Formation and Retreat in China (2014) - Personal testimony by Cecilia Teo, Verbum Dei missionary7/5/2014
In 2013 and 2014, Michael Cheong and myself gave a formation cum retreat in the South and North of China. This trip, God once again opened my eyes to see the hunger and thirst of His people for Him and His living Word. Now I can truly say, I have seen and heard the cry of God through the cry of His people. A cry that echoes the millions of heart longing for freedom and liberation to live their true dignity as children of God. A cry that resounds in millions the longing for comfort and consolation that truly our Trinity God indeed lives and walks with them daily, as Father, Friend, Consoler and Encourager. A cry for deeper meaning in life, a new way of living and following Christ. A little background to my personal journey. My mother was born in Shan Tou (Southern China) and her parents migrated to Singapore when she was at the age of 3 (year 1947). During that period from 1945-1949, China was going through a series of Chinese Communist Civil War after World War II. Even though I grew up in Singapore and was educated in the Singapore culture and mentality, there exists within me a deep desire to ‘go home’, perhaps to search for my roots and beginning. It was only when I answered the call of God to become a Verbum Dei Missionary that I became even more aware of this innate desire for God as ‘my home’, not only for myself but for the millions who live as homeless and orphans in China. “They are like sheep without shepherds, harassed and abandoned.” (Matthew 9:36) Just as Jesus was moved with pity upon seeing the crowds, and He began to teach them, to love and feed them with care and tenderness, to address to their special needs and hunger, I was moved to give my two copper coins, to give it all, despite my own poverty and limitations. With these words, Jesus sent us to love and preach his Word, ‘Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid." (Matthew 14:27) Even though there were many challenges along the way, facing both internal fears and external threats, I can only say “God is with us!” and He truly made the way and made all things possible for us. Cecilia Teo, Verbum Dei Missionaries in Singapore Cecilia Teo is a Verbum Dei missionary now based in Singapore. You can contact her via email at [email protected].
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