By Beth Sabado

When Beth Sabado moved to Hong Kong in 2012 as the Coordinator of the Columban Lay Missionary Central Leadership Team, she joined an ecumenical radio ministry recording some reflections for a radio program, which she continues to participate in up to present. This article will soon be broadcasted in Hong Kong this August 2018. Beth is currently the Coordinator of Columban Lay Mission–Philippines based in Cubao, Quezon City.

The author in Taiwan, 2011

When I was young, I had my life all planned. My childhood blue print included school graduations, finding a stable career, how much money to save, to own a house, buy cars, when to settle down, number of kids to raise with their possible names, where to reside, where to retire, what to do during retirement and a lot more dreams.

I had plans, but God had another plan and it was the best one. Making a decision to follow the “road less travelled” demanded that I let go of the blueprint. I believe that “God isn’t looking for people of great faith, but for individuals ready to follow Him”.

There’s a passage in the Bible that says, “O Lord, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I stand, you discern my thoughts from afar.”

My journey in the missions has led me to an awareness of and involvement with issues concerning justice, peace and integrity of creation. I have also come to appreciate religious and cultural differences. That required a complete head to heart conversion on how I saw God. Now I see God as a person present to all peoples and in all religions, not just associated with Church and Christians.

Beth (leftmost) with Columban missionaries, June 28, 2018

I firmly believe that our differences must not divide but unite us and therefore, must be celebrated. It is my hope that one day people call each other by name and not by labels of creed and race.

I see God as limitless, no boundaries, and a Being who is present to everyone, and in the midst of every group, regardless of tribe and tongue, people and nation.