Batu Arang, Gombak — Caritas Penang organised a four-day, three-night missionary experience camp, bringing together young adults to spend time with refugees, migrants, asylum seekers, people living with illness, and those experiencing poverty. The camp was made possible through the collaboration between Caritas Penang and the Islanders Tamil Youth Network. More than simply exposing young people to the struggles faced by different communities, the programme sought to help us learn and practise the See–Judge–Act method.
The programme was guided by the handbook Three Days at Perch, published by Kumpulan A.C.T.S., which introduces participants to the principles of Catholic Social Teaching. Throughout the camp, the young people were accompanied and guided by Jesuit priest Fr. Paul Dass, who introduced the participants to the core principles of the Pastoral Spiral and taught us how to apply the See–Judge–Act method to situations we encounter in our daily lives.
Besides learning about Catholic Social Teaching, the youths were given time to meditate on the Gospels, engage in personal prayer, and have conversations with one another in the spirit of openness and fraternity. These activities allowed us to look beyond simply gaining knowledge and instead reflect on our own faith and experiences. In many ways, the programme assisted them to deepen in spirituality, develop greater open-mindedness, and become more aware of the realities faced by people around us.
On the second day, the participants were sent out for our mission experience. They were divided into three groups: two groups visited the people at PERCH, while the other visited a Positive Living Home. The participants were intentionally divided into different groups so that each of them could encounter and learn from different realities and struggles.
To give some background, PERCH is a home for refugees and asylum seekers in Malaysia. Its name comes from St. Peter Favre, and PERCH stands for St. Peter Favre Refugee Convalescence Home. As we set out for our mission, we carried with us a simple but meaningful question:
“Where is God leading me in this?”
This question became more than just a theme for the day. It encouraged us to look beyond what we could immediately see and to remain attentive to the people we encountered, their stories, their struggles, and the presence of God within their lives. Rather than entering the mission with the mindset that we were there simply to help others, we were encouraged to approach the experience with humility — ready to listen, learn, and allow ourselves to be transformed by the people we met.
GROUP 1 – PERCH
Tending to a family member , a friend or someone you know who is sick or mostly dependent for basic human activity is already a great act of love but what do we call when the action is made to people who are completely strangers, persecuted, and marginalised by the society. PERCH services to humans who were abandoned and left with no choice. Most of the men in PERCH who came there with no hope and the living witness of God’s love. They do not only get treated and assisted with recovery but they also give their hands to the one who comes after them, that’s how contagious love is. The young people who visited PERCH did not only see but they listened, communicated, and had the chance to assist in some of the services. Looking at the men there lying on bed and still able to smile and laugh shows how hopeful are they, while some men grief for their condition of not being able to move at all and are only able to see and hear the voices of their families through a mobile screen. When the youths started talking to the residents there, without realising they build a relationship with them in Christ, that they not only listen but shed tears, prayed and cheered them up.
Our visit here isn’t an ordinary visit but hours of realisation and being out of our world that we believe nothing else exist, knowing there are humans living who need care and love, who deserves dignity just like all of us.
GROUP 2 – PERCH 2: Encountering Stories of Hope
At PERCH 2, we met women and children who had experienced deeply traumatic situations, including human trafficking, abuse, violence, and other forms of hardship. Despite the difficult experiences they had gone through, they welcomed us with warm smiles and hugs. They seemed genuinely excited to have us there, and their warmth immediately made us feel comfortable. The environment at PERCH 2 was clean, organised, and well maintained, reflecting the care and dignity given to those living there.
During our time there, we had the opportunity to help prepare lunch and spend time with the children. We conducted simple art and craft activities using clay, which allowed us to interact and play with them while creating something together. Although these activities may have seemed simple, spending time with the children gave us an opportunity to connect with them and experience a small part of their everyday lives.
Among those we met were teenage girls who had no family or relatives with them. Despite their circumstances, they were receiving education and learning to build a future for themselves. Many of them could speak English and were eager to communicate with us. PERCH provides them not only with their basic human needs, but also with education and opportunities that can help them move forward in life.
What touched me most was hearing their stories. Some shared about their journeys to Malaysia, the wars and conflicts in their home countries, and the painful experiences of being separated from their parents and siblings. Their stories reminded us that behind every person we meet is a story that we may never fully know. Yet, despite everything they had experienced, they continued to live with hope. That hope was truly inspiring.
Our encounter with the people at PERCH 2 was not simply about us going there to serve or help them. In many ways, we were the ones who were changed by the experience. By seeing, listening, and engaging with them, we were exposed to a reality that many of us had never personally encountered before. It opened a completely new perspective and challenged some of our assumptions about refugees, asylum seekers, and people who have experienced trauma.
The experience also made us pause and reflect on our own emotions and thoughts. We began to ask ourselves why certain situations affected us, what we believed about the people we met, and how our understanding had changed after hearing their stories. This is where the See–Judge–Act method became more meaningful to us.
First, we See — not merely looking at a situation from the outside, but taking the time to truly encounter people, listen to their stories, and understand their reality. Then, we Judge — reflecting on what we have seen through the lens of our faith, our values, and Catholic Social Teaching. Finally, we are called to Act — to respond to what we have encountered and allow our faith to move us towards meaningful action.
Through PERCH 2, I realised that seeing is more than simply using our eyes. To truly see someone is to recognise their dignity, listen to their story, and allow their reality to touch our hearts. Only then can our judgement become more compassionate, and our actions become more meaningful.
GROUP 3 – Positive Living
Linda Shalini:
Last weekend, I had the opportunity to be part of the Positive Living Community outreach program. It was a truly meaningful and humbling experience.
Together with the team, we served the elderly by cleaning their living space, which was very dusty and in need of attention. We did our best to make their sleeping area cleaner, more comfortable, and filled with fresh air. As I cleaned, I could not help but think of my own parents as they grow older. This thought softened my heart and reminded me of the importance of caring for and respecting our elders.
What touched me most was the time we spent with them after the cleaning. We shared a meal together, listened to their stories, and enjoyed their company. Seeing them happily enjoy a nice meal was heartwarming, especially knowing that they only get such special meals occasionally when visitors come to serve them.
This experience gave me a deep sense of satisfaction and gratitude. It opened my eyes to another side of the world, where people may live in isolation, yet continue to live with peace, dignity, and grace. It reminded me that even simple acts of service and companionship can make a meaningful difference in someone’s life.
I am grateful to God for choosing me to witness this experience and for giving me the opportunity to serve others. It was truly a precious time, and I look forward to visiting again in the future to continue helping and spending time with them.
God bless all of them, and thank You, Lord, for this opportunity to serve and love others.
Testimonies from the participants
Marissa:
As the four days came to an end, I realised that this camp was never really about how much we could do for others. Instead, it was about allowing ourselves to be present, to listen, to see, and to be changed by the people we encountered. We came with the intention of serving, but in many ways, we were the ones who received something far greater.
The people we met had stories of pain, loss, separation, and suffering, yet they continued to welcome us with smiles, laughter, and hope. Their lives reminded me that hope does not always come from having a perfect life or having everything we need. Sometimes, hope is simply the courage to wake up another day, to keep moving forward, and to believe that life can still be meaningful despite everything we have been through.
Through the See–Judge–Act method, I learned that seeing is not simply looking at someone’s situation. It is allowing ourselves to truly see the person behind the circumstances. To listen to their stories without judgement. To recognise their dignity. And when we begin to see with the eyes of Christ, we begin to realise that the people we often see as “refugees”, “migrants”, “the poor” or “the sick” are first and foremost our brothers and sisters.
Perhaps this was where God was leading me all along.
This experience also reminded me that mission does not always require us to do something extraordinary. Sometimes, mission is simply being there. Sitting beside someone. Listening to their story. Sharing a meal. Playing with a child. Offering a smile. Giving someone the dignity of knowing that they are seen, heard, and loved.
I left Batu Arang with more questions than answers, but perhaps that is part of the journey of faith. I now understand that to follow Christ is not only to pray within the walls of a church, but also to recognise Him in the people we encounter outside of it. “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” (Matthew 25:40)
The camp may have lasted only four days, but the encounter will remain with me far beyond those four days. It has challenged me to look differently, to listen more deeply, to judge with compassion, and most importantly, to act with love.
Perhaps the greatest lesson I brought home was this: we do not always find God in extraordinary moments. Sometimes, we find Him in the simplest encounters — in a smile, a hug, a shared meal, a child’s laughter, or a stranger’s story. And sometimes, when we think we are going to bring Christ to others, we discover that Christ was already there, waiting to meet us
Aloysius Robinson:
The past four days have been a truly inspiring and meaningful experience for me. I have been deeply grateful for this outreach, as it has encouraged me to keep moving forward and continue doing what I love—serving God and His people.
Praying the Rosary every day has brought me great spiritual consolation and peace. Through this experience, I feel that God is reminding me that this is only the beginning of my journey with Him, and that there is still much more to come.
This outreach has been deeply fulfilling for my soul, and I am thankful for the peace and joy it has brought me. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to Father Aloysius Tan for introducing me to this camp programme, and to Caritas for organising such a meaningful event.
I am also grateful for the opportunity to meet so many wonderful people, who welcomed me like family. Thank you, Lord, for this beautiful experience. May God bless everyone abundantly.
