Can you Introduce yourself?
My name’s Joseph Phạm Văn Thông. I’m thirtythree years old. I come from Vietnam. My destination is South Africa. I feel very much contented to begin my missionary life.
What inspired you to make this choice to become a missionary?
My missionary vocation comes from an invitation from God. I say so, because I feel Jesus Christ is saying to me every day: “Whom shall I send?” so choosing to be a missionary was a response to God's will. Especially, this is the path to holiness that God is calling me to follow, I think so.
Are you happy about the place where you are going? Have you any fears and inhibitions about the new place, culture and people?
I felt excited and very pleased to hear that I was going to South Africa. However, wherever I am what I am the worriest is the language. Because if you do not know the language, you will not be able to “touch” the people who you are sent to serve, even if you are sitting across from them.
In my opinion, “NO LANGUAGES NO MISSIONARIES VOCATION”.
How did your family members, friends and confreres react when you told them about your missinary vocation?
I still remember responses from many people when they heard about my decision to be an evangelizer. Some encouranged me, but many others frankly said to me: “Go, and then you will come back after a few years. You are eagle to make it now because you have not got a chance to get out of the country. Once you get it, you’ll be disillusioned soon”.
What are your plans and dreams about your missionary life?
The first, I need one year to study English. And in the future, I think nobody knows that what will be happening. However, if I could ask for something, I wish to die in the land where I am being sent to (South Africa). At that time, I want my tombstone to be engraved with my name along with these words: “This is a shepherd who lived with love for his brothers and prayed a lot for the people; laid down his life for South African, as a faithful disciple of Christ”. If God wants, I hope it to become true.
Have you in mind any model of some great missionaries whose style and life you want to follow?
I want to become a missionary like St. Paul who’s a great missionary in my heart.
What is your message for young people about missionary choice and vocation?
I have just wanted to tell young people that there is a God who always loves them. That's what they have to know and have to response.
