New Zealand Columban Lay Missionaries Ling (Hui Ling Chuah) and Sophia Ting, have begun work in Birmingham, after 2 weeks in isolation.
New Zealand Columban Lay Missionaries, Hui Ling Chuah (Ling) and Sophia Ting in Birmingham
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
How are you? Hope you are keeping well in Christ. I am doing well so far, I think, I thank GOD for grace and for those who have praying for me.
During the two weeks of quarantine, Sophia and I shared a flat together. It was good time to rest and recover from jet lag. Sophia and I took time each day to pray together – the Divine Office, rosary and lectio divina - and we took turns to cook. I have treasured these days because I have felt a sense of God’s presence as Sophia and I have come to know and appreciate each other better.
After two weeks of isolation, we are now busy moving to another house where we will live with two other companions. There is so much to be done in preparing the community house.
Four of us, Gertrudes, Roberta, Sophia and I, live together as a community. We agree to have some time together by cooking and having meal together. Mealtime is also sharing time. We pray together. House cleaning is once a week.
Sharing a meal together with fellow lay missionaries
To keep up our community spirit, we go out together on occasions. For instance, we cycle to the park or we have an in-house movie night together. We believe it will help us growth and bond together as a little Church.
From time to time we have zoom meetings. We visit people and are also involved in various other ministries – serving breakfast to homeless people and chatting with them.
We also have our orientation program that introduces us to Fatima House (which provides support for refugees and asylum seekers), inter-religious dialogue and JPIC work. This is still a time of orientation, immersion and settling-in or what is called the “cultural diversity” stage.
As you know there has been a resurge of the covid-19 in UK. Birmingham is a hotspot. So, we must be alert and aware of the need for social distancing and the washing of hands. I am doing my best to take care of myself and trust that I am in the caring hands of God.
Ling sitting next to a portrait of Saint John Henry Newman
I sometimes manage to find daily mass here even though it is a bit far. I attend daily mass when I can, depending on our orientation schedule. Secondly, I find Church from within, meaning within my heart. Here I find a quiet time whether it be in my room or the prayer room in our Lay Missionary House.
Our area is surrounded by people from Pakistan, the Middle East and Africa. We walk often so as to become familiar with the area. We take the bus a lot. The Columbans are also getting me a new bicycle so I can cycle rather than take the bus. This also depends of course on the weather which is becoming colder.
Out cycling in Birmingham
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, please continue to pray for me. God bless you all!
Love and prayers, Ling
Shop