In So Many Words
After I finished my term as Columban Lay Mission Coordinator in Britain, I asked God: “What do you want me to do next, Lord? Which former ministry would you like me to go back to?” When I said yes to the leadership ministry, I left behind outreach ministries that I truly loved.
God made me realize His response was different. He spoke wisdom into my heart, instructing me to find something new. This guidance grew stronger as the days went by.
Suddenly, I remembered this Bible verse: “I am beginning something new, do you not perceive it?” from Isaiah 43:19. God is indeed a God of new beginnings, leading me to a new ministry called Community Research. I felt incredibly happy and excited when I was invited to join the Community Research Team, which was organized by the Baobab Women’s Project and the University of Birmingham in 2024.
As a Columban lay missionary assigned to Birmingham since 2010, serving for many years in various charities that assist migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers, I have become aware of their issues and struggles. I always pray for them and their concerns. But as we journey together, a question keeps coming back in my heart: “What else could be done to help improve their lives for the better?”
Part of the answers came through my involvement in Community Research.
I gained practical research experience at the University of Birmingham and the Baobab Women’s Project. This provided me with another chance to contribute positively — by recording real-life stories of migrants behind the numbers, including their struggles, concerns, and pleas, while keeping their identities confidential.
God made me realize His response was different. He spoke wisdom into my heart, instructing me to find something new.
Community Research enables me to share my knowledge and insights with students pursuing Master’s degrees in Migration Studies about the challenges faced by migrant communities. As a team and in consultation with the people involved, we regularly suggest suitable solutions and advocate for policy changes to enhance lives.
I am now fourteen years into my mission, and I will finish my term on April 1, 2026. God is calling me to another new beginning with my fiancé Kush, to build our life together for the long-term future.
The Columbans have been God’s key instruments in many of these new beginnings. My heart is filled with gratitude for the years I have served as a Columban lay missionary and for the lessons I’ve learned along the way, which will guide me in the next stage of my life. Kush and I are very grateful.
I will always feel connected to the Columbans in spirit because their values and priorities in mission will stay close to my heart. The Columbans will remain like family to me, as I have grown with them here in Britain during my service.
As our Regional Director, Fr. John Boles, mentioned in his reply to the letter I wrote to him: “Be assured that, beyond April 2026, you will always have a place in our hearts and be regarded as a cherished member of the extended – if no longer immediate—Columban family.” That message really touched my heart. I realized that the end of my term doesn’t mean goodbye, but a new way of relating.
You are indeed, God of new beginnings!
Gertrudes Samson will end her term as a Columban lay missionary in April 2026.
