Introduce yourself

I am Br. Isaac Ofoyrwoth, a Salesian of Don Bosco from the Africa of the Great Lakes Province (AGL). I come from northern Uganda, a land deeply touched by the zeal of the Comboni Missionaries. I made my first profession in Kigali, Rwanda, on 15 August 2022, and I am now being sent to PGS Vice Province (Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands) specifically Vanuatu, where the Salesians will open a new presence this year.

What inspired you to make this choice to become a missionary?

It is important to note that we don't have Salesians in my home region ( we have majorly the Comboni missionaries and the Franciscans ) so I grew up seeing the example of the Comboni Missionaries who left their homeland to bring faith and education to our people. Their generosity, humility, and closeness to the poor touched me deeply. I always felt that nothing in life could truly satisfy me except giving myself totally to God. The desire to live something intense, radical, and permanent kept growing in me. I realized that the only way I can pursue this satisfaction is by becoming a consecrated and above all abandon my life completely in the hands of Jesus as missionary. For me, the missionary vocation is not about doing great things but about allowing the Lord to use me for His people wherever He wills.

Are you happy about the place where you are going? Have you any fears and inhibitions about the new place, culture and people?

Yes, I am very happy about my missionary destination. Going to Vanuatu, where the Salesians will begin a new presence, fills me with both excitement and humility. Of course, I have some natural fears — a new culture, language, and people are always a challenge — but I believe that God’s grace is always greater than my limitations. My joy comes from being part of something new that will bring Christ to young people who may be meeting the Salesians for the first time.

How did your family members, friends and confreres react when you told them about your missionary vocation?

Some of my family members were surprised and a little sad when I told them that I would go far away, probably forever, except for short visits. Yet they accepted my decision with faith and love. My friends and confreres had mixed reactions: some admired the choice, others found it difficult to understand but deep inside I felt peace and freedom after saying yes to God's call. Decisions are often painful, but once I make them in faith, I always feel deeply happy.

What are your plans and dreams about your missionary life?

My dream is simple: to become a saint and help others become saints. That is why, I want to be fully available to Jesus by serving the young, the poor, and the forgotten with the joy of Don Bosco. I dream of a missionary life rooted in prayer, joy, and closeness to people, where holiness is lived in small, daily gestures of love. Especially to be an instrument of God’s tenderness and mercy among His people.

Have you in mind any model of some great missionaries whose style and life you want to follow?

Yes, Saint Paul who could not rest as long as there were still souls to save.  I also look up to St. John Bosco and the first Salesian missionaries who carried his spirit across the world with joy and creativity. I pray to live that same zeal and simplicity. Finally, I am also very inspired by St. Daniel Comboni, he has always been my hero in faith. His love for Africa and his courage to cross boundaries continue to inspire me. His spirit of self-giving and his desire to "save Africa with Africa" shaped my way of seeing mission.

How do you feel about the experience you are going through now doing the missionary course (Corso Germoglio) and being part of this 156th missionary expedition?

Being part of the 150th anniversary of the Salesian Missionary Expedition is a grace I can hardly describe. The missionary course is opening my eyes and heart to the universality of our vocation. Living and learning together with confreres from many countries makes me feel part of a great family. I see this as a moment of preparation, purification, and deep gratitude. A time to let God shape my missionary heart, a school of love where I am learning to trust more in God than in myself.

What is your message for young people about missionary choice and vocation?

To young people, I would say: do not be afraid to follow the call of God. His will is not always crystal clear, but He guides us step by step through our desires, situations, and prayer. What matters most is to trust and to be generous with your life. If you give yourself to God, He will use you for something far greater than you could ever plan. True happiness comes from saying “yes” to His call. The world is waiting for hearts on fire, people who dare to love without limits. If you give your life to God, you won’t lose anything, you will gain everything. Let your life become a mission of love.

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