my objective through sociological skills in the actual application of knowledge and work in the community. A parish-based work is truly pastoral work. This is not just sitting and holding a pen inside the office but the opportunities to interact with the people on ground. I know deep in me that service is also a journey. Moreover, not only as pastoral work, but I could also open myself for the social realities that are visible in the ecclesial community of the Parish. Serving the poor and the marginalized allows me to serve Christ himself. I realized that this internship is truly and fully pastoral work.

Having to serve at two work places is fine with me. As I had mentioned earlier, I will meet Jesus in the parish because I will encounter with the poor, the oppressed and those living in the margins of society. I am happy with my choice and the only challenge that remains in me is how I could put all of these into action, bringing fruits and meaning to my life.The work entrusted upon me is challenging. I’m also expecting that through this internship, I will gain more skills like facilitation, administration, management and communication. Also, I hope to acquire good attitudes such as self-confidence, competitiveness, passion to work and develop the right spiritual life.

I will have to journey with the youth for they are the future of the church. With this in mind, I will keep on learning and do my best to lead the youth in the right track ~ the Christian way. I am much eager to gradually transform myself as an effective Christian leader, a primary servant of God in building His Kingdom. To be able to work with the young fills me with joy and compassion. As I mature, I realize that there’s a lot more to learn. I wanted to be involved in a wider arena. These insights gave me the vision of truly working for a Christian community.

As we finally enter into the last part of our formation year, we are going to Vietnam and Cambodia for our Mission Project themed “Youth Initiatives for Peace” which will be held on October 4-28, 2013. This program will make us aware and help us to understand the challenges of migration, human rights, and post-civil war rebuilding process and its impact on families, local communities and how the people are responding. This program includes inputs and workshops on inter-faith, visits to places of worship, stay in with foster families, dialogue with religious and civil society leaders, the poor, youth and families, exposure to the reality of migrants, and social development issues. In Vietnam and Cambodia, we will be collaborating with: Center for Peace and Conflict Studies (CPCS), Initiatives of Change, Vietnam (IofC), Caritas of Vietnam and Cambodia, the Diocese in Phnom Penh, etc. In addition, some tools on analysis, peace building and spirituality will also be introduced together with activities to facilitate peace building awareness among youth and families.

Our mission will not end inside the four corners of our session hall or confined within this formation year. Our mission will continue as we journey with the people, with the community of the faithful because we, as missionaries believed that mission is an issue of faith, a living faith. Being a community-in-mission is a matter of faith, love, hope and prayer, of sharing our deepest Christian and human values

Posted By dospo to NEWS UPDATE ~ Diocese of Sandakan at 9/23/2013
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Invitation to IFFAsia Open Session: Youth Ministry

The Institute of Formation, Fondacio Asia (IFFAsia) is holding its newly developed module on Youth Ministry for the public from 4 to 14 January 2011.

This youth ministry module will cover the situation and challenges facing the youth in Asia, the stages of discipleship, framework and principles of youth ministry, with practical workshops and rich exchange of experiences of mission.

We also would like to take this opportunity to have a dialogue (8 January) on youth situation and youth ministry in Asian countries.

We believe that this session and dialogue can help bring about new perspectives and equip participants with knowledge, skills, attitudes and relevant tools for the mission with young people.

Please download the brochure for your reference & send your name and contact detail to ifa.fondacio@gmail.com for registration.
IFFAsia Brochure - Youth Ministry 2011

Understanding the Word of God Today

IFFAsia invites each one to attend a Theological Series entitled "Understanding the Word of God Today". This series, which is being conducted as part of IFFAsia's Laity in Mission Program, consists of four (4) sessions, discussing different topics which tackle the relevance of God's Word to one's faith life today. It will be conducted during four Saturdays, starting September 25, 2010.

Topics covered are:
Session 1 - The Meaning of Renewal in Vatican II (September 25, 2010). It discusses the basic thrusts of Aggiornamento and Ad Fontes, and the importance of revelation as God's Word in the document Dei Verbum.

Session 2 - Word of God as Unconditional Loving (October 16, 2010). It deals with the meaning and implications of God's Word for lay spirituality.

Session 3 - Word of God as God's Offer of Life and Love in History (November 13, 2010). It explores ordinary experiences in the world as the setting for salvation.

Session 4 - Faith as Obedience to the Word of God (December 11, 2010). It presents a contrast between rationalistic and personalistic interpretation of faith.

Resource speaker is Dr. Jose M. de Mesa, a noted Filipino Catholic lay theologian.

A minimal fee of P250 will be charged for each session, to cover cost of snacks and session materials.

Interested participants can contact the Administration Office of IFFAsia at telephone number (02)937-3681. For more details, please refer to the attached invitation.
IFFAsia 2010 Theological Series