Can you introduce yourself?
My name is Andre Delimarta, I am from Indonesia (INA) and I am destined to work as a missionary in Malaysia.
What inspired you to make this choice to become a missionary?
I grew up with Salesians. Since my initial formation loving-kindness, hard work, commitment and the spirit of sacrifice of Salesian missionaries have had a great impact on me. It was they who taught me Don Bosco, introduced me to the Congregation and made me fall in love with them. This has become the reason for my missionary vocation: love for Don Bosco and for the Congregation. If the Congregation needs missionaries, then I want to say: “Here I am! I'll go!”
Are you happy with where you are going? Do you have any fears or concerns about your destination, culture and people?
I was assigned to the Archdiocese of Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia, which is part of the Province of the Northern Philippines (FIN). Malaysia is close to Indonesia, we have a very similar culture and language. That is why I am sure that I will be able to adapt to the life and culture of the local population.
How did your family, friends, and confreres react when you told them about missionary life?
When I decided to respond to the call or invitation to become a missionary, many friends, including my confreres, were surprised. Those who rarely texted me, suddenly started texting me with a lot of questions. I needed to answer them one by one. My only concern was my mother, because of her advanced age, and I was a little hesitant, thinking not to tell her immediately. But as usual she had no objection when I told her I would be working in Malaysia. She had gladly entrusted me to the Congregation a long time ago. One important thing she always tells me is that I have to take care of my health. And as long as I'm happy, she's happy.
What are your plans and dreams for missionary life?
The plans and dreams of my missionary life are very simple. I was inspired by the missionaries I knew and I want my missionary life to be like theirs, living my missionary life until death as a faithful, loving and obedient son of Don Bosco.
Do you have some great missionary role models in mind whose lifestyle you would like to follow?
Whenever I reflect on my missionary life, the following figures come to mind: Fr Alfonso Nacher, Fr Jose Carbonell, Deacon Baltasar Pires and Fr Jose Kusy, who died as faithful, loving and obedient sons of Don Bosco.
What is your message to young people about missionary choice and vocation?
The Congregation always needs missionaries who work in many parts of the world, bringing hope and salvation above all to young people. Living the Salesian life as a missionary can be a wonderful and once-in-a-lifetime experience. There is no need to be afraid to become a missionary, as long as there is love for God and for Don Bosco: these two elements will allow you to live the missionary life in a happy and fruitful way. Be missionaries! Look elsewhere in the world and experience God: He will work miracles through you.
