IFFA's Cultural Nite in Sandakan ~ Bidding Farewell

Medley of dances from across Asia

Sandakan : The 12-day IFFA mission project in Sandakan came to a close with the staging of the cultural nite themed 'Friends around Asia' by participants from IFFA and the local youth at the Parish Hall, Saturday 12th February 2011. More than 300 people, mostly youth from the various BECs attended the occasion, graced by Bishop Julius Dusin Gitom.

It was an excellent opportunity to expose and share the rich and diverse culture in Asia with one another, promoting solidarity among the people of God. Their encounter with the local youth and the local community had paved the way for building a closer relationship.  It had also provided good networking opportunities between the young people of  IFFA and the local youth ~ a beautiful approach in building God's kingdom.

Front  L-R :  Kou Jia, Tianan and Yang Ling Ling from China

The night's program began with praise and worship ~ with the IFFA participants presenting 'Here I am to Worship'

Here I am to bow down
Here I am to say that you are my God
You're altogether lovely
All together worthy
All together wonderful to me

The melody and the lyrics created the right setting for the people to pause and prepare themselves coming before the Lord in prayer.

Bishop Julius in his address to the young people cited Ecclesiastes Chapter 3 : 1 ~ There is a time for everything and a season for every activity in heaven. 

The prelate said, 'The mission project may soon come to an end but the relationship built must be allowed to develop and flourish. Missionary work among young people is a great challenge and thus in everything we do for our Lord , we need one another, holding on to each other.' 

Front L-R : Yau and Boa from Laos

The IFFA participants presented a medley of traditional dances from China, Myanmar, Laos, Vietnam, the Phillippines and Malaysia. The 'Keluarga Besar Katolik Indonesia' from St Mark's Church presented the 'dolo-dolo' dance while the youth from Our Lady of Fatima's Church Beluran, BEC Merak and St Cecilia's Group presented the traditional 'sumazau' dance.

Young dancers from Our Lady of Fatima's Church, Beluran ~ IFFA candidate???

Front L-R : Roselinah, Lisa and Anna from Malaysia

Front L-R: Judith, Rose, Carlu, Sanpi and Christina from Myanmar

Front L-R : Aleona, Rodrigo and Ferly from the Phillipines

The 'dolo-dolo' by the Indonesian Community together with participants from IFFA

The Diocese of Sandakan would like to say thank you to Charles Bertille, the Director and the formation team of IFFA for having chosen Sandakan as the venue for their mission project. As you leave with fond memories of Sandakan in this part of the world, do communicate with us and together, may we remain connected. Though far apart from one another in different parts of Asia, we remain united in Christ. May the experience gained here be useful to you in your pastoral work in your country. 

Let us pray that the young people of IFFA who are to graduate on 6th March 2011, may be guided by our Lord throughout their missionary life. 

God bless.

ds