Recognizing my Poverty

September 29, 2024

Hi Friends!

We're almost approaching October, crazy how time flies! I’m in Dubai for a brief layover on my way to Uganda. I wanted to share some updates from my time at the JY Fulltimership training in Kandy, Sri Lanka. My schedule has been quite packed, but I’m looking forward to sending you more about my six weeks in Kerala, India soon.

I was fortunate to be a part of the 32nd batch of Jesus Youth Full Time Volunteer Learning Program (aka JY Full-Timer). A mouthful? Yes. What does it entail? A one month intensive training that prepares us for a year of formation, and a lifetime of mission. We were blessed with a diverse range of speakers covering a range of topics in faith, scripture, and mission; training to lead prayer groups & Eucharistic adoration; team building activities, outreach, hiking etc. This year's international batch consisted of 13 members from 7 different countries. 11 women and 2 men, Louis and I were ‘blessed among women’. While the days were long and tiring, it was beautiful to see each of us grow in areas of prayer, faith, trust in God, friendship, confidence, discipline and leadership over the month. 

The training included a mission outreach to one of the tea estates, farms that grow and sell tea leaves locally and internationally. It was a profound experience for myself and many of my peers. The community that is employed in these estates are often members of a historically marginalized ethnic group. During our time in the estate, we were able to conduct house visits, and evening programs for children and youth. I personally enjoyed the house visits, as it was an opportunity to encounter Christ in the different families we met. In one house I see Christ in physical leg pain, while in another house, I saw a sorrowful Christ in a mother who lost her son in a car accident and so on and so forth. However at the end of our visits, I encountered a joyful Christ in these Grandparents who recounted the blessings they've received through their kids and grandkids. It felt like Jesus gave our team a piece of that joy to take back home. Something else we took home? - picture framed gifts of our group of ~25, from the community; each photo costing a full day’s wage (12 hr shift). Our hearts were DEEPLY moved by their love, Mark 12:41-44. This gesture reminded me of something my friend LINK Maddie, from back home in Chicago, said a few weeks ago: “I just love the poor and their generosity! They’re the ones who often show us how poor we are.” This poverty we face is not often limited to finance, but also areas of time and talent. 

The training ended with a commissioning Mass celebrated by Most Reverend Bishop Dr. Valence Mendis of Kandy. It was a solemn occasion and we are grateful to have the Bishop with us for the ceremony. It was fun creating memories and building new friendships. Most of the fulltimers are now in their mission countries in parts of Asia, Oceania, Europe and Africa. Please keep us in your prayers as we continue this journey. Here's the link to the scrapbook josh-jacob.com/mission-scrapbook/sri-lanka

That’s it for now, till next time  

With Love,

Josh