Family in mission: See the young Gabrielle Gomes’ testimony, fourth daughter from a family of 10 children, who let everything behind on their native land to go in mission!
“I prefer a Church which is bruised, hurting and dirty because it has been out on the streets, rather than a Church which is unhealthy from being confined and from clinging to its own security” (Pope Francis)
My name is Gabrielle, I am 17 years old, I am from Brasilia and I live a life out of the ordinary. Some people think it is something incredible, others think it is crazy, but to me it is happiness.
My parents are consecrated of Shalom Community as Covenant Community, my two big sisters are members of Life Community, I am postulant of Covenant Community, and my seven other brothers participate in the activities and commitments of Shalom. Yes, we are numerous! And I did not mentioned that I have a brother in Heaven. We have been called by God to let everything we have behind to go to another land, an unknown one, in order to, there, love God through the ones He would put on our way.
It was at that time that I could see the measure of God’s love for me, for my family and the measure of the love my parents have for God. To love to the point of leaving their elderly parents, their jobs, house, brothers of Community, friends, fears, insecurities and taking the plunge into the novelty of entrusting everything to The One who knows us more than anybody, to dare, to love.
All this movement created in me a process of maturation that I cannot yet explain by nothing but the mission! This maturation which made me see that there are people who are waiting for me, for my Yes, there are realities and hearts that God chooses to touch only through my life; there an emergency of the Merciful Heart to arrive to the poors, the smallest, who do not know Him, and I, even in my young age, can do something, I can help, I can give an answer of love, I can get beyond my comfort, even without having many knowledge, skills or anything.
“But Gabrielle, this is because of the way you have been raised”. No it is not! The context which I have been put in can help, but does not determine anything. The difference is the entire life offering.
Parents, do not be afraid of what can happen or what could be generated in the hearts of your children. Children, do not be afraid to swim against the stream, to get out of your couch and to venture into the “not having anything to give everything”. God calls us, the Church needs and the humanity is waiting for us. Let us run into the loving hands of the Father, without measuring or counting.
Shalom!
Gabrielle Gomes
