Message from Sector Coordinator

MESSAGE FROM BR. THOMAS YAPO

Sector Coordinator PNG De La Salle Brothers

Dear Lasallians,

Hoping you are well, welcome each of you to this edition of the PNG Lasallian Family Mambu magazine. Since the last edition, many events have taken place and Lasallians have been moved from one location to another between provinces. There are Lasallians who have moved from one position to another within the organization you are serving. Many of these are great changes both in challenging us and energizing us to keep our Lasallian fire burning.

This year has been the most challenging in all fronts throughout the world with the spread of the global Pandemic, COVID -19. It changed the systems and operations of the world and shifted everything to a new normal. It will take a long while before everything gets back on track with the new normal and life will flow from it. Life is different with the lock down which forces many to discover hidden talents and skills.

Lasallians throughout the world have gone out of their own ways to help and support the needy and vulnerable in their communities. Lasallians are people who mostly associate with others and be the softer and kinder face of Jesus to others. It is in building connections with others that we become more humane. We become humble and generous through our actions. The greatest miracles are performed with the simplest acts of kindness and that’s what the Lasallians continue to outpour from their hearts.

Despite the challenges brought about by COVID-19 and our individual, family and communal challenges and setbacks, we still hold fast to the theme of this year, “Great Things Are Possible”. Yes, great things are still possible, with, and among those who believe in the good. The global and local challenges are undeniable, but there exists the positives and those moments that breathe in life. Those moments help eliminate the negatives and increases the possibilities. These make us to be people of hope and we look forward to greater things to happen both in the world and through our Lasallian activities. Many Lasallians in PNG, both in our towns and in the remote districts, continue to keep the Lasallian fire alive, burning from deep within. The passion to go an extra mile to help those entrusted to their care and the zeal to continue doing something good and to be positive for the people is simply showing that great things are possible despite our different locations. I am touched with the level of commitment by our Lasallians who are serving in some of the very remote parts of PNG. Your love and passion for the Lasallian mission is over and beyond the call of duty. Each of you is a living testimony of the Gospel. You are a champion in touching hearts, teaching minds and transforming lives.

I encourage you all to keep in touch with each other so that together we can build support and empower one another. Despite the daily challenges we all go through, hold onto your candle so that you can bring light to others as you journey. As a Lasallian any little good you do will feed your candle and provide light to those around you and under your care.

I hope you enjoy this edition of the Mambo magazine and be enriched with the stories, experiences and encounters of our Lasallians. Every piece that is shared here is a contribution towards making great things possible in our own lives, our communities and our country and the world.

I conclude with this phrase from the Lasallian Reflection 5, “Lasallians can do little things at home, in their families, in their educational works, in their cities, in their faith communities. Do all these things together with others, with whom you share the same ideals and dreams. Working together, they manage to do great things”. p.13.

LIVE JESUS IN OUR HEARTS.. FOREVER! AMEN

Br. Thomas Yapo

PNG Sector Coordinator