Outreach to Pertubuhan Kebajikan Insan Penyaya NG

Oct 30, 2015

By Alice Ong
On Sept 24, 20 parishioners: youths, parents and young adults of the Church of the Divine Mercy (CDM), together with seven students from a private college, went to visit the Pertubuhan Kebajikan Insan Penyayang. This home for the physically and mentally challenged currently houses 21 residents whose ages range from 11 to 59. The main aim of this outreach was to create awareness of the daily challenges faced by this special community.

Adeline Sum, CDM’s intercessory group leader, led the group in prayer on arrival at the home. Delightful smiles from the residents greeted us when we entered the corner single-storey terrace house. We began by organizing ourselves into small groups to carry out spring cleaning of the rooms. One of the residents proudly told us that she regularly cleans her own room. However, she was very glad of our help as there were places where she couldn’t reach since she is wheelchair bound. She also remarked that the home does not often get visitors.

Friendly conversations, mixed with a healthy dose of laughter, filled the home as the rooms were cleaned. After that, parents and young adults were engaged in lively conversations with the residents. Some even helped out in the kitchen, to prepare the noon meal. The youths gathered with the other residents to provide some musical entertainment. The nostalgic “Rasa Sayang” filled the home as it is one of the resident’s favourite songs which he sang repeatedly. The fellowship continued with some simple activities like passing the ball and dancing, followed by more singing.

At 12 noon, lunch was ready. It was inspiring to see the residents sitting and eating by themselves, despite their physical limitations. The ones whose lower bodies are disabled insisted on eating unassisted. They really showed their resolve to be independent. This firm resolve was clearly noticed and admired by us. They were showing us that their circumstances are not excuses to be a burden to others.

Meanwhile, residents who were totally immobile were personally fed by some of us. This simple gesture touched us on a personal level and taught us to be compassionate. As a whole, all of us who helped out declared it a most humbling and heartfelt experience. We saw the strength and perseverance of the human spirit in making the best of their condition, to overcome the obstacles they faced in life.

The visit ended with a celebration for September babies, which included the visitors. This outreach to the less fortunate community made us more aware and thankful for our own good fortune. CDM parishioners and the students left the home with grateful and contrite hearts, understanding that everyone of us needs love and care in living each day.