Crossing hills to join SYD, Marcellinus Michael (top) and Eddyka Likimin (below)
By Linda Edward
July 23 2021
BECAUSE of the lack of internet access in their home area, youths are willing to cross the hill to get more satisfactory internet access in order to follow Sabah Youth Day 5 virtually.
There are still rural areas in Sabah that do not have internet access and restrict spiritual activities virtually, let alone in this pandemic season that does not allow physical gatherings.
Eddyka Likimin, 32, hails from Bundu Tuhan, but now lives in Kg Monggis Ranau, walked half a kilometer every day up the hill just to get satisfactory internet access to follow the SYD5 program.
“Now I cultivate land in Kg Monggis Ranau. Kg Monggis is the last village in the Ranau district if you follow the Ranau-Kota Marudu road.
“Regarding the internet, it is a little difficult, there is network access but only a regular line, you can only make regular calls and do messaging. So if we want to find a stronger internet line, we have to go uphill.
Eddyka, or his nickname Geedyz, says every day he prepares in advance to participate in SYD.
“I start walking from home at 4.00 pm so that I can prepare early at my SYD location. I climbed a hill about half a kilometer away from my house to get to the location. I joined SYD under a tree as what I have posted in my Facebook account.
His pet dog is his companion during V-SYD5 sessions
“Just my dogs accompanied me. When it comes to food, I brought crackers and drinking water only because before the trip I had eaten at home. In this way it is no longer a hassle to bring food later during SYD.
“Power banks must be brought because in case my mobile phone charge has run out due to many hours on the internet. I also brought along a machete in case there is a snake. Mosquito repellent and matches are also necessary items to be brought,” said Geedyz jokingly.
V-SYD5 location for Geedyz
This is the fourth time Geedyz is following SYD, he shares his experience.
“I have been following SYD since SYD2 held at St Peter Claver Ranau. The atmosphere of SYD this time was different because it was held virtually. I want to feel the difference.
“Spiritually, every church activity is oil for our lamp supply. I remembered the parable of the five wise women and the five foolish women… I asked, why can’t the wise give oil to the foolish?
“I strongly believe that whatever the church activity is, it is our chance to get the oil.
“The experience that we went through we cannot give physically but we can only tell and describe. That is what really encouraged me to follow SYD this time,” said Geedyz.
Geedyz said the ‘Heart to Heart’ session had inspired him to practice “seriousness, responsibility, courage to be honest with God, diligent prayer in any situation because God is present at all times.”
After the completion of the virtual SYD5, Geedyz expressed his hope, “I will continue to live the Catholic faith because there are many challenges today that are trying to bring down the faith of Catholic youths.
“Living in the Catholic faith can inspire the youth out there many of whom are indifferent to their own faith. I also want to continue to hold on to the words by my own sister “even though you are poor in wealth, don’t be poor in faith”, said Geedyz.
Marcellinus Michael, 17, is a student of SMK Membakut, from St Joseph Papar parish and lives in Kg Ulu Lumagar Bongawan. This was the first time he followed SYD and he had to cross three hills for satisfactory internet access in order to follow the program.
Marcellinus made a camp as his location for V-SYD5
“My village is located at the farthest (end), the roads here are okay and some are not. There is no internet access because my house is at the bottom of a hill.
“I really want to follow SYD because only this year I am able to follow, therefore I don’t want to miss the opportunity, even though it is held virtually,” said Marcellinus or his nickname, Montol.
About preparation for SYD, Montol shared.
“I walked an hour earlier from home before the session began. My location is on a hill, in the middle of a rubber plantation. I need to go up the hill three times to get to a strong internet line.
“I made a small camp using canvas for my shelter in case it rains, but if the wind is strong, it is not strong enough as this camp has no walls.
Interestingly, Montol’s mother is very supportive of his participation in this virtual SYD5.
Marcellinus’ mother accompanied him throughout V-SYD5 program
“Every day my mother will accompany me on this hill. When it comes to food, I eat beforehand from home. I also brought snacks. When I got to the hill, I lit a fire so that there are no mosquitoes because my area here has a lot of mosquitoes.
“Since SYD this year is held virtually and this is the first time I joined, I know I’m not the only one with internet line problems. Apart from my determination to follow SYD, I also admire the efforts of other teams to find the internet line to fulfill their responsibilities as SYD participants, even though it is only held virtually. Besides that my main inspiration is that I want to know more and strengthen my faith, to be closer to the Lord Jesus.
“Whatever happens as we are experiencing now, the COVID-19 pandemic that has hit the whole world, where all places of worship are out of operation and churches are closed, I hope the youth, including me, remain steadfast in the faith and in the ministry as a Catholic, and do not forget our responsibility as a Catholic Christian,” Montol said.
