God’s mission made them Ambassadors of Christ

Aug 29, 2017

PENSIANGAN, SABAH: The world offers you comfort, but you were not made for comfort. You were made for greatness. From June 30 to July 14, 19 students from CSS (Catholic Students’ Society) of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Skudai, Johor Bahru, also known as GIFT (Growing In Faith Together) went to Pensiangan, Sabah for a mission trip.

The main aim was to support the construction of a kindergarten at Tanjung Harapan, Pensiangan and build a water closet for a kindergarten at Kampung Tinanduk, Pensiangan. Throughout our time there, the team was exposed to many things, which we were not used to seeing or experiencing in our daily lives. This opened our eyes to how we can really be God’s hands and feet to spread His love to the world. This report will provide a brief overview of what the team experienced during the mission trip. Leaving for the trip, I was unsure of what to expect; we were told that we would work on the projects and would be briefed through Whatsapp. Looking back, we could not have planned the incredible experience that unfolded.

We arrived at St Francis Xavier Cathedral, Keningau on Friday, June 30 and stayed at the pastoral guesthouse. It was a very long and tiring journey from Kota Kinabalu as the road is so challenging. Some of us felt nauseated. Upon arrival, our team leader, Rayvinshie briefed us. We met with our supervisor for the project, Mr Adrian Banie Lasimbang. The group was split into two teams which would serve at two different places — one in Tanjung Harapan and another one at Kg Tinanduk.

After dinner, we reflected and prepared for the next day. After morning Mass, we prepared ourselves for another long and challenging journey. This time, we rode in 4x4 vehicles, thanks to the Ford Ranger Owner Club Borneo Region. We started in the morning from Keningau and arrived at Pensiangan in the evening. We would be staying at St Michael’s Chapel.

We received a warm welcome from the villagers. That night, our dinner consisted of a variety of lauk kampung, prepared by the villagers.

The next morning, my team left for Kg Tinanduk from Tanjung Harapan. After a 30 minute journey by boat, we arrived safely at Kg Tinanduk, led by our supervisor Mr Adrian. As I was staying at Kg Tinanduk, our team spent the week doing construction and working with kids. We spent most of our time outside, completing the toilet construction, digging a manhole, painting and drawing on the kindergarten side walls. A visit by Sr Dorothy also helped and inspired us to keep working.

Even though the week was physically exhausting, I believe that each one of us found rest and peace in the surroundings with its thick jungle and flowing rivers. The fresh, clean air and environment refreshed us every day.

The team based at Tanjung Harapan did renovation work at the kindergarten by replacing the wooden floor with new planks and cleaning the kindergarten.

They also replaced the ceiling of the parish house and organised tuition for Form 3 students every evening. A motivational talk was also given to the students of SMK Pensiangan.

During that week, the teams developed a strong, working relationship with the villagers, not only among the younger generation but also with the elders. Besides work, the team visited a waterfall. They enjoyed that experience as the creation of God never fails to impress.

In many ways, experiencing another culture, so different from ours, broadened our perspective on what is important in life.

We believe that we must go to those villagers, no matter how far, as long as they could be reached, to spread the Good News of the Lord. The hospitality provided by the villagers was very much appreciated. Hopefully, we will be able to join the mission trip again in the future.

Overall, the trip was amazing, seeing how God can move every single team member to be an ambassador for Jesus Christ. Many great friendships were formed, and relationships were strengthened through this mission trip. Most importantly, we all learnt that if we are willing and obedient to God’s calling, He can and will use us to do so many more great things in His name.