Institute of Formation,

Fondacio Asia

“Can anything good come from that place?”

(John 1:46)

Content: Dear friends

“Can anything good come
from that place?” 1
There were moments of silence &
pondering in the 12 hour journey. The
“The Pillow” 1 students, formation team and staff
from the Institute of Formation
“Love” 2
Fondacio Asia (IFFAsia) left with
“Feet on the ground; expectations and certain fears for their
Back to simplicity” 3 10-day immersion in Oriental Mindoro,
located southwest of Manila. The
“Come and have breakfast” purpose of was to help students & staff
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to experience the life of the poor, learn
“Family Encounter” 4 from the local initiatives, and put to
practice their tools on social analysis
“Fear Not” 5 as well as their faith!
“I am Disturbed” 5 They were divided to stay in 3
communities: the Fisher folks, the Farmers, and the Mangyan or indigenous people.
“Fondacio Asia launches You will read here their stories of learning, conversion & hope. They were then drilled
Youth Pastoral Team” 6 by the external panelists when they presented their findings. And to top it all off they
“Mission in Asia: had their classes on Church & Mission - 'a great eye opener' as some exclaimed. You
Understanding mission in the could gauge the students' growth in confidence as they posed question after question
context of local Churches and to the theology professor. Come January 2011, they will be off to Borneo to
Communities” 7 understand mission through the eyes of local churches. (You can read about it on the
“Support young last page). These will be my last lines to you as director as i take leave after 5 years.
mission workers in Asia” 8 Thank you for your kind support & prayers. Blessed Christmas & a fulfilling New Year.
God bless.
By Charles Bertille

“The Pillow”
My life-changing experience started when all of us went on the
journey from IFFAsia to the Mangyan (indigenous people) village in
Mansalay, Oriental Mindoro. This is the first time in my life that I
bring my own long pillow to an unknown place. I am used to sleeping
with my pillow, because it gives me comfort and security; without it,
I cannot sleep well. Throughout the long journey, we traveled by bus
and ferry; it was difficult and tiresome but every time I held my
pillow close and tight, I felt safe and joyful. When we arrived at the
village on a mountain, I was very happy when my foster family
received me, especially when my foster sister came out to welcome
me; I knew that my 10-day family life with them has started. There
were many children around. I was amazed by their welcoming
smile; they looked at me with curiosity, yet they were friendly.

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I was staying with my foster parents with their

five children. During the first dinner in the house,
I noticed that we had many visitors eating with
us; they were two cats under the table, two dogs
and also four pigs around the table. Again, I felt
uncomfortable with all the little friends that are
sharing food with us. After dinner, with the
limited language that we both were able to use,
we shared about our own families and lives with
each other, and they also shared about their
community with me. It was an enriching moment
and I was not aware that the night has fallen.
That night, I had to sleep early because they do
not have electricity.

Like many young people nowadays, I am used to sleeping late but that night, I tried to sleep
early. However, I was so surprised when I had new “friends” sleeping with me without my
invitation. The cats were lying on my bed, and no matter how I disliked this and tried to chase
them out, they remained on my bed. It was very difficult to sleep, but I knew that I had no
choice, so I tried my best to overcome this discomfort. I got up and walked to the river beside
our house and tried to relax myself.

The next morning, I followed my foster father to farm; I witnessed his working hard and
singing with joy while he was farming. Even though he was busy, he still tried to talk with me
and helped me to be close to the family. That evening as we dined, I was struck by the little
food that we had. I am a person who likes to cook and eat, therefore it was difficult for me to
enjoy the little meal that they served me. Actually deep in my heart, I wanted to cry because I
did not want to eat. I prayed and consoled myself saying, this is my mission and I know I can
overcome it.

During dinner time on the third day, suddenly I heard an angel's voice saying this, “God thank
you so much for today because you gave us a lot of food more than before.” This was my
foster sister's prayer before we dined. I was struggling with her prayer because in front of my
eyes, I could only see three fishes and a bowl of soup. Why does she thank God for giving us
SO much food? I was very disturbed and kept pondering about it. Throughout the ten-day
journey, I learned to accept my discomfort, learned to be more patient, learned to overcome
my weaknesses, and most importantly learned to trust and share, so that the food may be
enough for all.
By Solaphong Sonesacksith (Baow), Laos

“Love”
Love like a flower, that gives beauty to others;
Love like a stone, a person who is willing to listen;
Love like the wind, can not be seen but can be felt;
Love like the sun, that gives life to others;
Love like a river, that gives love that never ends;
Love like a dress, you can be what you want to be;
Love like slippers, you walk with him in his journey;
Love like a pen, you freely express what's inside you;
Love like a notebook, you can tell your story like a friend;
Love like an eraser, you can erase someone's sadness;
Love like JESUS, give love until it hurts. By: Aleona Natalio, Philippines

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 "Feet on the Ground,
Back to Simplicity”
“I love you and I am with you always. Go in love and peace.” I
carried these words with me and it was an invitation from God
for me to start my mission in Mindoro as a son of God. I was with
the indigenous people for 10 days. It was a new experience,
living on the mountain. Every day and everything was not
comfortable. No water, no electricity and the people are living in
poverty. These realities challenged me to be an agent of
change and to want to help them.

The 10 days on the mountain were difficult, tiring and challenging. Once, we went to another
mountain to witness a Mangyan wedding with their unique culture. The mountain was very
steep and slippery. I carried my bag and slippers while climbing and it was very difficult for me
to walk and I felt so tired. I decided to stop and rest. While resting, I saw a man carrying a big
speaker passing me. Seeing him, I remembered Jesus who carried his cross for us and God
said to me, “Carry your cross and follow me.” The strength of the man motivated me to continue
climbing. I fell down once and it made me suffer. However, God's love made me continue
climbing and these experiences led me to success, to overcome my own limitations.

Our dream is to have enough food

Seeing the realities in the life of these indigenous people, I feel
sad. However, I can feel the people's love, hope and happiness
in the darkness they're experiencing. Most importantly, I can
see God in them. I learned many things from them. When I
asked about their dream, most of their answers were: to have
enough food to eat! I was so touched hearing their answer. It
made me love them more and pray for them. It was a simple
dream, yet full of meaning. I really put my feet on ground to
strive to live in a simpler way. I discovered more about myself
and I came to realise the meaning and the value of life. I also
understand more about God's mission in my life. From all these
experiences, I became more patient, more faithful, more
confident and more daring.
By Akalard Vikay (Hiew), Laos

Lord, I see you

In Nanay (mother), who is taking care of
John 21: 12 her adopted son who is sick…
In Tita (aunt), who lost her husband this
morning and continues to be with him until now…
In Hapon, who enjoys being with me and
taking care of me…
Lord, I feel you very close to me
I really feel that you were waiting for me
before I came
I feel at peace
I feel like coming into your home.
Peace is here.
Love is here.
Life is here.
You are here.

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The call brought me here in this mission today at

IFFAsia through a simple dialogue with my dear
Creator. He said, “I love you.” And I replied, “I love
you too!” And I'm continuing this mission just to
promote this beautiful and simple love
relationship. Before going to the immersion, I had
a strong image that I will meet Jesus on the shore
(Jn.21.), as I was assigned to the fishing
community. But I didn't know how. I found Him in
simple ordinary lives. He loves in very simple
ways by just being with… Being in mission, I often
make things too complicated. This immersion
helped me to go back to my shore.

By Chieko Hirao, Basic Formation Staff, Japan

"Family Encounter"
I was among those who were assigned to the fishing village
during the Social Immersion. Before we went there, I was
imagining myself sitting beside the beautiful blue sea and
surrounded by coconut trees, watching the fishermen fishing
in the sea and I will be sitting peacefully on the beach and
writing. I have never been on a beach, nor seen the sea
before.

This was my first time to travel by ship and to immerse myself

in a fishing community. Upon our arrival, we were introduced
to our foster families. When I saw one of my foster brothers
Ruel, I remembered my younger brother who died 15 years
ago and I felt sad. I was shocked by my Nanay's (foster
mother) first question when she asked me, “Are you willing to
stay with us?” I did not answer her immediately because I felt
sad and wondered why she posed me such a question? I was
asking myself in my heart, what is so different between us?
Actually we are the same human beings, God's creation. After
a moment of silence, I answered her, “Nanay, I am willing to
stay with your family and joyful to be part of your family; let me
be your daughter.” She smiled and hugged me warmly. I was touched by their acceptance, love,
care and kindness.
First Bath in Public
One of my most memorable experience with the community there was my first time having
shower in public. Due to the poverty, the community is sharing a common water pump for daily
usage, including washing, laundry and shower. I was used to pump water back in my home
country; however it was a great shock for me as everyone here is bathing together in an open
space. Women, men, girls, boys and children…oh my God! I felt so strange and shy in front of
them, I was looking for a private room but I could not find one. I was just wearing malong
(traditional kilt), and many of them were looking at me, perhaps because I was a little bit
different from them. I was shocked and not able to do anything. I stopped taking a bath and I felt
I wanted to go back to my foster family house. It was that time that my Nanay came and
encouraged me, “Don't be shy and afraid. They are like your brothers and sisters. Just continue,
I will be here with you.” I felt lighter but still shy and nervous. After that very special experience,
I was able to overcome myself and really accept their culture and their habits as my own. I will
never forget this exciting and memorable experience in my life.

By Aye Aye Aung (Christina), Myanmar

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1
 "Fear Not”
Before I came to the Philippines, I've heard from my senior that in our formation
programme, we will go through Social Immersion which is full of risks and
challenges. I heard that three years ago, and now it was my turn to face the real
challenges; I feltI wanted to escape. I was filled with so much fear, I worried about
my safety, the environment, the people and also the way we would live there. Two
weeks before the immersion, I could not sleep well; I was just waiting for the day
to come. It was a period of difficulty for me, but our formators in the institute
helped me by listening and encouraging me. Through my personal prayer as
well, I felt God as my close companion and I gained more positive attitude
towards the immersion. During the immersion, I really felt that God was
accompanying me every day. I saw God surrounding me in my daily life there
through my foster family, my group members and leader, and also the people I
encountered.

Even though the immersion was filled with challenges and realities, I
was able to overcome all the fear in me, step by step; I felt joy and
peace at the end. Because of this experience, I have learnt to enjoy my
day in my ordinary life. I realise now, if God wants me to go and take the
challenge, He is the One to prepare me even before I know about it. I
need to trust Him, and to really believe Him as my hope and my saviour.
I feel deeply that God will give me whatever I need in my life! Thanks be
to God, I am grateful for this experience and the people who supported
me.
By Yang Lingling, China

“I Am Disturbed ”
Living in a simple and yet contented life as the Mangyans,
without water and electricity, was my first experience in such
uncomfortable life since I arrived in the Philippines months ago.
However, it was alright because I managed to cope with the
unusual things which happened around me which I called as
“disturbance”. My most significant experience was when we
went to Bait (another housing area) in a 4-wheel drive (4WD)
vehicle. I was so disturbed along the way because I had no place
to sit and I was squatting uneasily at the backside of the car. On
top of that, it was moving really fast and the road condition was
bad with rocks and we also crossed some streams. I could not
really straighten my back and neck. Oh my goodness! I was crying really, asking for God's comfort because
“God! I am suffering!” That was the day that I called for God often! I was so blessed that I finally felt at peace
after we arrived safe and sound. Praise the Lord!

The experience taught me to be stronger. Surprisingly, in all the days in Mindoro I was more
contemplative and “disturbed” by the people, by the environment, and by God. I encountered
new “disturbances” every day and it amazed me. Why? Because I am more aware of myself,
that I am more reflective. In silence, I was more conscious of myself, my surroundings, and the
best thing was being more attentive to my relationship with my Creator. For me, to be anxious
has allowed me to truly enter into an intimate relationship with God through the nature and the
people. Besides, seeing the reality made me stronger in faith and in heart. I thank God that
each day of the immersion had brought eye-opening experiences for me. The people that I met
particularly the children, the sisters and brothers, and the elderly motivated me to carry on my
daily task regardless of the difficulties and the “disturbances” that are in me. I am blessed that
these “disturbances” that I felt and encountered brought me nearer to my everyday God
especially being a young missionary. It was indeed an enriching experience!

By Monica Lisa Gordon, East Malaysia

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 Fondacio Asia launches Youth Pastoral Team
Fondacio Asia recently held its first Youth Pastoral Gathering at IFFAsia, Philippines, from 6-14 December,
2010. It brought together some 17 youth responsibles and former IFFAsia students from eight (8) countries
for a time of reflection, sharing and planning. This was in continuity with the Dialogue with Local Churches
held in 2008 & the Youth Gathering with former students and youth leaders in 2009. The objectives of this
gathering were:
1) Deepen understanding of the youth vision and orientations of Fondacio Asia.
2) Search together to improve the pastoral care and ministry support for IFFAsia students on the ground
a. Introduce tools & kits to respond more effectively to the mission needs such as Basic Formation Kit,
Youth Kit and Post Formation Accompaniment Kit.
3) Build and launch teams and plans at the country and regional level
a. Launch preparation for Fondacio Asia Youth Gathering, May 2011 & World Youth Day, Aug 2011.

The days began with prayer and reflection on the text

of the day Luke 5: 17-26. The participants took time
to understand the situation of youth in each country
by listening to the experiences of one another,
discussing the stages of growth of a Christian
disciple, before starting the planning process for the
local and regional level. In the course of the
Gathering we had the opportunity to dialogue and
listen to the stories of some responsibles of
Fondacio Asia, persons who have carried the torch
of Fondacio in Asia over the last 20 years, namely
Ben Raj, Rebecca Garces, Charles Bertille &
Maricar Ocdol. Questions posed to them ranged
from how to work with the local church, how to make choices in life, what
kind of formation that sustains, what dreams they had in the beginning and where are you leading us? To
sum up, Charles presented the pearls of Fondacio which are the integrated approach to formation, lay
discipleship and spirituality of Fondacio.

Launching of Youth Pastoral Team

The Youth Pastoral Team was born in Advent, 2010. They committed to work together in the region and
support one another in implementing the pastoral orientations namely:
- Building the local & regional youth teams
- Developing & sustaining a system of pastoral care and ministry support for former IFFA students / young
pastoral workers on the ground.

The team consists of Becky (China), Sophal (Cambodia), Wian (Laos), Chieko (Japan), Mag Chin
(Malaysia), Charles (Myanmar), Rizzie (Philippines), Mary An (Vietnam) and Alice Tan as the Youth
Coordinator. Other participants to the Gathering included Nina, Roselinah (Malaysia); Florence, Judith,
Roger (Myanmar); Nga (Laos) and Jonathan & Ladrick (Philippines).

The Gathering ended with prayer and send-off of the team witnessed by the current IFFAsia students, staff,
members and friends. It was a moving moment for all. Carol Daria, representing the Asian Coordinating
Team reminded the Youth Pastoral Team to live the spirituality of Fondacio in their respective communities
and missions by witnessing to a spirituality of blessing; living in docility to the Holy Spirit; being in communion
and friendship with the world, and participating in the apostolic works of Fondacio and Church.

In thanksgiving, we prayed for all the communities and responsibles, local sending Churches, IFF Asia
students, sponsors, families, friends, without whom we will not be born and nurtured. We hold the torch
together!

By Alice Tan Pei Pei , Youth Coordinator, Fondacio Asia

Mission in Asia: Understanding mission in the
context of local Churches and Communities
At its first plenary assembly in 1974, the Asian bishops gathered at the
newly organised Federation of Asian Bishops' Conference (FABC)
declared that “The primary focus of our task of evangelization then, at this
time in our history, is the building up of a truly local church”. Asked what is
the local church, they responded “The local church is the realization and
enfleshment of the Body of Christ in a given people, a given place and time”.
On how to do this they spoke of the “triple dialogue with peoples particularly
the poor, cultures, and religions”. Through this triple dialogue the Church in
Asia hopes to be a “new way of being Church in Asia”.

The local churches in East Malaysia have a vision of becoming a communion of communities witnessing to
the love of God, with basic Christian communities as building blocks of this vision. Like many parts of Asia,
with globalization the influence of media is strongly felt by youth & families, affecting values, lifestyle and
cultures. National policies such as Islamisation have affected young people and families on the ground. The
history of peoples in the region, favorable economic situation, and other policies may have contributed to
attract high number of internal migration from rural to cities and from neighboring countries. While it is
obvious that migrants have contributed to the development of the country and economy, their presence also
affects the local community and its dynamics.

Against this background, the program seeks to learn how the local Churches are living out its mission of
communion and dialogue? What is the inter-connection, if any, among all the realities and influencing
factors? How can the local Church be more effective in its evangelizing mission? The month long program
will include dialogue with religious & civil society leaders, families, young people. This year's project will be
from January 17 February 15, 2011. IFFAsia is collaborating with the local Dioceses for the activities. Some
young leaders, elders and resource persons from the local communities will join students and staff in the
program as part of a mutual learning process.

As in the previous year, the students are currently engaged in fund-raising and sponsorship as part of their
mission training. They need to raise USD23,000 or about US1,000 per person to cover travel, board and
lodging, and other incidental expenses for the project. Any help you can give will be appreciated.

85 Young Adults
8 Countries
1 Year Formation
What do they all have in common?
A desire to make a difference
A desire to develop their gifts and potential
A desire to grow in faith
For information kit/application kit, visit our blog at
fondacio-asia.blogspot.com or email us at
ifa.fondacio@gmail.com or
fondacio.asia.comm@gmail.com
Institute of Formation, Fondacio Asia
Applications for new school year 2011 /2012 is open. Little Lamb Compound
St. Martin St. Rosalia Village 2
Applications now open . Tandang Sora, Quezon City 1116, Philippines
Tel: + 63-2-9373681
Send by 28 February 2011 .

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Dear Friends,

The Institute of Formation, Fondacio Asia (IFFAsia) seeks to support the mission of local Churches and
communities. IFFAsia forms young leaders with a community and missionary spirituality for the renewal of
the Asian Church and society. IFFAsia welcomes young adults and potential leaders in their early 20's to mid
30's for a 10 month live-in formation. IFFAsia proposes an integrated formation, with spirituality, lay
discipleship and community life built upon the four pillars of Human, Social, Spiritual/Theology and Pastoral
formation.

The challenges of our times call all of us to support and engage in mission. The Church is missionary by her
very nature. Mission constitutes witness, social development; inter faith dialogue, proclamation, liturgy and
prayer. Therefore, calling and forming youth and laity to participate in the life and mission of the Church in
every sphere is fundamental for the future of our society.

We appeal to each one to support IFFAsia and these young mission workers through your prayers,
friendship and financial aid. We thank you in anticipation of your support.

Your Sincerely,

Msgr. Fr. James Gnanapiragasam Charles Bertille

Vicar General, KL Archdiocese Executive Director, IFFAsia
Spiritual director, Fondacio Malaysia
Board Member, IFFAsia

“I am whole heartedly endorsing the Institute of Formation, Fondacio Asia (IFFAsia). Lived and experienced in
the context of a 'community and missionary spirituality', young people aged between 20-35 years of age
undergo human, spiritual, social and pastoral formation, and are provided with knowledge and skills to
discern and respond maturely to social realities, so that they may participate in bringing about change in Asian
Church and society. It is my fervent hope that young people may respond generously to the invitation that it
offers, and that kind hearted people will support this Institute's noble service on behalf of young potential
future leaders.”

Most Reverend Joel Z. Baylon, D.D.

Bishop of the Diocese of Legazpi
Chairman, Board of Directors, IFFAsia

You can send your donation to: Any inquiry, please contact us through:
Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co. (Metro Bank) IFFA email: ifa.fondacio@gmail.com or
Acct. Name: Fondacio Asia. Inc. Fondacio Asia Communication Desk
Acct Nos.: (PhP) 7-326-50450-1; email: fondacio.asia.comm@gmail.com
(USD) 326-2-32600602-0
Routing Code (SWIFT): MBTC-PHMM
Bank account detail: Tandang Sora Avenue Branch
185 Tandang Sora Ave., Quezon City, Philippines