Make a Difference Today! Be Part of IFFAsia's Schoolyear 2011-12!

“Young people are not only the objects of the Church’s pastoral care
but also the agents and co-workers in the Church’s mission.” - Ecclesia in Asia, #47

Application is now open for schoolyear 2011-12 at the Institute of Formation, Fondacio Asia (IFFAsia).

Download the Information and Application kits here.
IFFAsia Application Kit Dec2010

IFFAsia Information Kit Dec2010

Word of the Month (January 2011)

Isaiah 42: 1-4, 6-7

Here is my servant, whom I uphold,
my chosen, in whom my soul delights;
I have put my spirit upon him;
   he will bring forth justice to the nations.
He will not cry or lift up his voice,
   or make it heard in the street;
a bruised reed he will not break,
   and a dimly burning wick he will not quench;
   he will faithfully bring forth justice.
He will not grow faint or be crushed
   until he has established justice in the earth;
   and the coastlands wait for his teaching.

I am the Lord, I have called you in righteousness,
   I have taken you by the hand and kept you;
I have given you as a covenant to the people,
   a light to the nations,
   to open the eyes that are blind,
to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon,
   from the prison those who sit in darkness.

Social Immersion - Challenges of Comfort Zone

The students and the formation team and staff from the Institute of Formation Fondacio Asia (IFFAsia) had their 10-day social immersion in October 2010 in Mansalay, Oriental Mindoro, located southwest of Manila. They left their place with expectations and certain fears to follow the call of God, “come and see”.

The purpose of the immersion was to enable the students to understand the fundamental challenges, struggles and opportunities present in the social realities and practice their learnings on social analysis and community study.

The immersionists were divided to stay in 3 respective communities: the Fishing village, the Farming village, and the Mangyan (indigenous people in Mindoro) village. Each member had precious encounters and learnings through the 10-day journey, and experienced Jesus in their life through this little land. #

“I am disturbed”

Living in a simple and yet contented life as the Mangyans, without water and electricity, was my first experience in such uncomfortable life since I arrived in the Philippines months ago. However, it was alright because I managed to cope with the unusual things which happened around me which I called as “disturbance”.

My most significant experience was when we went to Bait (another housing area) in a 4-wheel drive (4WD) vehicle. I was so disturbed along the way because I had no place to sit and I was squatting uneasily at the backside of the car. On top of that, it was moving really fast and the road condition was bad with rocks and we also crossed some streams. I could not really straighten my back and neck. Oh my goodness! I was crying really, asking for God’s comfort because “God! I am suffering!” That was the day that I called for God often! I was so blessed that I finally felt at peace after we arrived safe and sound. Praise the Lord!

The experience taught me to be stronger. Surprisingly, in all the days in Mindoro I was more contemplative and “disturbed” by the people, by the environment, and by God. I encountered new “disturbances” every day and it amazed me. Why? Because I am more aware of myself, that I am more reflective. In silence, I was more conscious of myself, my surroundings, and the best thing was being more attentive to my relationship with my Creator. For me, to be anxious has allowed me to truly enter into an intimate relationship with God through the nature and the people. Besides, seeing the reality made me stronger in faith and in heart.

I thank God that each day of the immersion had brought eye-opening experiences for me. The people that I met particularly the children, the sisters and brothers, and the elderly motivated me to carry on my daily task regardless of the difficulties and the “disturbances” that are in me. I am blessed that these “disturbances” that I felt and encountered brought me nearer to my everyday God especially being a young missionary. It was indeed an enriching experience!

By Monica Lisa, East Malaysia

IFFAsia Student, Batch 2010-2011

“Fear Not”

Before I came to the Philippines, I’ve heard from my senior that in our formation programme, we will go through Social Immersion which is full of risks and challenges. Hearing that 3 years ago and now is my turn to face the real challenges; I feel I want to escape.

I was filled with so much fear, I worried about my safety, the environment, the people and also the way we will live there. Two weeks before the immersion, I could not sleep well; just to wait for the day to come.

It was a period of difficulty for me, but with the help of our formator and senior in the institute, by listening and encouraging me; through my personal prayer as well, I feel God as my close companion and I gained more positive attitude towards the immersion.

During the immersion, I really felt that God was accompanying me every day. I saw God surrounding me in my daily life there through my foster family, my group members and leader, and also the people I encountered.

Even though the immersion was filled with challenges and realities, but I was able to overcome all the fear in me, step by step; I felt joy and peace at the end. Because of this experience, I have learnt to enjoy my day in my ordinary life.

I realise now, if God wants me to go and take the challenge, He is the One to prepare me even before I know about it. I need to trust Him, and to really believe Him as my hope and my saviour. I felt deeply that God will give me whatever I need in my life! Thanks be to God, I am grateful for this experience and the people who supported me.

By Yang Lingling, China

IFFAsia Student, Batch 2010-2011

“Feet on the Ground, Back to Simplicity”

“I love you and I am with you always. Go in love and peace.” I carried these words with me and it was an invitation from God for me to start my mission in Mindoro as a son of God. I was with the indigenous people for 10 days. It was a new experience, living on the mountain. Every day and everything was not comfortable. No water, no electricity and the people are living in poverty. These realities challenged me to be an agent of change and to want to help them.

The 10 days on the mountain were difficult, tiring and challenging. Once, we went to another mountain to witness a Mangyan wedding with their unique culture. The mountain was very steep and slippery. I carried my bag and slippers while climbing and it was very difficult for me to walk and I felt so tired. I decided to stop and rest. While resting, I saw a man carrying a big speaker passing me. Seeing him, I remembered Jesus who carried his cross for us and God said to me, “Carry your cross and follow me.” The strength of the man motivated me to continue climbing. I fell down once and it made me suffer. However, God’s love made me continue climbing and these experiences led me to success, to overcome my own limitations.

Our dream is to have enough food

Seeing the realities in the life of these indigenous people, I feel sad. However, I can feel the people’s love, hope and happiness in the darkness they’re experiencing. Most importantly, I can see God in them. I learned many things from them. When I asked about their dream, most of their answers were: to have enough food to eat! I was so touched hearing their answer. It made me love them more and pray for them. It was a simple dream, yet full of meaning. I really put my feet on ground to strive to live in a simpler way. I discovered more about myself and I came to realise the meaning and the value of life. I also understand more about God’s mission in my life. From all these experiences, I became more patient, more faithful, more confident and more daring.

By Akalard Vikay (Hiew), Laos

IFFAsia Student, Batch 2010-2011

A Christmas Message

At the end of 2010, Ignacio Rosselot, president of Fondacio, delivers his Christmas message.
Christmas Message 2010 IRosselot

An Invitation to Join IFFAsia for the Schoolyear 2011-2012

The Institute of Formation, Fondacio Asia (IFFAsia) is now open for application from potential applicants for the schoolyear 2011-2012.

The Institute hopes, through the formation, to build up young leaders and pastoral workers who can take initiatives, give leadership, and bring development and renewal in Asian Church and Society.

IFFAsia Promo Letter 2010

Download these forms for your reference.
IFFAsia Application Kit Dec2010

IFFAsia Information Kit Dec2010

Please be guided by our Application Process below.
IFFAsia Application Process 2010

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

Word of the Month (December 2010)

Psalm 72

Endow the king with your justice, O God,
   the royal son with your righteousness.
May he judge your people in righteousness,
   your afflicted ones with justice.

May the mountains bring prosperity to the people,
   the hills the fruit of righteousness.
May he defend the afflicted among the people
   and save the children of the needy;
   may he crush the oppressor.
May he endureas long as the sun,
   as long as the moon, through all generations.
May he be like rain falling on a mown field,
   like showers watering the earth.
In his days may the righteous flourish
   and prosperity abound till the moon is no more.

May he rule from sea to sea
   and from the River to the ends of the earth.
May the desert tribes bow before him
   and his enemies lick the dust.
May the kings of Tarshish and of distant shores
   bring tribute to him.
May the kings of Sheba and Seba
   present him gifts.
May all kings bow down to him
   and all nations serve him.

For he will deliver the needy who cry out,
   the afflicted who have no one to help.
He will take pity on the weak and the needy
   and save the needy from death.
He will rescue them from oppression and violence,
   for precious is their blood in his sight.

Long may he live!
   May gold from Sheba be given him.
May people ever pray for him
   and bless him all day long.
May grain abound throughout the land;
   on the tops of the hills may it sway.
May the crops flourish like Lebanon
   and thrive like the grass of the field.
May his name endure forever;
   may it continue as long as the sun.

Then all nations will be blessed through him,
   and they will call him blessed.

Praise be to the LORD God, the God of Israel,
   who alone does marvelous deeds.
Praise be to his glorious name forever;
   may the whole earth be filled with his glory.

      Amen and Amen.