Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Our mission to Bogor this Eastertide is deeply rooted in the spirit of renewal and hope that defines this holy season.
Just as the risen Christ brings life and salvation to the world, we are called to be His hands and feet, carrying His light to those in need.
Easter reminds us that we are all part of God’s family, called to share His love and proclaim His victory over despair.
St. Josemaria Escriva reminds us: "Do not forget that doing good means more than wanting to do good. We must sacrifice ourselves, by giving ourselves, for the good of others."
In this spirit, we will journey to Bogor to support the vulnerable refugee community, restoring dignity and empowering them to rebuild their lives.
Let this mission be our shared sacrifice, a concrete act of love rooted in our Catholic faith.
Together, we can be Christ's hands and feet, bringing hope and joy to the marginalized.
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About the Mission
Purpose
Our mission is deeply inspired by our Catholic faith and the call to embody Christ’s love for those in need. Refugees at the Centre in Bogor face overwhelming challenges, including displacement, financial instability, and limited access to basic necessities and education.
In October 2024, we visited the refugee community during a critical time when their allowance from the UNHCR was stopped due to a lack of funding, leaving them in dire need. Thanks to the generous support of CHARIS, we were able to provide much-needed funds and deliver aid at a time of their greatest need.
Now, we are returning to Bogor with a renewed purpose: to reassess their situation, continue providing support, and empower them to rebuild their lives. Through education, sustainable solutions, and acts of love, we aim to restore hope and dignity to this vulnerable community.
Our mission seeks not only to meet immediate needs but also to equip these individuals and families with the tools to regain self-reliance and rebuild their futures. By accompanying them on this journey of recovery, we remind them that they are not forgotten. Together, we can offer a beacon of hope and the assurance of God's unfailing love.
What We Will Do
During this mission trip, we will engage in a range of impactful activities designed to bring hope, healing, and empowerment to the refugee community in Bogor.
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Distribute Essential Aid: Provide clothing and hygiene supplies, including toiletries, toothbrushes, and soap, to meet immediate needs.
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Support Education: Distribute school stationery such as school bags, books, and other resources to equip children for learning and growth.
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Empower Women: Teach girls and women about menstrual health and distribute reusable sanitary pads. We will also assess the feasibility of establishing a cottage factory for sanitary pad production, fostering self-sustainability and creating income opportunities.
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Enhance Child Development: Explore setting up a toy library and building a playground to provide children with opportunities for play, a critical aspect of their growth and development.
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Promote Nutrition: Teach regenerative agriculture techniques, enabling the community to grow fruits and vegetables for improved nutrition and self-reliance.
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Bring Joy Through Music: Conduct music lessons and donate musical instruments, using music as a means of joy, healing, and creative expression.
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Ensure Vision Care: Provide eyesight tests and connect beneficiaries with further assistance as needed.
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Educational Follow-Ups: Assess the progress of ongoing English literacy, online education and personal development programs, ensuring these initiatives continue to empower the community.
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Build Community: Organize team-building games with prizes to uplift spirits and strengthen communal bonds.
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Celebrate Lives: Host a monthly birthday celebration, bringing happiness and recognition to individuals often overlooked.
A Pilgrimage to the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption
As we conclude our mission in Bogor, we will journey to Jakarta for a profoundly spiritual pilgrimage to the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption, a neo-gothic masterpiece and one of Indonesia’s most iconic Catholic landmarks.
A Sacred Space of Beauty and Faith
Known as the Jakarta Cathedral, this breathtaking church is a testament to the enduring faith of the Catholic community in Indonesia. Completed in 1901, its towering spires, intricate stained-glass windows, and exquisite interiors invite visitors into an atmosphere of prayerful awe. Every detail reflects devotion and artistry, offering a perfect place for reflection and thanksgiving.
A Symbol of Unity and Hope
Situated directly across from the Istiqlal Mosque, the largest mosque in Southeast Asia, the cathedral stands as a powerful symbol of interfaith harmony and peace in Indonesia. This coexistence highlights the importance of mutual respect and dialogue between faiths, a message deeply resonant with the mission of Christ’s love.
A Custom of Prayer and Intercession
At Gebirah Missions, we cherish a beautiful custom during our pilgrimages. Before each mission, we invite family and friends to submit petitions for Our Blessed Mother’s intercession—whether for healing, reconciliation, financial difficulties, or any intention close to your heart.
Simply write your petition to Mother Mary, seal it in an envelope, address it to Our Lady c/o Gebirah and mail it to us. We will bring it with us on the mission and, during the pilgrimage, prayerfully offer these petitions before her shrine. Afterward, the envelopes will be burned, ensuring your intentions remain private.
A Pilgrimage of Renewal and Gratitude
This pilgrimage is more than a conclusion to our mission—it is an invitation to spiritual renewal. During Lent, the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption offers a sacred space to meditate on the Passion of Christ, seek Our Lady’s intercession, and give thanks to God and Our Blessed Mother for the blessings of our journey.
Together, we will lift up prayers for those we have served at the Refugee Centre and for the intentions we carry from home.
This pilgrimage is an opportunity to deepen your faith, experience the beauty of unity, and become part of a cherished tradition. Let us come together to entrust our petitions to Our Blessed Mother, who intercedes for us with a mother’s love.
Be inspired by the history, spirituality, and harmony of this sacred place. As we conclude our mission with this meaningful journey, let us renew our hearts and continue to bring Christ’s light into the world.
How You Can Help
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Volunteer: Be a part of the mission and experience the joy of serving Christ by bringing hope to this community.
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Donate: Support by donating preloved or new items like sanitary pads, musical instruments, stationery for school, school bags, toiletries, diapers, etc. Please do not buy these items as they can be purchased much cheaper in Bogor and would not add to our baggage allowance. Instead, you can donate to Charis and indicate that your donation is for this mission so that we can purchase it on your behalf.
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Sponsor a Volunteer: If you cannot join, consider sponsoring someone willing to serve but unable to afford the expenses.
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Pray for Us: Offer your spiritual support and pray for the refugees and the missioners on this trip.
Commitment
Volunteers should be ready to embrace this mission with an open heart, humility, and a willingness to serve. Your presence and efforts will bring hope and dignity to refugees who have endured unimaginable hardships.
“Whatever you do for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you do for Me.” – Matthew 25:40
This Eastertide, let us walk alongside Christ by walking with those in need. Together, let us share God’s love and mercy in Bogor.
