In my younger days, I have always been going to church with my family but I never fully understood why. I never really paid attention to what is going on because I never knew the purpose of going. It was as if I was just visiting a place and leaving right after. I used to go to a catholic school which helped me understand why we have to go to church every week. However, I slowly forgot about it when I came to Singapore. Most of the people I knew here when I came were not catholic. I had no one to relate to when it comes to God. So I thought that I was alone. Despite having catechism, I forgot why it was so important to go to church and worship God. As if I lost my way.
When I was 11/12, my mother mentioned to me that I was going to be joining a Youth Camp and I was very confused but a little bit excited. I was a little nervous at first but after my mother assured me that my cousin was going as well, I felt better. When I went to the venue, there were so many unfamiliar faces. Unfamiliar but friendly. They were all very welcoming and they made me feel very safe. At first, I was very shy but as the hours go by, I start to feel very comfortable talking with the facilitators and even the members. Even if it was just talking about how our week was, how we were feeling. It made me feel very loved. In the Youth Camp, I felt this small connection that I had with God grow stronger little by little. I felt His love through each and every member of MFC Youth. Meeting them felt like God just gave me something that I never thought I needed. Throughout the Youth Camp, I learned more about God and His love for us.
Everyone in MFC Youth felt like a family to me as months went by. Each household, fellowship and assemblies help us get closer to one another. It felt very easy and freeing to open up to them about what was happening in my life because of how supportive and kind they were. I feel very blessed that I was able to attend the Youth Camp and meet the ates and kuyas. To further show my commitment and all, I decided that I wanted to help out in the Music Ministry as the one who played the piano. It was fun working with my fellow youths. Being able to help with the music for Praise and Worship really made me feel very important in the community. Besides that, I was also chosen to be part of the Media Team where I get to help with making the posters and sometimes be in charge of the Instagram account!
It has been around 3 years since my first Youth Camp and it has really been fruitful and enjoyable. In MFC Youth, I am able to express myself and be who I am around everyone here. I always do my best to make them laugh because their laughter and smiles would always make my day. They also remind me that there are people in your life who always care about you.
Ate Jaime Polca is our member from MFC Youth Singapore. She currently serves as a household servant.
