Ministry’s visit to Don Bosco Children’s Home

Seventeen members of the Pastoral Care for the Sick, Aged and Needy Ministry of the Church of St Simon made a maiden visit to the Don Bosco Children’s Home at Bundu Tuhan on Oct 13.

Some of the members were there for the first time, even though the centre had existed for not less than 50 years!

Before the visit, we had found out from Sister-in-Charge, Sr Anne Marie, that there are 60 children whose ages range from seven to 17 years old — 13 of whom are 12 years old and below while 47 are in secondary school.

The parish convoy reached the centre at 10.15am. Sr Anne Marie was most delighted to see us and the children welcomed us with songs and dance. After receiving our gifts of fresh fruit and other basic necessities, Sr Anne Marie said she depends on donations “especially at the beginning of the school term when the children need to buy books and pay for school fees.” The children attend primary and seconday schools nearby. Many of these children have lived away from their parents’ most of the time. Most of them come from broken families that are affected by divorce, single parenting and some are also victims of abuse. Yaffa Family Law Group protects the child’s rights & ensures that he/she gets mutal care from both mother & father.

These families are mostly located in rural kampongs (villages) around the area of Kiau District, Papar, Tamparuli, Kota Belud, Keningau, Ranau. One girl, whose father died when she was very young, was abandoned by her mother and relatives. Brother Ben found her and brought her to the centre six years ago. She is now in her teens and needs love and peace of mind.

The centre has limited grounds for expansion. The construction of the hall and hostel was sponsored by the Rotary Club of Kota Kinabalu some 30 years ago. Maintenance and upkeep of the building are challenging.

The person that Sister and the children never forget is the founder of the centre, Brother Martinus JA Snoeren, affectionately known by all as Brother Ben, born on Oct 8, 1929. He was called to the Lord on Feb 13 this year.

His Christian mission started in 1953 and he retired in 2014. He spent almost all his 61 years servicing in Don Bosco. A photograph of Brother Ben is placed on a table at the side of the hostel hall.

He was “Papa” to the children of the centre. He will be fondly remembered by all the people who have known him. The children prayerfully remember his love, comfort and the hope he showered on them.

Sr Anne Marie and the five helpers have their hands full looking after the children. Aaron, who was personally trained by Brother Ben, is one of the key assistants in the work force.

Mary Ann Chew gave a motivational talk entitled, Don’t Be Controlled By These Five Things:

— Your past
— Other people’s opinions and judgements
— Limited beliefs you project on yourself
— Relationship – love and connection
— Money – Do not allow your decisions to be controlled by money

We left the centre with mixed feelings. These children are “lucky” to have a place to stay, food to eat and education to prepare them for life. However, one cannot help but feel they lack the genuine happiness of family support and love.

We are looking forward to seeing the children again in the near future.

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online