Empowering Orang Asli children to be missionaries
Some 55 Orang Asli, mostly children were present at their 15-year-old Gereja Ibunda Maria in Kg Chang, located about five kilometres from Bidor town for a prayer and reflection session, recently.
Sep 20, 2024
BIDOR: Some 55 Orang Asli, mostly children were present at their 15-year-old Gereja Ibunda Maria in Kg Chang, located about five kilometres from Bidor town for a prayer and reflection session, recently.
This was an outreach programme organised by the Chapel of St Joseph in Bidor in collaboration with a group of Catholics from Kuala Lumpur.
The event began with a prayer session conducted in Bahasa Malaysia, led by Orang Asli lay leader Junaida. Following this, the Kuala Lumpur group shared a reflection on Mark 16:15, where Jesus commands to “go into all the world and proclaim the Gospel to the whole creation.” The message inspired the Orang Asli present to embrace their role as missionaries, encouraging them to live out their Christian faith daily, pray regularly, and share the teachings of Jesus with their family and neighbours.
In all, eighty people were feted to a catered sumptuous lunch thereafter, where mingling and chatting with one another took place during the fellowship.
Participants were also engaged in various indoor games that brought much excitement and joy. The Orang Asli, including adults, actively participated in “balloon blowing” and “passing the ball” games, while children enjoyed a painting competition. Many walked away with attractive prizes such as plush toys and a mountain bike, adding to the festive atmosphere.
In addition to the games and activities, each of the 20 families received a generous gift pack including a bath towel, pillow, biscuits, snacks, milk drink, toothpaste, toothbrush, layer cake, stationery set, shower gel, Milo, pudding, and holy water.
Alice Jabaimalar, a lay leader from the Chapel in Bidor hopes the KL group had good exposure with the Orang Asli. She emphasised the importance of reaching out to the poor and those on the fringes of society, encouraging Catholics to extend their support and love to those in need.
The event concluded with a Closing Prayer and a group photo, as the children bid farewell to their visitors. The Kuala Lumpur group also took the opportunity to visit five dilapidated non-Catholic homes in the village, where they briefly chatted with residents and distributed small hand gifts. --Bernard Anthony
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