Hope and trust – mission ch

I’m Chiara, 19 years old and I spent two months in the Philippines working on a tuberculosis and community project. As a health specialist, I was able to pass on my knowledge and provide practical support to the local people.

My assignment took place in Manila, the capital of the Philippines. At the weekends, I stayed with a family in a simple neighborhood and experienced life in very modest circumstances. During the week, I stayed at the base of OMF and the Bukang Liwayway organization.

Together with a nurse and up to ten local volunteers, we visited patients with suspected tuberculosis. Many were unable to afford medical appointments or transportation. That’s why they came to us when they had close contact with infected people.

I listened to the lungs, took vital signs and conducted simple anamnesis interviews in Tagalog. We carried out skin tests on children to identify possible infections. We supported them financially with X-rays and explained the rest of the treatment process. Finally, we prayed with them for healing and their life situation.

In another village, we helped the patients to finance their medication and prepared them for a week. Before the medication was administered, they took part in a Bible study led by members of the local church.

At the weekends, I helped out with a children’s program led by young people. We told Bible stories in simple language, did handicrafts, sang and played with the children. Many of them showed visible joy and felt at ease. For me as a Jungschi leader, it was exciting to see how children’s work is organized in a different culture.

The two months were intense and enriching. I was particularly impressed by how much trust people have in God despite difficult circumstances and how much joy they radiate. I experienced how God used me in various tasks and how hope could be passed on through my work.

I realized anew how privileged our life in Switzerland is. During a time when I was in poor health, I felt God’s strength and help.

Last weekend, I travelled to the seaside with my mentor and the organization’s founding family. During the night, a fire broke out in the hotel and thick smoke billowed through the building. As I was still awake, I was able to wake everyone in my room in time. We fled together. Despite the danger, I felt calm and trust – for me a clear sign of God’s protection. No one was hurt.

This mission showed me once again how important it is to trust God and let go of control, especially in situations that you cannot influence yourself.

A story from OMF Suisse