Photo: canva.com/Shunyu Fan
I have travelled in the United States on several occasions but have never had the chance to visit Omaha during those travels due to limited time. When granted a sabbatical here, I decided to make reconnecting with the Columban US headquarters in Omaha a good part of my sabbatical year. While arranging my visit, I was invited to participate in donor visitation activities with donor relations officers, Angie Determan and Angela Bennett. Below is a short reflection on the experience.
I had initial reservations about participating in the visits because I wasn’t sure if my status (lay missionary, woman, Asian) would appeal to the donors. I suppose part of my reservation emanated from the “Asian hatred” that is much publicised in the US. But I have to admit that part of me was also excited at the opportunity to see places and “test the waters”, I welcomed the opportunity to connect and thank our donors in a personal way and share experiences/ stories of mission in Taiwan.
The visits were well coordinated and well planned. I appreciated the initial preparations done by Angela and Angie from making the appointments and making sure I had essential information regarding a particular donor to arranging sightseeing on the side.
The relationships that are formed and strengthened throughout the years between the Columbans and our donors are palpable. The depths of sharing by the donors are genuinely built on trust – this in itself is an indication of the importance of the work. I also observed the mutual and sincere relationship between the donors and our staff. I believe that “Columbanness” is a mutual ground to develop such a relationship.
Having experienced donor visitation, I now realise that being a lay missionary, a woman, and an Asian are not limitations. I realise that I underestimated the generosity of our donors, particularly their capacity to welcome a stranger like me. I felt welcomed and listened to and sensed our donors were interested in what I did. I felt affirmed in each of the visits. Indeed, I felt blessed to be able to connect and thank our donors in person! I believe our donors do appreciate the visits conducted over the years because they talked about the joy of being visited by a Columban missionary even if the visit occurred ages ago.
Benefactor visitation is a valuable activity that every Columban missionary (lay or ordained) must commit to doing. We missionaries are equipped with mission stories, and our generous and supportive donors deserve to hear those stories. I believe that sharing our mission stories is a recognition of their participation in mission. Benefactor visitation is a ministry. I am grateful to have been invited to be part of this ministry here in the US.
Columban lay missionary Beth Sabado from the Philippines, lives and works at the US/Mexio border.
Listen to "Reflection - A stranger welcomed"
Related links
- Read more from The Far East - January/February 2024
