Kirsten Sloan, a Lay Marist from New Zealand, renewed her commitment to the Marist Association of Mary recently at Ranong.
As a qualified Nurse and with extensive experience in serving overseas among those most in need, Kirsten arrived as a Marist lay missionary in Ranong in 2013.
Kirsten manages the Marist Mission Ranong HIV-AIDS project supporting many Burmese migrants living with HIV-AIDS.
The whole Marist Mission Ranong team and the Burmese Migrant Community benefit from Kirsten’s knowledge experience and great compassion.
Kirsten shared how “making a commitment to live as a lay Marist is saying Yes to grow in the love of Christ with Mary as my mother, my guide. It is Mary who encourages me, nudges me, gives me courage to step out.”
Kirsten acknowledged that living as a lay Marist is a daily challenge but also a beautiful joy. “As I learn to grow in faith with Mary I also hope that I take on her spirit of gentleness, patience, and bring present to others.”
“Ultimately I learn to think, judge and act like Mary my mother and first disciple. What a wonderful guide for me to have and journey to be on for life.”
The Marist Project in Ranong benefits greatly from the witness and contribution of lay missionaries from around the world willing to serve in the spirit of Mary. The Marist Community seeks to provide opportunities for reflection and teaching of the Marist spirit with volunteers as part of their experience working with Marist Mission Ranong Project.