LENT - A SEASON OF RENEWAL

Cristin Tan
Joyful Sunday School
HTC Tawau

Tawau : The 40 days of Lent is an occasion for us to examine our faith and deepen our commitment to live the Christian life. Some 30 English Joyful Sunday School students of Holy Trinity Church, Tawau, 12 parents and facilitators made a visit to the Old Folks Home on 25th March 2014. Such charity of good deed is indeed meaningful that we might experience more of Jesus.

Read more here: http://www.islandpacket.com/2014/03/21/3013652/spirit-of-lent-lowcountry-residents.html#storylink=cpy

The objectives were to share the love of Christ and show compassion for the elderly who reside in  the home. Such acts of compassion especially to the underprivileged and vulnerable in the society is much in line with the Catholic Social Teaching. The visit has also enlightened the children to reflect on the responsibility of taking care of their elders in their own family. 

The children were exposed to the meaning of charity in its true sense. They learned to act on it by giving away goody bags to each of the elderly resident.This helped to build a strong culture of giving, one of the three traditional pillars of Lent; Fasting, Prayer and Alms-giving..The Bible tells us to share generously with those in need, and good things will come to us in turn.

Parents and facilitators who participated in the visit expressed their delight and joy in seeing their children meeting their 'grandfather or grandmother.' It was a touching moment to see the children hugging the elderly with the warmth and love of Christ. They had brought much joy to the elderly residents.

The few hours of outreach marked a very sentimental moment for the children and adults as well. It was a wonderful experience, sowing the seeds of love and compassion among the young. They decide to have the same activity in reaching out to the underprivileged as a yearly program.

Two days later, 27 March 2014 the facilitators of the Joyful Sunday School extended the same charity for the children of the Migrant School. They hosted a fellowship gathering at the Parish Canteen from 9.00 am - 11.00 am. 

All the children of the Migrant School gathered at the Parish canteen to enjoy the food contributed and prepared by the Joyful Sunday School team. The fellowship was conducive for all. children to mingle around. There was no barrier. They felt accepted. The bond of friendship was cemented.

Good seeds have been sown in the hearts of the new generation ( young children ) especially on the authentic meaning of charity, care and concern. Each individual Christian and every community is called to be an instrument of God for the liberation and promotion of the poor, and for enabling them to be fully a part of society, (Evangelii Gaudium #187)