IPG Campus students from Melaka-Johor on Mission

Dec 11, 2014

KUALA LUMPUR (Herald Malaysia): 21st – 29th November, 7 students from the Teachers Training College in Melaka Johor Diocese, namely from Temenggong Ibrahim, Larkin and Tun Hussein Onn, Batu Pahat went for a Mission Exposure in Kuala Lumpur. This was the first joint project between the two Teachers Training Colleges, organised by Campus Ministry Officer Sharon Lee. ?

Arriving at their base in Bosco Goretti Centre, Subang Jaya, the students started with a session on Sharing their Personal Testimony. That evening, they had the privilege to join the parishioners of St Thomas More in opening the Year of Consecrated Life with Archbishop Julian. His Grace gave a very motivational homily on the Parable of the Last Judgement, “So which side do you want to be on? On the left or on the right?” he challenged them.

The next day was Sunday but it was not a day of rest for them. Greg Pravin was the facilitator for that day and he challenged them to get out around Sunway and strike up conversations about faith and morals. One participant shared that it was a challenge for her and by the time she had the courage to speak, the person had walked away! Another participant was surprised that when she interviewed someone about abortion, he was quite nonchalant even if his daughter were to have one.

On Monday, they went to serve in the soup kitchen at Bukit Nanas. For one participant, this was the most challenging and memorable moment. They were more comfortable helping to prepare the food than to talk to the people who had come for lunch.

The next day, Chelli, who came from the Teachers Christian Fellowship shared about her role as a Christian teacher. Menix said this session expanded his ideas of service. Oftentimes, Christian teachers think about how they can use their abilities to teach in Church eg catechism. But Chelli challenged them to see how they could bring Christ into the lives in school.

On Wednesday and Thursday, the team went to the PERCH Migrants Centre in Batu Arang. Here, they spent two-days interacting with the residents, helping to paint and decorate the place for Christmas.

Every night, they had time to share their ‘High’, ‘Low’ and ‘God moment’. Some of them opened up about their struggles back home. Through these sharings, the group grew closer together. Overall, the participants felt that the theme of the entire week was to challenge themselves out of their comfort zone. They all said it was a great experience and want to make it an annual project.