(ANS – Asunción) – “Since I was a child I met many European missionary priests from other congregations working in our parish. But my missionary vocation became stronger when I entered the Salesian Society. The testimony of the life and holiness of the Salesian missionaries working in my country strengthened my Salesian missionary vocation. Their witness of faith and concern for the poor and simple youth made me dream that someday I could be a missionary priest like them”. This is the testimony of the Indonesian Salesian Augstinus Jou Poma, missionary in Paraguay.

Today many people say that Indonesia needs missionaries because there are many Indonesians who have not yet heard the Good News nor know Jesus. Well, when I told my parents I wanted to be a missionary, they were surprised and somewhat sad. My mother told me: “Why do you go so far, whereas here we lack missionaries? But if it is God’s will and it is your vocation, go and do not be afraid, we will always support you with our prayers.”

I am very grateful to my Salesian formators who have accompanied me in my missionary vocation. Since we in Indonesia have received a lot from missionaries, we ought to share the fruits, even in a small way. “What you received freely, give freely” (Mt 10,18).

I think we should be witnesses with joy to the young and love Christ and others without borders. After my discernment, I said “yes” surrendering myself completely to mission ad gentes and ad vitam. And later the then Rector Major, Fr Pascual Chávez, sent me to Paraguay.

As a missionary I had to learn not only Spanish, a language that was completely unknown to me, but also Guarani, the two languages spoken by most Paraguayans. I also experienced “culture shock” because I had to adapt to a new culture and traditions which are very rich yet different from my own. I sometimes feel nostalgia for Indonesian food, friends and family. But as a challenge and with patience, little by little, I’m learning the country’s history, and try to accept and love people and their cultures. Undoubtedly contact with people from other cultures brings light to my own unquestioned beliefs, unlearn my prejudices and improve my self knowledge. All these help me to grow in my religious and missionary vocation.

I feel happy and joyful in living Salesian missionary life through prayer, work, sacrifice and the witness of life in the community, the accompaniment of my Salesian confreres and the joy of young people who are part of my life. So I am more motivated to follow Jesus Christ and to help the poor and needy youth like Don Bosco. To the Salesians who want to be missionaries I say: we are called to share the love of Christ to others especially the neediest and poorest youth. God calls us to proclaim the Good News. Do not be afraid to be missionaries. Sincerely, with the charism of Don Bosco, say: “Here am I, send me” (Is 6,8).

Published 10/07/2015