Called to the mission

by Sis. Elaine May Sangre

     Mission simply means being sent. There were about 93 people who responded to the mission and gathered at Catholic Cultural Center, Bis Ton Duc Thang, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam last July 19 for FDM-Vietnam's monthly Treasures fellowship.

     The gathering started with a Holy Mass celebrated by the Treasures’ chaplain, Fr. Peter Cung. After the final blessing, the members celebrating their birthdays and wedding anniversaries of the month received a special blessing. Then, an early potluck lunch took place.

     Sis. Joan Maderal, together with the dancers, Sis. Chloe Zambo, Sis. JM Tago and the Divine Kids, led a joyful action song, which brought joy to  all the members and made them to participate actively.

     During the sharing part, Bro. Raul Rodil, the latest member of the core group, told the crowd how he was invited by different religious organizations, but finally joined FDM-Vietnam, which made him and his family closer to God. He shared how he was blessed with a new job, which he received at exactly three o’clock in the afternoon last year.

     Bro. Al Dangoy, meanwhile, said he did not believe in any charismatic community, until he was invited to attend the CLSE last month and that made him realize that Treasures is a happy gathering. His first Treasures was last March, with Bro. Rene Tumang as the speaker. Bro. Al got teary eyed when "Halleluiah to the Lamb" was sung, but he didn’t know why he cried. He was amazed, because before he needs to put an eyedrop just to cry, but that moment was different. When he reached home, he talked with his wife about God for the first time. Besides, he was really struck by Sis. Angie Catan’s statement, “Huwag kayong mawawala next Tuesday” (don't be absent next Tuesday). This simple line made him to be always present in the DMOB- Phu My Hung area. For him, standing and sharing in front of the community was the most uncomfortable moment but after his testimony, he said that “being here is a great blessing and a complete privilege.” He even encouraged everyone to be not just a “seater,” but stand up and be God’s witness.

     Sis. Dina Balicanot, God’s messenger of the day, talked about “Called to the Mission,” which included three basic truths. First, “God has set you and me apart” - every opportunity is a call to mission. Second, “We are all created for a ministry,” which means we have to share our 3T’s – time, talent and treasure. Third, “Share and work hard towards God’s vision,” for the mission is continuously evolving. The measure of answering God’s call is by responding with our "hearts" and acting without "delaying."

     Sis.Dina also led the spirit-filled praise and worship. The activity ended with the recitation of the 3 o’clock prayer and singing of the community song.