 |
| Fr Dave, my Provincial, visiting a refugee community learning centre. |
Well, of course, not every western guy coming this way fits this category. During the past week, just one such example of a good western guy here in my Bangkok was Dave, my Provincial. He was only here for a short visit to see me in my surrounds. So, on Monday, I took him to see a couple of sites of my ministry so that he could have an idea of what I do and whom I help. The exposure featured visiting a learning centre for refugee children. These centres are within the refugee communities and run by the communities themselves in response to a desperate and real need of their people - education for their children. Dave was touched by the experience and spoke so tenderly with the children he met. I was impressed.
The photo shows him with what I would name as the CEO of the learning centre we visited. This guy may be seen as a refugee but he is much more. He is kind and capable, dedicating himself to helping his fellow men and women. He sees a need and does something about it and he continues to do just that even while here as part of the refugee community. His present harsh reality does not stop him from doing what he does best - community organising and helping the people to empower them and raise them up. This he does even when caught up in his own suffering and troubles.
As I told Dave, if we were refugees in this guy's home country, he would be helping us. He is one of those amazing people not dragged down by their own story of hardship, being able to raise above what he endures to keep doing the right thing by others. I am sure Dave has returned home well remembering this guy, among the many he saw caught up in the rather desperate and tragic lot that is a refugee's.
For the record, Dave was one of my many welcome visitors. He can come again.
No comments:
Post a Comment