Meet the

Current SLMs

Photo of Marge Baldenweck Marge Baldenweck Poipet, Cambodia
Hometown Westbrook ME College University of Santa Clara Mission Site Don Bosco Poipet Poipet Cambodia

Why have you joined the Salesian Lay Missioner program and/or what do you hope to accomplish thru your SLM mission?
To demonstrate Christian values by helping other people to improve their lot in life.

What do you expect to do on mission?
Teach English

Photo of Tin Bui Tin Bui Dalat, Vietnam
Hometown Richmond VA College University of Notre Dame Mission Site Don Bosco Dalat Dalat Vietnam

Why did you choose to serve?
I serve because it gives me life and purpose. Since I was young, I have always yearned to help others, not just on weekends, but as a full-time career. However, my rationality prevented me from pursuing this lifestyle, and it led me to walk down a path of security but one void of meaning. This resulted in me facing a spiritual/mental “dark night” of my own. It was during this time that I made the decision to put everything on pause and pursue the lifestyle that I have always wanted: a life of service to others. So far the experience has been transformative and life-giving, so I figured: why stop?

What does ‘missioner’ mean to you?
To me, being a ‘missioner’ is being someone who reflects the love of Christ to those around them so that the lives of those I touch may come to know and love Christ. A ‘missioner’ embodies the spirit of compassionate service done with humility such that love is the source and the destination.

Photo of Genaro Cantu Genaro Cantu Colima, Mexico
Hometown Fort Worth TX College Texas A M Mission Site Casa Hogar Colimense Colima Mexico

Why have you joined the Salesian Lay Missioner program and/or what do you hope to accomplish thru your SLM mission?
The Salesians appealed to me because of their love for youth programs and helping children from a small age to encounter Christ. I love what St. John Bosco stood for during his life, and what he still stands for today. As a missionary I hope to contribute by being a light for these kids in need. Mary Help of Christians, pray for us on mission!

What do you expect to do on mission?
I look forward to simply serving my neighbor, and trusting God’s plan through it all! Whether I’m involved in educating youth, Catechism classes, or just being present with the kids at the Casa Hogar – anything that helps bring about God’s kingdom on earth. And I expect the Eucharist will taste just as great in Colima as everywhere!

Photo of Jocelyn Escudero Jocelyn Escudero Poipet, Cambodia
Hometown Portland OR College University of the Philippines Mission Site Don Bosco Poipet Poipet Cambodia

Why have you joined the Salesian Lay Missioner program and/or what do you hope to accomplish thru your SLM mission?
I want to offer my skillset back to God.

Photo of Benigno Monteverde Benigno Monteverde Dili, Timor Leste
Hometown Long Beach CA College Cal State Long Beach Mission Site Don Bosco CENTEC Dili Timor Leste

Why have you joined the Salesian Lay Missioner program and/or what do you hope to accomplish thru your SLM mission?
Discern God’s call for religious life or missionary life ; Help the poor get out of poverty via education

What do you expect to do on mission?
Teaching English

Photo of Jerry Pederson Jerry Pederson Tampa, FL
Hometown Ocean City MD College University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Mission Site Mary Help of Christians Center

Why have you joined the Salesian Lay Missioner program and/or what do you hope to accomplish thru your SLM mission?
To serve in whatever manner requested!

What do you expect to do on mission?
Serve in whatever manner is requested!

Photo of David Ramirez David Ramirez Colima, Mexico
Hometown Stony Point NY College Princeton University Mission Site Casa Hogar Colimense Colima Mexico

Why have you joined the Salesian Lay Missioner program and/or what do you hope to accomplish thru your SLM mission?
I want to serve with and be formed by Salesians before I enter the medical field. I want to gain Spanish fluency in order to better serve Spanish speaking patients. I want to develop a Salesian spirituality that I can bring into my career.

What do you expect to do on mission?
Teach classes, run camps, be available to the Salesian community

Are you ready to begin the journey?

Take your first step in answering God's call to serve!

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