From the forest to the heart: A journey of shared stewardship

It was my last evening, marking the end of my 10-day immersion program in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia. I was filled with mixed emotions—contentment, peace, and a quiet sense of fulfillment. As I looked back on my experience while writing in my journal, one word stood out to me: “shared.”

The Asia-Pacific Contextual Theological Engagement Program—an immersion with the Kadazan-Dusun Tribe—was a profound and eye-opening journey. It moved me both figuratively and literally, shaped by the spirit of a community deeply rooted in sharing. This value was evident in every encounter—with the Dusun tribe, the local NGO, and the local Catholic Church. All of them shared a common mission: to care for our common home. They openly shared their struggles, insights, and ways of addressing challenges like illegal mining, which poses a drastic threat to the community. Their collaborative efforts toward peace within their community and harmony with the natural environment were deeply inspiring.

Their commitment to dialogue and cooperation resonated with me and highlighted the importance of professionalism, teamwork, formation, and—above all—being Christ’s steward.

Through this experience, I began to see myself—and everyone I encountered—as instruments called to be faithful and committed stewards of God. The Indigenous spirituality and cosmology of the Dusun people, the dedication of the NGO and its volunteers, and the presence of our group composed of representatives from various Ateneo schools all deepened my awareness of God’s sacredness and goodness present everywhere, regardless of cultural background.

I came to rediscover the beauty of valuing the present—the people I was with, the forest, and the blessings provided to us. When we truly value things, nothing is wasted; everything contributes to our growth and well-being. I am deeply grateful to the Creator Spirit who led me to this sacred experience of shared life, breathing in the freshness of the forest and conversing with the locals.

This journey has ignited a deeper desire in me—a calling to collaborate, to share, and to live a life that magnifies God’s goodness. In doing so, I also feel strongly called to support Indigenous cultures and spiritualities that are inclusive and life-giving. They have taught me that we all come from the same Source and, thus, share the same roots—God. This truth aligns closely with Ignatian spirituality, which reminds us to find God in all things and invites us to become faithful environmental stewards of God's creation.