Third Malaysian IFFAsia Graduates Gathering

“It is the beginning of unity between East and West Malaysia, bringing hope to the community, walking towards one mission in one country. There is also a better structure that will take care of the growing community in Asia.”

PORT DICKSON : This year, the third Malaysia IFFAsia Graduates Gathering was held at Champagnat Youth Centre (Marist Brothers), Port Dickson on September 27th to 29th, 2013. Eight members of Fondacio Malaysia and ten IFFAsia graduates attended the gathering. This is the first "joint venture" gathering which is one of the fruits during the 6th Fondacio Asia Pastoral Gathering held last October 26 - November 5, 2012 at Oblates of Mary Immaculate Formation Center in Quezon City, Philippines. During the gathering, Fondacio Malaysia members and Malaysian IFFAsia graduates, came together to discuss, explore and discern on how best they could journey together in the mission.

Morning Prayer

The main purpose of this yearly gathering is to reflect on one's vocation and direction after the formation process in IFFAsia, Philippines. On the second day, Charles Bertille, the Fondacio Asia Coordinator facilitated the two-day event, moving us towards greater integration in our mission journey.
During the 'integration' session, we were asked to reflect on our goal and how do we see ourselves five years from now. Not only that, we were also asked to reflect on our limitations and our uniqueness. We were given given time to reflect on 'This is who I am' and to later share it within the group.

Charles also shared to us about the three characters in the Acts of the Apostles. Peter, someone who is relational, Stephen who is efficient and Paul who is effective / balance. We were told to reflect on this three characters and to see where we are and to ask grace from any of them if we need blessings from Peter or Stephen or Paul. He also reminded us that our faith is a covenant and if we do not live the covenant, it will slowly die. Therefore, everyone need to check or balance their life. He also said that, our discipleship is not based on other people's opinion and goals but on values. The gospel values will change us to 'This is how I am'.It was a wonderful time for each and everyone of us. Not only we were able to have our "me" time with God and to be refilled in our spiritual life, but we were also able to strengthen the relationship bond between the graduates and the Fondacio members. Alice Tan the current acting director of IFFAsia, Philippines was also present during the gathering to lend support to all graduates of IFFAsia. The next gathering will be in October 2014 in Kuching, Sarawak.

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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New Intake for IFFAsia Schoolyear 2014

Nurturing lay leaders for a renewed Asian Church and Society 

The Institute of Formation, Fondacio Asia (IFFAsia) is now open for application from potential applicants for the schoolyear 2014.

Deadline for the submission of application forms is on November 30, 2013. For further inquiries, email us at iffasia@gmail.com.

Download below for your reference: 

  IFF Asia 2014 Intake Cover Letter by FondacioAsiaCommunications

IFF Asia Application Kit 2014-Contents by FondacioAsiaCommunications

For those who wish to apply for the English Course at the Assumption Language Center, download the Application Form below.

English Course Application Form by FondacioAsiaCommunications

IFFAsia 2013 Brochure

Download the IFFAsia 2013 Brochure here.

English Version

Vietnamese Version

Video: Mukah Youth Camps

A Continuing Journey with the Young People of Mukah, Sarawak

Facilitators and participants, together with Fr. Michael Lee, Youth Chaplain of Sibu Diocese.

Sts. Peter and Paul, Mukah – Once again, the graduates of the Institute of Formation Fondacio Asia came together to facilitate the follow-up Youth Leadership Camp Program at Sts. Peter and Paul Parish, Mukah, Sarawak.

Previously, on the 26th to 28thApril 2013, IFFA graduates Mag Chin (Batch 1), Nina Chan (Batch 3), Cecilia Ong (Batch 4) and Anna Teresa (Batch 5), together with Annie Yap, Country Coordinator of Fondacio Malaysia, and Br. Joseph Lim of the Congregation of The Disciples of the Lord (CDD) animated a Youth Leadership Camp in Mukah. With the theme ‘Servant Leadership in Me’, 34 youth from 5 parishes (Mukah, Dalat, Julau, Kapit and Selangau) gathered to experience God’s love through the Camp.

Held from 15th to 16th June 2013, the follow-up Camp was meant to integrate and recollect the experiences of the youth leaders from the 5 parishes, especially their one-month experience after the Camp in April. At the same time, these two days gave them the opportunity to equip themselves with leadership skills that can help them in their ministry. This follow-up program was conducted by Ezekiel Raj (Batch 2), Nina Chan (Batch 3), Cecilia Ong and Roselinah Francis (Batch 4). Nineteen youth leaders (Mukah - 10, Julau - 2, Kapit - 2, and Selangau - 5) participated in this Camp.

Integration of the previous Youth Leadership Camp, by Nina Chan.

Day 1 started in the afternoon of 15th June. The participants were led by Nina Chan to look back at their experiences after the Camp in April. Through the questions on ‘The changes in me’ and ‘The changes of my other youth leader friends’, the youth were invited to realize and to see the graces that God gave to them and to see the growth in their friends. They were also able to see their own limitations and take steps towards improving themselves.

The Dialogue on Youth Ministry was facilitated by Nina. It gave the Youth Leaders the opportunity to understand the meaning of Youth Ministry and to see the situation of the youth in their own parishes. The presence of Fr. Michael Lee, Youth Chaplain of Sibu Diocese, Ezekiel Raj, Pastoral Assistant, Campus Ministry Office and Penang Diocesan Youth Network 2008-2010, Roselinah Francis, Youth Coordinator of Keningau Diocese, and Cecilia Ong, Youth Coordinator of Mukah Parish, as panelists during the dialogue opened their minds to see the reality experienced in youth ministry. Using SWOT analysis, they learned to analyze the situation happening in the parishes.

Dialogue on Youth Ministry.

Ezekiel Raj started the evening by inviting the leaders to see that doing a program of activities for the young people require skills. Without skills, they will not be able attract the young people. The participants were then challenged to plan and facilitate games through the session on Facilitation, which was facilitated by Roselinah Francis. It was meant to equip them with skills and prepare them for their mission on the ground. They prepared Structured Learning Experiences and facilitated these themselves.

Finish the Line! - Participants encouraging teammates to reach the finish line.

Day 2 started with a recap of the previous day from Nina Chan and followed by the session ‘Introduction to Youth Clubs, a Fondacio Pedagogy’ by Cecilia Ong. In this session, she emphasized that a Club is a place where young people experience life and a place where they can feel a sense of belonging. She tackled the four principles in creating and implementing a club: Fun, Food, Sharing Time (Input) and Spiritual Time.

Group Discussion - Each group was asked to conduct a game.

The participants were then divided into four groups and assigned to plan and implement the club to the whole group. This was really a learning process so that they could actually apply the facilitation skills that they learnt the day before. With the theme “The Power of Hand” the participants worked as one community in planning and facilitating a club. It was a remarkable experience for all the young leaders to work as a team and to accept feedback from each other.

Learning to animate in small groups.

Finally, the Camp ended with a commissioning Mass by Fr. Michael Lee. In his homily, he invites each one to follow the example of the Sinful Woman, being humble before the Lord.

A message from Fr. Michael Lee, Youth Chaplain of Sibu Diocese
“Go down from the mountain to reach out…
We need to understand who we are…
We need to become the Salt and Light of the Church.
How can you serve the youth if you are not confident with yourself?
We are God-given youth. Be one.
Show to others that we are different from the world because of our Faith.
Sometimes we underestimate our life.
Go, bring joy to others. You can do it wherever you are.
But if we don’t have God’s love, we can do nothing.

L-R: IFFAsia graduates Ezekiel Raj, Cecilia Ong, Roselinah Francis, and Nina Chan

Roselinah Francis belongs to Batch 4 of the Basic Formation Program at IFFAsia. She is currently the Youth Coordinator of Keningau Diocese.

Malaysian IFFAsia Graduates Join Forces for Servant Leadership Camp

The facilitators together with the youth leaders from Julau, Dalat, Selangau, Mukah and Kapit.

Mukah, Sarawak – Four Malaysian graduates of the Institute of Formation Fondacio Asia, namely Mag Chin (Batch 1), Nina Chan (Batch 3), Cecilia Ong (Batch 4) and Anna Teresa Amandus (Batch 5) joined hands together with Annie Yap, member of Fondacio Malaysia, and Bro. Joseph Lim of the Congregation of The Disciples of the Lord (CDD) to facilitate a 3-day Youth Camp at Sts. Peter and Paul Parish, Mukah, Sarawak.

This is one of a few team-ups carried out by graduates of IFFAsia and members of Fondacio in organizing programs with and for the youth. This was previously done in the Diocese of Handan, China, where Mandarin-speaking graduates from both Malaysia and China came together to organize a camp for the youth.

In the Diocese of Sandakan, Sabah, IFFAsia graduates Roselinah Francis and Cecillia Ong (both from Batch 4), together with Patrick Sta. Maria, member of Fondacio Malaysia, were invited by Anna Teresa and Sharon Tan (Batch 6) to help out in giving sessions during the recent Youth Leader’s Camp II in Holy Trinity, Tawau. It was a very positive approach to continuously be in formation and at the same time journey as one community, especially for the IFFAsia graduates from China and Malaysia.

The camp was held from the 26th to 28th April 2013 and participated in by 34 youth leaders from 5 parishes—Mukah, Dalat, Julau, Kapit and Selangau. The theme was 'SERVANT LEADERSHIP IN ME' and the objectives were: (i) to become aware of their own attitude towards themselves, the people around them, and their own life; and (ii) to experience God’s love.

Expectation Check!

Day 1: The participants were drawn into discovering themselves through sessions like ‘Who Am I?’ and ‘My Strengths and Struggles’. This allowed them to look, to discover and to acknowledge the beauty in themselves, from the inside to the outside. They were also invited to accept and embrace the good and bad in themselves, because in the end, the good and the bad are all THEM, created by God. The day ended with night prayer - praise and worship led by Anna Teresa.

My Strengths - The participants were invited to list down the positive characters of the persons whom they like and admire, and pasted these on the human form drawing.

Day 2: The participants experienced prayer with nature led by Cecilia Ong, followed by an outdoor activity ‘Treasure Hunt’. It was really a challenging event as it required them to work and walk as a team. Their communication and attitudes towards one another were also essential towards making the whole hunting a success.

Teamwork during Treasure Hunt.

This then led to a related session ‘My Attitudes in Life with Different People’ facilitated by Nina Chan. In this session, Nina helped the youth to identify different attitudes and characters in them that always appear, either consciously or unconsciously while they are in community, from as small as the family, school, working place or Church. She also shared about attitudes that help to build or destroy a Christian community. It was a very enriching moment for each one because as youth leaders it is very important to first change themselves before changing others.

In the evening, Annie Yap invited everyone to experience God’s love, especially after they had gone through the first two days in the camp. Day 2 ended with a peaceful Taize prayer led by Mag Chin.

Taize Prayer - Offering the participants' letters to God.

Day 3: Finally, the participants arrived at the peak of the camp, the Servant Leadership of Jesus—'Washing of the Feet' facilitated by Mag Chin. It was a very touching moment for everyone because they really felt Jesus' presence during the process. Washing one another's feet is an act of humility, a criterion necessary for servant leadership.

Washing of the feet, an act of humility.

Participants were given the chance to share their own experiences. They were requested to make their commitments in areas of their life that they want to change. The final day ended with a short movie ‘I Am Special’. It was a good way to end the day as the movie showed how great our God, who created humans completely, is and that uniquely and above all He does not make mistakes. He loves us so much that He made us just the way He wants us to be.

It was a fruitful camp for both the participants and the facilitators. For the youth, they experienced friendship and God’s love. For the facilitators, they learned to let go and be docile to the Holy Spirit. It has always been God’s work and He alone has made it happen.

What am I committed to change?

The camp did not end there; some of the facilitators continued their journey to Mary Immaculate Concepcion Church in Kapit, a 3-hour boat ride from Sibu, on the 30th April 2013. Nina, Cecilia and Anna took the chance to share with the youth about the Personal Development Plan (PDP). As for Bro. Joseph Lim of the Congregation of the Disciples of the Lord (CDD) and Janet, a volunteer from Kuala Lumpur, they spent their time experiencing life in the Iban Community at a long house in Julau.

After PDP session with the youth of Mary Immaculate Concepcion Parish.

On 2nd May 2013, both teams met up and headed back to Mukah. The next day, the teams had their recollection, to collect and integrate the fruits from the past days in Mukah. Each one shared about their fruits, what was awakened in them and God’s invitations for them when they return to their respective places.

"What a wonderful way to end the Sarawak Journey! The beautiful sunset, as though God is saying 'thank you' for our hearts and efforts. Simply relieved and happy - our mission accomplished!" - Nina Chan.

“REDISCOVER, RENEW and RECONNECT WITH CHRIST, being open to God, letting go of myself and letting God lead me. This made my faith journey in Mukah a refreshing and energizing experience with my teammates and the youth, with myself and God. I thank Jesus for knocking on me at the right place and at the right time. It has always been His plan...” – Anna Teresa

L-R: Cecilia Ong, Mag Chin, Bro. Joseph Lim, Anna Teresa, Annie Yap, and Nina Chan.

Anna Teresa Amandus belongs to Batch 5 of the Basic Formation Program at IFFAsia. She is currently the Director of the Diocesan Youth Office of Sandakan.

6th Fondacio Asia Pastoral Gathering

The participants of the Pastoral Gathering with Bishop Joel Baylon, IFFAsia Chairman of the Board.

The 6th Fondacio Asia Pastoral Gathering was held last October 26 – November 5, 2012 at the Oblates of Mary Immaculate Formation Center in Quezon City, Philippines. The event brought together 55 participants from 10 different countries to build communion with one another, to understand the call and challenges of mission on the ground, and to encourage co-responsibility and commitment among each one to build and sustain the one mission together.

The participants were members and friends of the different Fondacio communities and missions in Cambodia, China, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Vietnam, and the United Kingdom. Maddy Edwards of Fondacio UK was present to give a session on developing project proposals; she was accompanied by two youth leaders, Michael and Roisin, who participated actively and shared about their desire to continue to collaborate with the Asian community and help in the missions in the region. Priest friends from Japan and China, who were meeting Fondacio for the first time, also attended the event to participate, support and see how to collaborate in the future.

Reflections from Nacho Rosselot and Francois Prouteau.

Fondacio President Nacho Rosselot, Vice President Francois Prouteau, and Council member for Asia Charles Bertille provided valuable input on sustaining the call and mission by reinventing the community and putting in place new structures of working together. They challenged everyone to make this paradigm shift, and invited each one to be in an attitude of trust and faith so that Fondacio can fully respond to the mission needs in Asia and work more effectively with one another.

This paradigm shift involves creatively integrating the principles of mission with others, path of transformation and communitarian dimension in all the programs and activities of the community. These three are essential for both common and personal missions to flourish, and should be given equal importance. In front of this paradigm shift, each one is called to be Christ's co-creator in Asia.

Having fun during the community feast.

With the call of the Council to develop and implement missions to help the poor, each country looked at the different mission projects in its landscape, and started to develop a plan which will help particularly in raising needed funds for the sustainability of these projects. For the participants, the exercise was a way of concretizing “dreams”, and developing a more pastoral vision and new skills to be effective in the mission. Projects that were developed included, among others, training and social service centers and meeting places for out-of-school youth, gift shop, pre-school, English and cooking classes.

During the send-off mass, Bishop Joel Baylon, IFFAsia Chairman of the Board, challenged each one, as Jesus challenged his disciples, to exert more conscious effort to be more outward-looking, that is, being less concerned with ourselves and our members, but giving more love for our neighbors. With this admonition still ringing in everyone's ears, members of each sub-region were prayed over and sent off to the missions that are waiting for them in their own countries.

Each sub-region was sent off during the final Eucharist celebration.

Though it was a long-stretched gathering, each one actively participated, and came out feeling refreshed, encouraged, inspired and empowered. There was an experience of the sense of community and understanding more who Fondacio is. Each one felt motivated to go on and continue living this “one mission of Jesus”.

Some of the participants' testimonies after the Pastoral Gathering:

“I was inspired by the mission experiences of the other participants. I feel that our community needs to stand up by ourselves, but to open to the others.” (China)

“I can see clearly my personal call and that of my community, to move forward and meet the need in my local Church.” (Myanmar)

“It was a learning and inspiring gathering. I know more clearly Fondacio’s mission in the Asian Church and society. So, I can better take part in the mission and respond to the call.” (Cambodia)

“We are not alone in the mission; we are together with the others as one community in the one mission. I see hope for the future of laity in Asia.” (Vietnam)

“What was planted in my life is this imitation of Christ who is always on the move – searching, touching, loving everyone. A missionary is another Christ in the world. The Philippine community has opened its eyes to this.” (Philippines)

“It was the beginning of unity between East and West Malaysia, bringing hope to the community, walking towards one mission in one country. There is also a better structure that will take care of the growing community in Asia.” (Malaysia)

A time for each sub-region to come together and plan.

IFFAsia: A New Door Opens for Lay Pastoral Workers

Exchange of MOA between IFFAsia and Xavier University. Front row, left to right: Dr. Ignacio Rosselot, Fondacio President; Mr. Charles Bertille, Fondacio Council member for Asia and former Director, IFFAsia; Fr. Roberto Yap, SJ, President, Xavier University, Philippines; Dr. Dulce, Dean of Arts & Sciences, XU. Back row, left to right: Dr. Sealza, Dean of Graduate Studies, XU; Ms. Alice Tan, Acting Director, IFFAsia.

Starting schoolyear 2013, the Institute of Formation, Fondacio Asia (IFFAsia) partners with Xavier University - Ateneo de Cagayan to undertake a common mission of collaboration for the formation of youth and laity, especially from the emerging churches in the Asian region.

To seal this partnership, both institutions came together last November 5, 2012, to sign a Memorandum of Agreement. This event was held at the campus of Xavier University, a private Jesuit institution located in Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines.

This help in building up capable lay leaders who can participate to bring about changes is IFFAsia's response to the call of the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences (FABC) for a renewed church and society.

This partnership responds to both formation and academic needs of the students of IFFAsia. In this program, the student can earn a Certificate or Diploma in Pastoral Leadership, or a Master's degree in Development Leadership. The program accreditation is granted by the Commission on Higher Education in the Philippines.

Included in the IFFAsia formation program is a skills training focusing on micro-finance and entrepreneurship at the South East Asia Rural Social Leadership Institute (SEARSOLIN), of Xavier University.

Bishop Joel Baylon of the Diocese of Legazpi, and IFFAsia Chairman of the Board, calls the formation at the Institute an "experience lived in the context of a community and missionary spirituality".

Wilfred James of Sabah says, "What I learned in IFFAsia four years ago – Christian values, the spirituality of Fondacio, the formation of the human person – is really sustaining me in my mission, and transforming my attitudes towards relationships and work."

Since its launching in May 2006, IFFAsia has produced almost a hundred young pastoral workers, eighty five percent of whom continue to serve full-time in their local dioceses, parishes and other church organizations. Their areas of ministry include children and youth, basic ecclesial communities, evangelization, community building and social development. Graduates have come from Cambodia, China, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Vietnam, and the Philippines.

IFFAsia Mission Project 2012

Trusting in the Divine Providence of God with the spirit of going beyond...

Dear Friends,

Greetings to you all and Happy Valentine's Day!

We would like to share with you what’s going on in the current IFFAsia Mission Project 2012, here at SEARSOLIN, College of Agriculture of Xavier University, Cagayan de Oro.

SEARSOLIN stands for South East Asia Rural Social Leadership Institute. It is one of the outreach units of Xavier University and a training center dedicated to the formation of socially committed and competent leaders in the struggle for poverty alleviation and holistic human development. As an international center of learning, it caters to a wide range of diverse cultural and religious traditions in Asia, Pacific and Africa. It further aspires for a just social order, where respect for human dignity, deference of various religious beliefs, equitable distribution of wealth and care of the bounty of the earth prevail.

IFFAsia students and interns at SEARSOLIN, with Ms. Rachel Polestico, SEARSOLIN Executive Director (4th from right, front row), and Mr. Abraham Chongo, IFFAsia Mission Project Coordinator(1st from left, front row).

The students and staff of IFFAsia arrived in Cagayan de Oro on February 4, 2012 for their Technical and Skills Training. This is being done through classroom sessions, lectures and inputs from various practitioners within their own fields of expertise. A big part of these inputs are very much grounded in visits and exposures/immersions to various community initiatives in the area. Students and staff had an opportunity to visit the victims or survivors of the SENDONG typhoon, in the places affected. They also went to the relocation sites where these people have been provided with temporary shelters/tents. At this point in time, we can only say, it has really been a God-filled experience of last week.

One may want to ask, why Cagayan de Oro, and particularly SEARSOLIN? As we have mentioned earlier on, we have been moved by the Leadership Training Program of SEARSOLIN. It is a program which facilitates change and promotion of the welfare for the emerging rural communities. As a school of discipleship for young adults and professionals in Asia and society, IFFAsia regards itself as being at the service of local churches and communities. It strives to form the young adults/professionals as leaders for a renewed Church in Asia to become actively involved in the affairs of the church and civil society. IFFAsia envisions itself to be a hub of formation for laity in Asia. Its mandate is to transmit the needed knowledge and skills for effective ministry. At the same time instilling values and attitudes that can help to empower young adults and pastoral workers to become responsible leaders, capable of taking on initiatives for church renewal in Asia. Concretely, it simply means putting in place measures that put focus on quality program for excellence.

Having looked at the vision and programs of SEARSOLIN against that of IFFAsia, it became evident that these can be mutually enriching for both institutes. With this in mind, a program (Module) was designed with the theme or focus on: Building Entrepreneurship for Social Pastoral and Development Practitioners. The module aims to equip students and staff with the knowledge and skills needed in the promotion and development of micro-enterprise, marketing, management and micro-finance.

Students and staff, on the banks of the Cagayan de Oro River, offer prayers for all those affected by the Sendong typhoon, which caused massive flooding in a large part of the city last Dec., 2011.

At the end of this intensive course, students are expected to come up with two major outputs. The first is the Business Plan for a particular community (where they are being exposed), stipulating what steps they will take to initiate and implement this business venture. The second is the Social Development Action Plan (SEDAP). This is a proposal plan which will address the question of “what” each of the students intends to do when they go back home to their own countries and “where” (specific place) they intend to carry out these projects.

So far, the students have started exploring self-help financing schemes in support of new or existing micro-enterprises and other income-generating projects within the community. As part of a measure and strategy that help the learning groups to experience and see in action how enterprising people can be, the students were exposed to the present situation of the recent SENDONG calamity that took place in Cagayan de Oro. To help IFF Asia students and staff have a hands-on-experience of the impact of the tragedy, a “Sendong Tour” was organized. This tour gave students a wider perspective of how enterprising people can be even times of great calamity like, people have found a reason to strive more for a meaningful life. Micro-enterprise and Micro-finance are indeed a strategy and modality for survival and livelihood for communities in a recovery situation.

With this in mind, we invite you to journey with us as we continue to learn from local people and the SEARSOLIN community on what it means to be Social Development and Pastoral Micro-finance Entrepreneurs. We ask for your prayers, support and contributions in any way you can toward this year’s mission project. This is a big contribution to our formation program cost. It is also our way of sharing and being in solidarity with our local people out here.

The group having fun after finishing a community survey in Cabula (a local area affected by the recent flooding in the city), part of the requirements in their course.

We will be updating you on a day-to-day basis about the wonders the Lord is doing in these young people from all parts of Asia. God bless you and make you fruitful, generous and cheerful givers of life.

Abraham S. Chongo
Mission Project Coordinator, IFFAsia

We continue to appeal for your support for the project. For financial contributions, please email us at ifa.fondacio@gmail.com.