Christian Overseas Mission Work?

Stinicker

I recently returned from a trip to Asia and whilst in the continent I visited the Philippines. I was astounded by the sheer poverty there and also by the influence of the Catholic and other Christian churches in their society. I am a Catholic although in recent years my faith was shaken badly but during this trip I found alot of my faith restored back in the Church. I was really inspired by the whole trip and what I experienced out there.

I intend to return to the country again in the future but instead of spending tourist dollars I'd prefer to do something positive like volunteer to help out those less fortunate, perhaps do something like Habitat for Humanity, helping to build a house or put of my skills which are IT focused to use. Many Irish went to this country before and some still exist out there, I am currently not working in Ireland and rather than languishing around here I'd rather do something to help those less fortunate than myself.

Manach

Offhand from watching the EWTN service, there are various articles and reports on that region from them. So they might have a local knowledge on where would be the best place to start this process.

lmaopml

Stinicker wrote: »

I recently returned from a trip to Asia and whilst in the continent I visited the Philippines. I was astounded by the sheer poverty there and also by the influence of the Catholic and other Christian churches in their society. I am a Catholic although in recent years my faith was shaken badly but during this trip I found alot of my faith restored back in the Church. I was really inspired by the whole trip and what I experienced out there.

I intend to return to the country again in the future but instead of spending tourist dollars I'd prefer to do something positive like volunteer to help out those less fortunate, perhaps do something like Habitat for Humanity, helping to build a house or put of my skills which are IT focused to use. Many Irish went to this country before and some still exist out there, I am currently not working in Ireland and rather than languishing around here I'd rather do something to help those less fortunate than myself.

There is nothing more eye opening than travelling and seeing the results accomplished fighting poverty and looking at those who live their lives doing it.

Op, I spent a number of years abroad for the very same reason - I think they were possibly among the very best and very worst experiences of my life as regards seeing humanity in such dire conditions and only bringing a tiny light of love makes such a difference - but I'm so very glad I made the decision to just 'go'.

Benny_Cake

I worked teaching English in the north east of Thailand for a while in my early 20s. In the area I was working in there was a group of nuns who helped local women to set up a very successful business marketing the silk they produced. Another priest was running an orphanage for children with HIV.

There was absolutely nothing in it for these people - the possibility of conversions was practically nonexistent. Catholics make up a fraction of 1% of the population in Thailand. If a Thai person was to become a Christian then they would be more likely to join one of the evangelical churches that have started popping up - anyway, Buddhism is deeply ingrained in Thai culture.

I don't consider myself to be a Catholic anymore but the selfless devotion of these fine Christian people is something which I've never forgotten.

shawnxxiong

You been to China Mainland? loads of people need your help and need gospel.

ambid

Stinicker wrote: »

I recently returned from a trip to Asia and whilst in the continent I visited the Philippines. I was astounded by the sheer poverty there and also by the influence of the Catholic and other Christian churches in their society. I am a Catholic although in recent years my faith was shaken badly but during this trip I found alot of my faith restored back in the Church. I was really inspired by the whole trip and what I experienced out there.

I intend to return to the country again in the future but instead of spending tourist dollars I'd prefer to do something positive like volunteer to help out those less fortunate, perhaps do something like Habitat for Humanity, helping to build a house or put of my skills which are IT focused to use. Many Irish went to this country before and some still exist out there, I am currently not working in Ireland and rather than languishing around here I'd rather do something to help those less fortunate than myself.

VSO are always looking for skilled professionals http://www.vso.ie

recourse

Benny_Cake wrote: »

I worked teaching English in the north east of Thailand for a while in my early 20s. In the area I was working in there was a group of nuns who helped local women to set up a very successful business marketing the silk they produced. Another priest was running an orphanage for children with HIV.

There was absolutely nothing in it for these people - the possibility of conversions was practically nonexistent. Catholics make up a fraction of 1% of the population in Thailand. If a Thai person was to become a Christian then they would be more likely to join one of the evangelical churches that have started popping up - anyway, Buddhism is deeply ingrained in Thai culture.

I don't consider myself to be a Catholic anymore but the selfless devotion of these fine Christian people is something which I've never forgotten.

Thānks for sharing. You hear a lot of bad press sometimes about Catholic missions and its nice to read about their work which is just focused on helping people and not converting people.