Are you called to go on Mission?

Aug 09, 2024

Mahatma Gandhi once said, “Be the change that you wish to see in the world.” Imagine not just witnessing others bring impact and empowerment to communities, but actually being a part of it. The Archdiocesan Office for Human Development (AOHD) is making this vision a reality through its new initiative called Missions.

“We saw an opportunity to experience and practise Catholic Social Teaching through an exposure immersion programme in the form of mission trips catered to the young,” said AOHD director, Dr Gary Liew. “When this idea was proposed, I thought, there are pilgrimages every year for those who have the time and money to travel ? usually the older generation. But why isn’t there an avenue for young people to have more accessible, mission-oriented trips?”

For the young director, mission trips are familiar territory, having embarked on one annually in recent years, with his first trip to Kenya at age 21. “The entire process ? raising funds, preparing, and being among the community ? really broadens your perspective. It’s humbling to return and discern where you are being called to serve next,” he shared.

Dwayne Sadris, the Missions coordinator at AOHD, emphasised the unique contributions of young people: “You bring amazing energy and passion to any project. Your desire to make a difference and take on new challenges is exactly what the world needs. By getting involved in mission work, you can be real agents of change today. Your fresh ideas and fearless attitude can drive impactful solutions.”

“Mission work instils values like empathy, compassion, and social responsibility, often shaping participants into mindful leaders committed to making the world better,” Dwayne added. “By focusing on the young, we’re fostering a generation deeply invested in humanitarian efforts and social justice.”

According to Dr Gary, the introduction of Missions under AOHD complements its existing structure and outreach, offering a holistic approach to integral human development, interfaith learning, and community building. This new chapter in AOHD’s 30-year plus history aims to provide young people with opportunities to become changemakers, responding to the stirrings in their hearts and discerning their call to serve.

“There are outreach trips planned both locally and internationally, and with Missions as part of this new chapter for AOHD, we sincerely hope it offers young people the opportunity to join a generation of changemakers. This initiative aims to inspire those who feel a stirring in their hearts and are discerning their call to serve,” he added.

Echoing this sentiment, Dwayne added, “As Isaiah 6:8 says, ‘Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? Who will go for us?’ And I said, ‘Here I am; send me!’ In the Great Commission, Jesus commands us to share the message of salvation with all nations. He is waiting for those willing to answer the call to missions. We must pray for people to rise with willing hearts, like Isaiah, who immediately volunteered to serve the Lord.”

To find out more on the upcoming Mission Trips, contact [email protected] or WhatsApp Dwayne at 017 390 6076.