An outreach to an Orang asli village

Jul 01, 2015

By Tennielle Callista Chua
On the morning of May 30, two buses of youth and parishioners of the Church of the Divine Mercy (CDM), headed towards Kampung Batu Empoh, a little Orang Asli village in the outskirts of Kampar, Perak. We had one mission in mind: to reach out and spend the day with the Orang Asli and get to know their way of life.

The Outreach programme began with Mass at 6.45am, celebrated by parish priest, Fr Martin Arlando. After Mass, some volunteers helped to load the buses with all the necessities for making lunch at the village together with other donated items of food and clothing.

After a three-hour bus journey, we sighted the village. We were warmly greeted by the villagers. It was only during the introductory speeches that we learnt that the tents shading us from the scorching midday sun had been erected just three days ago, in anticipation of our visit. Their hospitality and eagerness to receive us touched all of us.

The CDM youth were tasked with ice-breaking games to try and interact with the Orang Asli children. The jellies and chocolate biscuits did the trick in bringing them out of their shells! Most of the adults helped with lunch preparations that went on during the fun and games with the children.

We came to understand that the villagers of Kampung Batu Empoh lead a simple and fulfilling existence compared to our bustling city life. The villagers usually have a football game every evening at their field. Some of us, old and young, men and women alike, joined them for a spirited friendly match. The younger ones were also invited to play a game of Frisbee and shrieks of delight were heard, mixing with the cheers from the adjoining football match.

Very soon, it was tea time. After tea, the villagers took us on a tour of their village where they showed off their small chapel. The chapel is still under renovation and named after St John Paul II. Some of us were invited into their small wooden houses where we appreciated the comfortable simplicity of their homes.

Before we departed for home, one of the village leaders thanked us for our time and effort in helping them maintain their faith in Christ. We left the village with tired feet, but enlightened and enriched hearts. It was truly a valuable, eye-opening experience for all of us, one that would remain in our minds and hearts for a long time.