Indonesia Trips

Southern Vales has a history of Mission and Cultural Awareness trips. The first trip made by a group of staff and students was to Zambia in 1998. Following Zambia, a number of trips were made to the Pacific nation of Tonga. In 2008 and 2010 under the leadership of Deputy Principal, Sandra Scott, Indonesia trips were made and the intention is for these to continue every two years.

The primary purpose for students participating in trips of this kind is that they continue to be transformed by the renewing of their minds into the likeness of Christ. Their faith is strengthened and stretched, they grow in their global perspective, and they learn to depend on God’s provision in all circumstances.

In Indonesia, opportunities are presented for ministry and service. The focus of these trips is to continue building links with the Rumah Anugrah Orphanage and possibly a second orphanage in order to bless them with our immediate and ongoing support (James 1:27). We have also supported the students of Setia Bible College. As part of the 2010 trip, the team also visited the work of Compassion in Jakarta.

We want students to be ambassadors of goodwill and Christ’s love from Australia to Indonesia. We share in the life of an Indonesian Christian school, Sekolah Pelita Harapan, in order to build cross-cultural relationships and recognize the unity in Christ which we all share. We pray that God will give us more of a servant-heart and an attitude of generosity as we learn to recognize how rich we, as Australians and as heirs of the Father God, really are.

By participating in mission work in a non-western context, students may discover future opportunities for Christian service. Above all, they will see that God is indeed everywhere and He is with us even to the ends of the earth!

An important part of these ventures is the support team members can be given by their own churches and / or youth groups. We value the contributions churches have made and the support they have given to our students and we trust and pray that this kind of support and encouragement will continue.

Planning is well under way for the next trip which will take place in March 2012. We would value the prayers of the College community for the 2012 Indonesia Team as they make preparations to depart in March and while they are away.