MISSION CAMP: A TASTE OF GUJARAT
Glenford Lowe sdb
GUJARAT, MARCH 29, 2010: 28 youngsters from various parts of Mumbai ventured on a ‘holiday with a difference’ to the Salesian Missions of Gujarat. Led by Fr. Brian Moras, Fr. Glenn and Br. Jesu, the youngsters left for Vadodara on March 25, 2010 for what would eventually be a life changing experience for one and all. The Mission Camp invited young students of STD X, XII and College to get a firsthand experience of the Salesian Missions of Gujarat. Travelling through the mission stations the young Mission Campers listened to the dreams turned realities by the many pioneers in Gujarat. The difficulties and challenges faced by the Salesians down the years –physical assaults, tragic accidents, political and religious persecutions… the blood of many Salesians mingled in the soil of Gujarat …were but a few drops in the ocean of God’s daily miracles of protection and providence. Twenty five years down the line, the joyful witnessing by the Salesians still continues. The young missionaries were challenged to trust God, believe in their potential and to bring greater meaning to the lives of the tribals around.
The youngsters were also challenged by the many difficulties faced by the tribals of the land and the many social developmental works undertaken by the Salesians to empower the youth and the people of the land. The ‘City’ youngsters were no match to the students in the missions… they lost 3-2 to the under- 14 State Champions!!!!
Without doubt, every camper was touched by the warm hospitality of the Salesians and the simple life style of everyone in the missions. The daily Eucharistic celebrations, the 30 km joy ride on a Tractor, the blistering heat, the tasty food, the lively Ratwa dances and beats, the joy and family spirit of every community added spice to the Mission Camp 2010.
The harvest is great, but the laborers are few…. Many a youngster took time to respond to God’s invitation in their lives. True to their commitment at the start of the Mission Trip, the youngsters will be back for more challenging experiences in the future. All said and done, one could whispers of gratitude “Thanks for making our holiday, a holiday with a difference.”
Glenford Lowe sdb
GUJARAT, MARCH 29, 2010: 28 youngsters from various parts of Mumbai ventured on a ‘holiday with a difference’ to the Salesian Missions of Gujarat. Led by Fr. Brian Moras, Fr. Glenn and Br. Jesu, the youngsters left for Vadodara on March 25, 2010 for what would eventually be a life changing experience for one and all. The Mission Camp invited young students of STD X, XII and College to get a firsthand experience of the Salesian Missions of Gujarat. Travelling through the mission stations the young Mission Campers listened to the dreams turned realities by the many pioneers in Gujarat. The difficulties and challenges faced by the Salesians down the years –physical assaults, tragic accidents, political and religious persecutions… the blood of many Salesians mingled in the soil of Gujarat …were but a few drops in the ocean of God’s daily miracles of protection and providence. Twenty five years down the line, the joyful witnessing by the Salesians still continues. The young missionaries were challenged to trust God, believe in their potential and to bring greater meaning to the lives of the tribals around.
The youngsters were also challenged by the many difficulties faced by the tribals of the land and the many social developmental works undertaken by the Salesians to empower the youth and the people of the land. The ‘City’ youngsters were no match to the students in the missions… they lost 3-2 to the under- 14 State Champions!!!!
Without doubt, every camper was touched by the warm hospitality of the Salesians and the simple life style of everyone in the missions. The daily Eucharistic celebrations, the 30 km joy ride on a Tractor, the blistering heat, the tasty food, the lively Ratwa dances and beats, the joy and family spirit of every community added spice to the Mission Camp 2010.
The harvest is great, but the laborers are few…. Many a youngster took time to respond to God’s invitation in their lives. True to their commitment at the start of the Mission Trip, the youngsters will be back for more challenging experiences in the future. All said and done, one could whispers of gratitude “Thanks for making our holiday, a holiday with a difference.”
