Before MFC Youth, I was a very shy and soft-spoken girl and I would never have thought that I would be able to speak in front of a large group of people. Apart from that, I always felt like there was something missing in my life. Although I attended mass every Sunday, attended catechism lessons, prayed everyday and whatnot, my faith was only skin-deep. But with MFC Youth, I found myself in God and felt complete. I realized my true purpose in life which is to know, love and serve Him. MFC Youth has been such a huge part of my life and I cannot imagine life without it. Being a part of this community has allowed me to not only grow in faith but also to establish strong friendships.
I realized that the Lord truly is great because, in spite of our sins, doubts, insecurities and unworthiness, He continues to show us His boundless love through the people around us. From the time when then – YFL was going through a very difficult time until now, seeing how far it has grown, even though I have only been in the community since 2018. In these trying times, and with the current circumstances of the social limitations we face, everyone has it hard in their own ways and it has become a norm to get lost in our journey from time to time. Be it physically, mentally or spiritually, this pandemic has made a huge impact on the whole world. I, too, have been facing my own challenges in trying to adapt to the changes this pandemic has inflicted upon us, in terms of adjusting to home-based learning and unstable mental health due to the lack of social interactions. And there are times when I waver in my faith because of these circumstances and problems that overwhelm me and tend to make me question God’s plan for me.
Nonetheless, my journey in MFC Youth has taught me that we have a calling and we need to fulfill our calling to make all youth know Christ, just like how God has changed our lives, we need to be instruments of God and be an inspiration to others. God truly works in wondrous ways and His love never fails. By His love He has shown through MFC Youth, I am able to stay grounded in my faith no matter how many times or how far I may have lost my way, He has never failed to bring me back to Him. I am able to overcome any challenge because I know that I have this family I can always rely on and journey with no matter how tough it may be, and I will forever be grateful. They have taught and inspired me so much and they continue to inspire me to become a better version of myself than I was yesterday. Although I am nowhere near being a perfect child of God, I know that every ‘yes’ and every little effort that we make counts. We need to remember the masterpiece that God is creating piece by piece and that He has a big plan for us, plans to prosper us and give us hope and a future.
Ate Lauren Salcedo is a member of MFC Youth Singapore. She also serves as a Unit Servant.
