Youths embark on Outreach Project for the Orang Asli

Jun 17, 2016

PENANG (Herald Malaysia): Catechism is not confined to just sharing the faith using assigned textbooks. Students should live the faith, more so during this Jubilee Year of Mercy.

On Sunday, June 5, 33 students and youths, accompanied by five catechists from Risen Christ Church, embarked on an ‘Outreach Project for the Orang Asli’ at two villages, Kampong Sungai Bil and Kampong Sungai Lembing, Tanjong Malim.

With blessings from parish priest Fr Maiccal Sinnapan, the team set off as early as 6.00 am with provisions for 40 families and goodie bags for the children. We are indeed blessed to have received donations in cash and kind from our parishioners and friends who contributed generously towards this project.

On arrival, Nora, our Orang Asli coordinator, was ready to receive us with a dance and a sumptuous Orang Asli lunch. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves as we danced to rhythmic Orang Asli music with the villagers.

The lunch was authentic Orang Asli fare with vegetables collected from the river side, chickens reared by the villagers and wild boar from the jungles. A firm favourite was the sambal durian.

We also learnt from the village elders how to weave the Orang Asli headgear with bali leaves.

After saying our goodbyes, we moved onto Kampong Sungai Lembing. Kampong Sungai Lembing is a smaller village. Mass was celebrated by Fr Anthony Pillai, Parish Priest of Most Holy Redeemer Church, Tanjong Malim.

Celebrating the Eucharist in Bahasa may perhaps have been the first time for some of the team members but nevertheless, it was a Spirit filled one for them.

Callista Mariel Joachim posted her thoughts and a video clip about this project on Facebook.

“It was indeed a great experience to be a part of the Orang Asli Outreach Project organised by Stephanie Cheong, with the support of our parish priest and parishioners, together with a collaborative team from Perak.”

“We had a wonderful time, filled with lots of love and happiness. Thanks to the Orang Asli from Kampung Sungai Bil and Kampung Sungai Lembing for their great hospitality. This day will forever be etched in our minds and be a treasured part of our memory.”

Fr Anthony Pillai, in thanking the Parish Priest and the parishioners of Risen Christ Church said that he is looking forward to more of such outreach projects in the future.