By Cl. Michael Gaikwad, SDB
Sihanoukville, Cambodia, March 23, 2016 - Cl. Michael Gaikwad originally from India - Mumbai province was a member of the 146th Salesian missionary expedition (September 2015) and arrived together with Cl. Joshua Pilaku from Nigeria to the THA Delegation of Cambodia last October 2015. At present is studying the Khmer language and doing his practical training in Sihanoukville community.
How did you sense that you had a missionary vocation? Why did you take this decision?
Earlier it was inspiration by meeting missionaries and watching Salesian mission documentaries that I sensed that I had a missionary vocation. However as discernment process began with my Rector I realized that this is gift from God. In moments of personal prayer I really felt do within me that God is calling me to be a missionary.
What does your family think of your missionary call?
Initially my family was unfamiliar with the term Salesian missionary. I had to introduce my family to this term through the help of my Parish priest who is a Salesian and also my Rector. Just like me my family too went through a discernment process and I too didn't want to take any decision in my discernment process without the consent of my family members. My family wrote to Father Provincial and expressed their willingness to support me in this call from God.
How did you accept your destination as missionary?
When I applied to the Rector Major, I mentioned that I'd like to work in any set up, preferentially in a poorer set up. I received my obedience to go to Cambodia on 12 June 2015, I was asked to write to the Provincial, that's what I did.
What problems awaited me, how was I prepared to tackle them?
Language was one issue that awaited me here. Coming to Cambodia was like coming to another Asian country. The only issue was that of the language. When I came to know I'm being sent to Cambodia, I began checking the internet about information on Cambodia and tired downloading conversation clips.
This choice needs courage, where did you get it from?
Courage is not the absence of fear. I was anxious and yes wondering how things will be here. Once I have put things in the hands of the Almighty, He held and continues to hold my hands. Initially I knew that I'm jumping, the day I realized I'm jumping into God's hand, He's the one to look after me and encourage me.
Is it worth giving your life for others in such a radical way?
I feel more than giving my life it's just sharing my life with those here in the missions of Cambodia makes me feel that I'm doing God's will. This is a challenge to be here - unfamiliar language, different culture, so many different things to learn. I feel happy to be here and in one way I can say is worth sharing my life which is God's gift to me.
The Salesians have been in Cambodia for 25 years, what does their presence mean to the people? Our presence has made a difference in the lives of the people. The academic, technical and vocational education that the Salesians impart has made a difference in the lives of the people. Many of our students can be seen employed in the society. You can bump into one past pupil at the market or at the airport. Many are employed in big companies and doing well in their lives.
What are the most urgent needs of your mission land?
The most urgent need of the missions in Cambodia is Education and through it Evangelization.
What would you think of the future of the Church in Cambodia?
I think that in the future the church in Cambodia will be more vibrant and dynamic, also blooming with local vocations. Salesians have had the credit to nurture the diocesean vocation of a Khmer priest, and presently we have 2 Salesian postnovices (who have been our students in Phonm Penn and Sihanoukville) doing their post novitiate in Thailand. There is also one pre novice from Sihanoukville studying at Thailand. One Novice and one pre novice both from Phonm Penh in Philippines.
Do you have a particular project at heart?
Cambodia is an open market for many foreign companies. I hope that many companies tie up with Don Bosco Technical school so that our students get absorbed in them on sooner they finish their studies.
Could you tell us about a day in your missionary life?
There were so many handouts I received in the orientation in Italy. The best one was that, "God is already there before me in the mission land and that I'm on holy ground and need to take off my sandals." For me it was a very touching experience to be taught Catholic prayers from a boy who is a Buddhist. The young person in the mission land became a missionary to me.
What are the challenges of the Salesian family in Cambodia?
The Salesain family in Cambodia is very young. The challenge for us Salesians is that we make the members of the Salesian family feel welcomed and have the concept that they are our collaborators in our interventions for the young. We don't have to call them to just help us when we fall short of man power, but as Salesians we have to animate them and make them an integral part of our work for the young.
What message would you like to leave for the Salesian family?
As missionaries we depend on your prayers.
