Sisters' Stories
Interview
with Sister Josephine (Ayub) - a member of the Sisters' Outreach Programme in Sargodha, Pakistan
An opener for anyone who might not know you: Tell us your name and what you do.
I am Sr. Josephine Ayub working in St. John of God Sisters Outreach Programme in Sargodha, Pakistan.
The Sisters of St. John of God have defined themselves as being Apostolic. In other words, ministry is an essential part of your life. There seems to be a diversity of ministries now and lifestyles which support them. Where is your ministry and lifestyle reflected in the sisters' corporate vision or mission?
I think myself, that my community and the people with whom I minister are reflections of our Vision.
What is the most life-giving aspect of what you do - your ministry?
In my ministry I think every small event - a touch, being with, a word, a smile and the way we see others - is a life-giving aspect.
What is the biggest challenge?
My biggest challenge is to live in the community
Mobility is an aspect of apostolic life. Where do you live at present?
At the present I am among people and beside them in my own inner journey with joys, suffering, disappointment, struggle and God's power
What do you like best about living there?
Respecting the people being with them; living as they live and treating them as human beings.
What do you like least?
I don't like to put human beings down.
Along with other changes many sisters have developed a vibrant spirituality. What has been the most significant change in your spiritual practice in the past few years?
I have no word to express what I get from my spiritual practice. No doubt life is full of miracles and it takes place where ever God's power, strength and presence is.
How does your spiritual life affect your ministry?
My ministry is paralyzed without my spiritual life. Spirit is my companion, love and it gives me light to see Jesus among people.
How does your community life affect your spirituality?
My community life affects very much my spirituality. If community life is disturbed, spirituality will be affected and we go in to many pieces. Then either I am healed or left broken.
If you had a magic wand and power to change anything, what would you like to change about the way the Sisters are now?
I wish if I could do it. Then I would have brought understanding and peace in every and each heart.
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