I am aware that it is challenging to be a missionary without knowing and understanding the culture and the language where I stay. I pity myself because I am not able to fully incarnate myself in such a situation. Instead of trying my best to give help for the growth of faith to the youth to whom I am sent, I stand like a stranger. Furthermore, with the Covid-19 pandemic, I encounter a higher wall in front of my face that gives me more challenges. Challenges are always there, waiting to be surpassed. And now, how should I do to overcome them?
Things that came straight to my mind are the presence of my companions, the priests in the parish, the active youth who belong to my area of the apostolate, and other youths who have the capability and ability to gather others. All of them are precious. They are there as God’s hand to reach out to the youth who stay in their “slumber” or away from Christian Catholic faith formation.
Last year we started the formation of the youth in our area of apostolate. It was a good start at the beginning with a good number of the youth who were able to join our meeting. We also started the formation for the kids. And it was so pleasant! Unfortunately, everything now remains simply as a memory because the pandemic adjourned all our activities. After one year, it is still so difficult to start again. What is difficult is not only how to gather the youth, but also how to respect the policy, the restrictions for the Covid-19 safety, and how to motivate the willingness of the youth to gather again. Moreover, the situation that they have in their families affects them. It is so difficult to comprehend, but I recognize that they do need help. Up to this moment, I don’t know what I have to do. I ask God to provide for a way in my prayer. Therefore, I need also to act.
I, myself, will never be able to overcome this challenge. Thus, as I pointed out in the beginning, the presence of others is very important because they are the way to overcome this situation. Then, I am also aware that I am not alone, and I am also becoming God’s hand to help my brothers and youths in this service. All of us are on the way to receive God’s help. Serving is not about personal heroic action. It is a communal action where the Church is called for a communion that will unite people.
This is the way out for reviving the apostolate with the Youth in times of Covid-19 Pandemic. First, to realize that I am not alone and I am also present for others. Second, I think the classical way of evangelization, to invite the youth door to door with the help of the elders while respecting the Covid-19 safety protocols. Third, creating interesting activities to attract their attention in the formation is necessary. Fourth, creating a connection with the youth via social media without forgetting real friendship which is fundamental in becoming closer to the youth and directing them into a deeper relationship with God. Finally, and also the most important thing, is the willingness to follow the will of God. Everything must be offered to him, me, the youth, and all the activities must be special offerings to God. Everything starts from Him, happens in His blessing, and goes to him.
Yes, it is difficult, but there is a way!
