During my time at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, the facilitator of our theological reflection group once suggested that we re-think one of the three vows or promises made in religious communities when we first put our hands into ministry: that is a life of poverty, she said.
For years in ministry, I have always thought that it is a virtue to preserve what I promised and lived out faithfully. But when I was recently appointed to my new assignment as the director of development of the Vietnam Mission, I realized that the facilitator was right. It’ s not an easy work to ask for financial support from others. As Henri Nouwen notes,“ We may feel awkward and a little embarrassed about it. We begin to worry and wonder:‘ Who will give us money? How will we ask them?’”
As the director of development, I am reminded of my previous duty of being in charge of doing mission appeals here in the United States, as I now continue to offer information to help raise awareness of our candidates in formation and their apostolic efforts, especially serving the needy such as poor migrants and other marginalized people in Vietnam. I act as a liaison between the Kansas City Province and the Vietnam Mission in terms of visitation, information and resource sharing, all of which require one visit per year to the Vietnam Mission to give a report.
In this ministry of development, talking about needs and asking for support can be a difficult task. But then, speaking about Christ to the lost can be just as difficult. Raising support is one way to help
Vietnam Mission
Poverty in the Life of Enrichment by Fr. Dien Truong, c. pp. s., Director of Development for the Vietnam Mission
develop an ability to talk about something difficult with people who may or may not be positive in their response. Thus, raising support is actually a mission in itself. It is, indeed, a special type of mission, and my first chance to help change people’ s lives. Engaging people in God’ s Kingdom work Fr. Dien Truong, c. pp. s. and providing opportunities for them to be involved and to have an impact is a special part of our calling as missionaries.
This ministry of development is proclaiming what we believe in such a way that we offer other people an opportunity to participate with us in our vision and mission. Henri Nouwen wrote:“ We have a vision that is amazing and exciting. We are inviting you to invest yourself through the resources that God has given you— your energy, your prayers, and your money— in this work to which God has called us.”
I also recall the words of my friend when were gathered together with a group as he pointed to me and said,“ Here is a richest one.” I believe that we all know what he meant. Even though we live our lives of poverty or simplicity, we enrich ourselves before God’ s eyes through striving to fulfill the needs of others. W
Members and candidates of the Vietnam Mission, 2016 Fr. Dien places deacon’ s stole on Tam Hoang, 2016
4 • The New Wine Press • February 2017