JOSEPHIANS | LUMEN 19 show gratitude for every little gift they receive , no matter how small it may be . Moreover , when he is serving them , he feels a sense of joy . He also gets very attached to the children in the school and know many of them by name . Whenever it is time for him to leave the children and the school , he admits he will start tearing . He misses them dearly .
Evaluating the impact of these mission trips on his life , Glen said , “ I feel that it was only after the past few trips that I have gained a deeper sense of maturity ; only then did I start to reflect on my life ." These mission trips caused him to form a different perspective of life . He reflected , “ All my life , I ’ ve been taking and taking but not giving enough to this world . People are always constantly searching for happiness , and many think that happiness is brought about by wealth , fame , etc . However after having achieved all these , many end up feeling empty and dissatisfied . I believe that it is only in giving that we receive true happiness , joy and satisfaction , because we know that we ’ ve made this world a better place .”
Another indelible impression these trips have made on him is : “ How little it took to make these kids happy . They are always laughing and giggling , posing for pictures or just running up to me and tickling me ; this is a stark contrast to the sullen faces of many Singaporeans who have all the imaginable creature comforts . The happiness that I derived from reaching out to them or what I call ‘ The Joy of Service ’ can only be experienced and not narrated .”
His friends had always wondered why Glen talked so much about ACTS like how a girl cannot stop describing how handsome Zac Efron is , or a boy discussing how skilful football player Wayne Rooney is . When that happened , he would grab the opportunity to tell them more about ACTS . He underscored , “ I didn ’ t even have to persuade them to come , they just decided on coming themselves .” There are already a number of Josephians who have participated in ACTS . He added , “ I also strongly believe that the virtues extolled by our founder De La Salle is perfectly exemplified by ACTS mission trips . These trips are about selflessness , sacrifice and putting others ’ needs before yours . God gave us talents to make this world a beautiful place , so why not use whatever talents you have to bring joy to others ?”
ACTS is a great opportunity to experience overseas mission work , and it is open to anyone of any religion . Even though it is a multi-parish based mission program , there are a significant number of non-Catholic participants , including the occasional
I also strongly believe that the virtues extolled by our founder De La Salle is perfectly exemplified by ACTS mission trips . These trips are about selflessness , sacrifice and putting others ’ needs before yours .
God gave us talents to make this world a beautiful place , so why not use whatever talents you have to bring joy to others ?
Muslims . Those interested to participate , can check out the website ( http :// www . acts-singapore . com ).
Glen aptly summarises how he feels about his involvement with ACTS , “ I feel that I am benefitting from it more than the Cambodians are .” – encapsulating a verse from the bible : “ It is more blessed to give than to receive .” ( Acts 20:35 )
Facing page : All the ACTS participants
This page ( top ): ACTS participants enjoying the Cambodian children ' s company
This page ( centre ): Thumbs up for our hearty meal
This page ( bottom ): Glen , third from right , in a group shot with other ACTS participants