Simple Things in an Extraordinary Way

Simple Things in an Extraordinary Way

by Jennifer "Jake" Lunor

One of the many joys of being a Columban Lay Missionary is the joy of immersing into a new culture and learning so much from the people with whom I share my faith and experience.

I began my ministry in Dogoru village (Fiji) last year. I was no stranger to living in a village setting as I had already undergone my previous language exposure with a family in a different village and had studied Fijian language for five months. Thus, I thought everything would be smooth sailing. But I was faced with the challenge of learning a new dialect in order to communicate within my ministry and, naturally, to understand the people and their culture.

Jennifer Lunor, to the left of Archbishop Chong, with the confirmees

Two weeks after arriving in the village, my first involvement was to teach Confirmation Class every Sunday. My daily activities include visiting families for a chat and a meal together, depending on their availability. I would also visit the kindergarten and form a bond with the children by offering support and helping students as needed.  

Another aspect of my mission included attending the Small Christian Community's (SCC) Sunday schedule and participating in different community groups.  Last October, I joined a Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) workshop in Labasa to help me in my ministry. With my learnings, I initiated the SCC with the village’s youth to get them active again in community. Together, we participated in youth activities such as the Youth Vigil Rally, the Youth Synod Workshop, and the Bishop Mataca Tournament at Napuka.  On top of that, I was also busy attending community meetings, gatherings, functions, and the usual village activities.

Jennifer with the youth of Labasa parish

Relearning new things is not a bad thing.  The only drawback is when people are stuck in their comfort zones and are afraid to make changes. We need change, mainly in the way we view things and how we perceive others and thereby accept them in our lives. 

The little things I did for this community were well-appreciated by the people, and even inspirational, to some. What they didn't know was that the goodness they've shown me has touched my life irrevocably. I realized that it's not about how big or small the gesture is, but how you change people's life for the better. Such is the power of simple things done in an extraordinary way.

As Psalm 37:4 says "Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desire of your heart." This is why I surrender to God and make the change within myself and share my love to others, because with God's love we become one on this journey we call life.