Reflecting on all my experiences, I feel like I have lived three distinct lives already in one. I find myself surrounded by a plethora of experiences, each brimming with lessons and perspectives, all exposing me to growth and transformation, as well as a growing ability to be deeply touched by the anguish of the people I encounter daily. After completing my philosophical studies in Bamenda Formation House, Cameroon, I was privileged to participate in a Mission Experience Programme in the Philippines. My journey began in Santa Teresa De Avila Parish, Casay, and later continued in San Jose Freinademetz Parish, Turda, where I am currently based. The most crucial inculcated virtue since my being here is captured by the word “Compassion;” it captures my journey so far where amidst a people burdened by many cares, my immersion in their lives and sharing their homes has opened my mind to a deeper reality of life, as well as a further understanding of how ministering to the people of God at a deeper level might look like. This totally finds expression as I based myself on a disposition of “look, listen, and learn,” supported by Henry Nouwen opinion that anyone who wants to bring about change has first of all to learn to be changed by those whom he wants to help.
Judging from my observation both Casay and Turda’s Christian communities are predominantly composed of older adults and children, as many young adults move away for education or employment.
Historically situating the Philippines under three century Spaniard colonisation, the Spaniard influence is deeply ingrained in the local church. This is most visible in their Christian heritage and socio-cultural identity. Hence, introduced during the colonial period, Catholicism remains the dominant religion.
From the religious point of view, the spirituality of our Christian community suggests a blend of the people’s pre-Christian animism and Catholicism. Thus, the coming of Christianity resulted in a blend of the Good News with the local spirituality. Most outstanding, and most significant in the people’s religiosity is the veneration of the saints, and it is climaxed during the Fiestas celebration, the commemoration of patron saints; a celebration which transcends mere celebration, necessitating the setting aside of daily routines for its honour.
Economically, the strength of the people is fostered by two main sectors: the Oversee Filipino Workers (OFW), and agro-fishing activities. Regarding the OFW, these are Filipino who leave their homes and are working abroad through which they provide comfortable lives for their families back home. On the other hand as regards the agro-fishing activity, the people cultivate products like rice, and vegetables. Some extract oil from coconuts, while some get seafood; some of which are for commercial purposes.
From a socio-cultural dimension, the parish is characterised by a rich, wall-hanging social and cultural heritages. First, the social life of the people is characterised by solid communal bonds. The rich religious lives of the people has a solid moral effect on their lives, whereby not only the moral life is considered a non-negotiable, but the strength of their faith is known to be alive when it serves the good of the other. Hence, with a highly communal consciousness, the people are very quick to notice the needs of another and heartily come to their aid. The culture, specifically, fosters a several communal activities and festivals, in which participating greatly fosters connection; some of which are Fiestas celebrations, community labour.
Tailored to this bondedness is the general language syntax where from my observation, the people’s connectedness is most reflected in their language which is largely passive, indirect, and thus very polite. Though this use of indirect language is largely reflected in the people’s cautiousness in speech, and avoidance of confrontation, its effective use demonstrates their deeper connectedness of hearts, necessitating a kin attention to non-verbal gestures and context conversation.
A notable aspect of local culture is the serious approach to relationships among young people. Dating is viewed as a step towards marriage, and introducing a partner to one’s family is considered a significant commitment; breaking off hence denotes irresponsibility and lack of commitment. This, I find very dignifying, as they demonstrate the Pauline understanding of marriage, where marriage, seen as a mystical experience of the bond between Christ and His Church, invites couples to embrace it as a divine call for deep commitment, and reverence (Cf.Eph.5:25-33). The result of this is very evident; though the Philippines does not grant legal divorce, I have witnessed a very insignificant number of persons who get separated once married.
Mindful that I am here to observe and learn, I have been engaged in the following learning avenues: first, I have been engaged in home visitations, through which I encounter the people, listen to them, learn from their experiences, be part of their joys and sorrows, while gaining more insights on what disposition might be most preferable in variant missionary situations. This has been very successful as in each barangay I am sent to, I make sure I visit every home. Attached to this has been a special visit to the Atis’ community, (some economically disadvantaged indigenous people). Still, I have been participating in the Basic Ecclesial Community, known also as kristkas. Here, I join the people in their Gospel-sharing meetings through which I listen and learn from their faith journey as well as share mine with them. Again, I take the Holy Eucharist to the sick members of our community. As well, in order not to be indifferent to the daily lives of the people, I joined them in their activities, like: assisting in house chores in the homes where I live, assisting in community cleaning activities.
Reflecting on the challenges I have encountered so far, some key issues arise. Firstly, in the midst of pain and suffering, I sometimes grapple with feelings of helplessness when confronted with human afflictions, and myself unable to offer them concrete help. Reflecting on this, I however remind myself of the words of Blessed Peter, that silver and Gold I do not have, but only the consoling hope of God’s love, (Cf.Acts.3:6). In these moments, I have turned to prayer with those involve, acknowledging the comforting trust in God’s love and presence, and assuring them also of my continued prayers for them. This recognition of my limitation invites me more to strengthen my spiritual life, from where I am comforted in all my troubles so that I can comfort those in all kinds of troubles (Cf. 2Cr.1:4). Also, I sometimes encounter some physical discomfort, like seasonal harsh climate. However, this physical discomfort, being a test of resilience, serves to me as a continuous reminder that the journey of discipleship is never devoid of struggles; they rather enriched and braced it; they are opportunities for deeper discernment, growth, and the path to a deeper appreciation and reliance on God’s Grace.
In my encounters, I have come across profound human anguish alongside astonishing hope in God. To this, my constant interaction with the poor, the sick, and generally the needy, has deeply enriched my understanding of God’s presence in human vulnerability, and the need for a compassionate ministry, as it reminds me of Christ’s call to see Him present in the least in the society (Cf. Mt25:40). Specifically in the face of poverty and illnesses, I have witnessed a certain dimension of suffering, where many families navigate their daily lives burdened by economic hardships, healthcare inadequacy, and emotional distress, yet still embodying great resilience and hope. Their struggles echo the anguish reflected in the Psalms, where pain and despair are often seen as intense, yet bound in total trust in God’s love; the Psalmist notes, “The Lord is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are anguished in spirit” (Ps.34:18.). This strengthens my conviction that suffering is not a detachment from God, but often the very place where we encounter Him profoundly. One of the most disturbing, yet very transformative encounters was my visit to a family with an eleven years old child who has been bedridden for six years following an accident at age five. This tragic incident left him with a blood clot in his brain, resulting in a pitiable state where he is presently nourished through a feeding tube, breathes through the throat, suffers frequent seizures, and requires constant medication. It is agonising to contemplate whether his consciousness has remained intact. Standing before such profound suffering brought my heart to a standstill, as I confronted the innocence of a child condemned to a life of limitation and the overwhelming burden this places on the family. This however helped me realised that suffering, though painful, can still be a place of profound grace, helping us to recognise our shared humanity and the divine invitation to respond with compassion and love. In my conversation with many families, I was struck by their unwavering faith; most expressed a profound trust in God whom they believe walks alongside them in their pain, even when the purpose of their struggles remains obscured. Their resilience resonates within me the reality of hope which St Paul notes that suffering produces hope which does not disappoint (Cf. Rom5:3,5); thus, hope, rather than being the absence of suffering, is rather the presence of faith amid adversity.
The impact of these experiences on my calling to a compassionate ministry is hard to articulate. Deeply moved by what I have experienced, I feel a compelling desire to be a source of consolation and assistance to those in need. However, this further deepens my understanding that pastoral care does not merely entails addressing people’s physical needs, but rather requires a holistic disposition, which embodies as well a spiritual and emotional dimension. It calls for a ministry of listening with a full, compassionate presence; sharing in the sorrows and joys of the people in a way that gently opens their hearts to live in hope and trust in God. I have learned that effective ministry involves walking alongside those who suffer, embodying a Christ-like presence that offers comfort, and understanding, echoing Jesus’ invitation that, “Come to me all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Mt.11,28.). As I continue my learning journey, I am committing myself more fervently to cultivating a compassionate disposition, rooted in humility and genuine love, all grounded in God’s unwavering love for humanity. In all these experiences, I sense a call to self-emptying, mirroring the humility of Christ; that in yielding my ego, He might fill me with His compassionate divinity. This then tasks me as a student to embrace helplessness, not as something to mitigate as something inevitable in life, but as a sacred space through which I can encounter God’s people with genuine compassion, care, and love.
I regard with great admiration and appreciation both the past and present missionaries, who in their deep love for Christ, put in all their effort to make Him present and alive among His people. I find myself standing on this rich and holy soil where blessings overflow because the gospel has been preached, continues to be preached, has been received in faith, and is confidently lived out by the people. My sentiments find expression as our team, disposed in the spirit of loving service, in inviting the faithful to the work of evangelisation, and cultivating an environment where each sees self as integral to the growth of the Church, because of its understanding that the faith of the people goes beyond the mere filling of the pews. Thanks to my team, my journey so far has been very transformative, filled with great lessons. Each experience has enlightened me on the reality of missionary encounters as a call that extends beyond mere service, demanding presence, genuine empathy, and a willingness to engage intimately with the people. Thus, as I continue on this learning path, I am committing myself to embody a Christ-like presence, recognising that in my continued encounters lies the potential for grace, transformation, and growth in faith. I am also filled with great enthusiasm as I push forth with my learning process, knowing that my continued relationship with the team continues to enrich my spiritual and holistic development. Most importantly, as I go on with my learning experience, I beseech God’s comforting and gentle presence, that through His Grace, my heart might be disposed to discern His promptings, so that in all my experiences, I may See, Hear, and internalize what He requires of me, and that discerning His permeating presence via my experiences, they might help better up my life as a person, Christian, and missionary.
Ignatius Afumbom Junior – MEP Student
