Work was already in progress the day before the outreach. Our team kept a tight watch for new developments as calls were made behind-the-scenes, arranging the rendezvous time and location. Downstairs, our vehicle was being prepared, ensuring its readiness for mission as our cautious contact revealed menial information of road conditions and access. Road or jungle trail, we don’t know; we had to be prepared for the worst conditions.
It was going to be our first time visiting the secret settlement of the refugees. The location is kept under tight secrecy. Many have fled the persecution and avoided capture, and now live in fear in tiny communities in jungles, villages, even towns, integrating with the local community.
We rolled into action in the wee hours of the morning, loading reliefs and confirming the access route to the rendezvous point. A final meteorological data check, a quick, silent word of prayer and we were on our way.
At the rendezvous point, a frenzy of calls ensued. On the other end of the line was the leader of the community pockets who were too afraid to come out. Our conversation was interrupted as our contact got alarmed by something he saw and told us, “It’s not safe here, we need to move. I’ll bring you in.” We jumped into our vehicle and followed his motorcycle through villages and dirt roads, coming to a point where our vehicle couldn’t go any further.
Stepping out, we saw only a bamboo shed. There was not a family in sight; there was nothing at all. Something didn’t seem right — could our contact be trusted? We took a few steps ahead and saw a small head pop out from nowhere, observing us intently. 2 more heads popped up in the distance. Slowly, these suspicious ones started to come forward. They were little children. And there was a fearful innocence in their eyes.
We managed to speak to the small pocket of refugees living in the area and they told us that if we had not supported them with rice, they would have had to survive on foraged roots, boiled and eaten as a staple. The children were malnourished and did not attend school for fear they would be found out. The families could not afford basic hygiene items like soap and toothpaste and one of the ladies was in poor health.
Within a prompt couple of hours, we provided medical reliefs, food, as well as hygiene supplies to the small community of 10. Staying any longer would put the family at further risk.
We prayed with them before taking our leave. It was an emotional moment bidding goodbye to the little ones after witnessing their suffering firsthand and seeing the fear in their eyes.
With more community pockets scattered across the region, there are more to lives to reach and touch. But we are unable to do so without your support. To know more about how you can support, email minwei@radion-international.org.
