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I believe God “winked” at me through a Facebook “Hello” from Tito Ernie Maipid, which sent me reeling back to my youth. I’m 44, a De La Salle Brother living in Malaysia, but my heart is suddenly back in Mindanao, a young, fiery youth missionary with Couples for Christ—Youth for Christ (CFC-YFC).
Our time in Mindanao was absolutely exciting. Imagine a natural, vast land with great potential where Christians and Muslims are frequently seen as adversarial when, in truth, it’s exaggerated by traditional media. As a young man, I was passionate in believing I could make a difference in the world through the power of my words. But Tito Ernie grounded me. Nothing flashy, just common sense: “Eat less, walk more, be happy.” Discovering God’s peace amidst all the chaos and monotony of daily life was more important than just physical well-being.
I became a member of Gawad Kalinga, particularly the “GK Highway of Peace (HOPE).” What a transformative experience! In areas where violence was common, we were constructing houses and schools amidst extreme poverty. We aimed to establish connections with Mindanawans along the highway of peace and build friendships across ages. Amidst the devastation, I witnessed families whose faith remained unwavering. Justice and faith, the kind that cannot be found in books but must be built by fire, were there for me to see. Also, the youth movement known as One MindaNOW, of which I became a convenor, along with 34 youth leaders from different youth organizations in Mindanao. It was critically significant how we could create something beautiful with young people of other faiths working together.
I had often imagined being able to make everyone’s problems disappear with a powerful political wand as mayor, my ultimate goal. God does have a sense of humor, doesn’t He? However, what he had in mind for me was not political power but the power to serve others in a shared mission. In CFC and GK, it was about coming together as a community where we encourage one another and find God in the margins. Our mission was to form hearts to renew families and communities. Thus, when God led me to a vocation, the De La Salle Brothers’ life made everything fall into place like a jigsaw puzzle. Why? CFC and GK reinforced what I have learned from my basic Lasallian education: the Lasallian Core Values of Faith, Service, and Community.
I believe I am continuing on the same mission from where I am now in Malaysia, a country with a rich heritage and 32 De La Salle Schools that have been operating since 1852: creating hope bridges, fighting for peace, and being a part of a movement that will change lives through education. I see the hand of God so clearly. Everything I have learned in YFC, GK, and all social movements I participated in is relevant here. I believe then and now that God prepared me for my vocation, including serving in an environment that promotes dialogue between different faiths and cultures to build goodwill. It makes a lot of sense today as I look back because I am currently assigned at St. Joseph’s Institution International School in Malaysia. At the same time, I am also tasked to develop formation programs for all Lasallian Associates/Partners in all 32 government-aided Lasallian schools. I wish these schools will become pillars of a welcoming Lasallian community and that Lasallian educational principles will take root.
I can clearly see God’s handiwork when I look back. The value of the lessons I learned—the importance of listening, understanding, and working together—is greater than ever. Helping others, I’ve learned that this stage in my life begins with my spiritual development and personal journey. What good can come out of a glass that isn’t half full? The Holy Spirit is enlightening me to a more profound capacity for empathy and helping me to comprehend the power of faith to unite people.
While chatting with Tito Ernie, I was reminded of the wonderful mentors and visionaries who served as my GK Project Directors and CFC Couple Coordinators. We all have a unique calling to serve as role models, teach others from our experiences, and shed light on the path ahead. What I learned about life and values in Mindanao is that they are flourishing in Malaysia.
To my Spirit-filled brothers and sisters who have experienced the Lord’s fiery presence and charismatic path, I say this: Rejoice in your journey! God’s ways are wild and unpredictable, so embrace them. Seek the guidance of those who can see your potential and act as mentors. Believe in Him. No matter how chaotic things seem, He has a great plan!
Everyone aspires to make an impression and change the world. “God has appointed you to accomplish His will,” Saint La Salle proclaimed. The stories I have lived with and the times when the Spirit intervened in my life became a powerful foundation for my vocation. So I encourage you to become hopeful storytellers. You empower others to discover their path by weaving narratives of faith. “No one should look down on you because of your youth; rather, you should be an example to the believers in all things,” as 1 Timothy 4:12 would say. When we educate people, we create ripples of hope that shed light on the world, so stories created can light a soul and cause change. Follow the stirrings of the Spirit so our stories can truly shine.