I ett antal inlägg framöver presenterar årets internationella deltagare i Ung i den världsvida kyrkan sig själva. De är i Sverige under mars till maj. Här möter ni John Brickxler Torres Banal från Filippinerna som har haft sin första församlingsperiod i Örebro.
Hej allihopa! Mabuhay!
They say life is like a blank canvas, just waiting to be painted and filled with color, and honestly, I couldn’t agree more! So come along with me as I explore the things that will bring more color to my life and to my Christian faith.
My background
I’m John Brickxler Torres Banal, a proud Filipino and a member of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente. It is an independent catholic church in the Philippines. I’m 23 years old and part of the YIFI organization. I come from a humble parish—San Juan de Sahagun in Lubao, Pampanga—under the Diocese of Rizal and Pampanga located in Central Luzon.
I’ve always had a love for mathematics, which led me to earn a degree in statistics. Right now, I’m working at the Central Office of our church particularly in the Program Office Department. Through my work, I’m able to share what I know and what I can do, while continuing to grow in my desire to serve God and his people. I also enjoy being around others and having meaningful conversations. Especially about social issues that I believe are important for communities to talk about. These discussions help me learn more, expand my perspective, and deepen my connection with God and his mission.
In the Philippines, poverty and suffering persist, especially in communities on the margins.
Ever since, I have known that there has been a desire in my heart to become a leader and to serve, especially my fellow youth. In the Philippines, poverty and suffering persist, especially in communities on the margins. I believe a strong force is needed to bring about change and development. I want to learn and deepen my understanding of society and faith in order to help and raise awareness among people, especially the youth who hold the future.
Through serving in the church, I know that this can greatly contribute to bringing about progress.
Through serving in the church, I know that this can greatly contribute to bringing about progress. I believe that the yoThrough serving in the church, I know that this can greatly contribute to bringing about progress.uth have great potential to be a voice and to take steps toward the change we aspire for. I also believe that there is hope in the youth—they simply need strong guidance and care, to be empowered and encouraged, and to learn how to speak up and struggle for a more progressive future. That is why I am deeply grateful and truly joyful because by God’s grace and blessing, I’m now here in Sweden through “Young in the Worldwide Church”. For three months, my companions and I will be living with and learning from the Swedish people especially through the Church of Sweden about the culture, spirituality, sense of community and society.
This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and I just know that everything I experience here will teach me so much
Learning through experience
I am so excited to discover new things, gain new experiences, be able to view perspectives in different ways, and grow even deeper in my faith during this meaningful journey. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and I just know that everything I experience here will teach me so much—not just for myself, but also for the young Aglipayans back home who are waiting to hear my stories and also learn from what I’ll share. I know everything won’t always be easy, but I’m sure it will be filled with color. With your prayers, and with God’s guidance, I will do my best to make this journey here in Sweden joyful, fruitful, and truly meaningful.
Tack så mycket, Maraming salamat!
– John Brickxler Torres Banal