25 parishioners travelled to Batam for a 4-day mission trip from 13-16 Feb 2025. Eschewing the relaxation and shopping that Batam is typically known for, the missionaries chose to dedicate their time to visiting shelters and soup kitchens.

Purposeful: We set off with a clear mission in mind, equipped with many bags of essential items and toys for the youth in the shelters. Pope Francis exhorts us not to be “[a] Christian who is ‘on the balcony’” – we are not called to observe with detachment, but to approach others in need intentionally.

Eye-opening: Nothing prepared us for the conditions of the slums, yet the children there remained joyful despite the challenging living conditions. This prompted many of us to ponder on and express gratitude for the blessings in our own lives.

Meaningful: Every location we visited was an experience in itself – from cutting vegetables at the Panbil Daily Bread Food Kitchen to visiting a shelter for young abused girls (Shelter St. Theresa). Many were moved to tears at an orphanage for children orphaned by tsunamis (Yayasan Global Asia Sejati).

We remain extremely grateful for this chance to play a small part in reaching out to our marginalised brothers and sisters – and for the bonds forged during this journey!