I’ve been involved in the Navigator College Service-Learning Experience in Indonesia for many years now, and I continue to be amazed by what God reveals to us through our time there. This year, I was privileged to take 15 Year 11 students and four staff to visit and serve at our sister school, SMA GKPS […]

I’ve been involved in the Navigator College Service-Learning Experience in Indonesia for many years now, and I continue to be amazed by what God reveals to us through our time there.

This year, I was privileged to take 15 Year 11 students and four staff to visit and serve at our sister school, SMA GKPS 1 in Pematang Raya, North Sumatra, Indonesia. It was one of the largest groups to visit in recent years. Our theme for this year was Together in Unity, based on Psalm 133:1: “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!” This theme is also reflected in the Simalungun pattern Pinar Suleppat, which we included on our group shirts and which depicts harmony and unity.

In addition to our students and staff, we were blessed to share the experience with Crossways Lutheran College, Ceduna. For their first Year 11 cohort, the visit provided an opportunity to experience the partnership firsthand and explore the possibility of developing a relationship with a school in Indonesia. We pray for God’s blessing and discernment as they consider the best path forward.

One of the reminders we share with students throughout the experience is “People, not (necessarily) Places.” While there are many wonderful places to visit, our primary focus is on building relationships, meaningful connections and a shared sense of community.

When the students returned home and were asked to select photographs that captured the highlights of the experience, they didn’t choose photos of waterfalls, elephants, monkeys or tourist attractions. Instead, they chose photos of classrooms, conversations, shared meals, worship and friendships. Their highlights were the connections they had made and the people they had come to know.

That focus on relationships isn’t accidental. Service-learning is about more than completing a task or providing a service. Students are encouraged to reflect on what they’ve experienced, consider what they’re learning from those around them, and explore how these encounters might shape their understanding of faith, community and the world around them. Reflection begins before departure, continues throughout the visit, and carries on after students return home as they share stories, revisit memories, and consider what God has taught them through the people they’ve met.

During their time at SMA GKPS 1 Pematang Raya, students contribute in various ways, including facilitating English language practice, engaging in conversations and assisting with pronunciation and grammar. Although students arrive with opportunities to share their own skills and experiences, they often return having learned just as much from their Indonesian friends about faith, community, hospitality, culture and the importance of living and learning alongside one another.

As one student reflected: “You go on this trip believing you’re teaching them, but truly, they teach you.” – Cyan Davies

Our partnership has been flourishing since 2013, and we thank God for the many blessings He has brought to both communities through this relationship. Yet the story of this partnership isn’t really about destinations or activities. It’s about the relationships God continues to build between students, staff, schools and communities. Through these relationships, we’re reminded of the connections that can unite us across different countries and cultures, and of the importance of understanding, respecting and learning from one another.

One student’s reflection captured this beautifully: “The Indonesian trip was worth the wait. It was such a great experience, and I learnt more about myself and how to serve others. I loved it so much that I’m jealous I can’t go again! I kept thinking about our theme, ‘People, not (necessarily) Places,’ and then I wondered: What if the people make the place? I know I wouldn’t have enjoyed the experience nearly as much without the supportive and caring people around me, and without meeting so many amazing new people. I miss them all so much.” – Briley Green

We thank God for the partnership between Navigator College and SMA GKPS 1 Pematang Raya, and pray that He will continue to guide, strengthen and bless both communities for many years to come.

Schools interested in connecting with the mission of God through an LCA International Mission service-learning and ministry partnership are invited to phone Erin on 0447 354 122 or email erin.kerber@lca.org.au. For more information, visit www.lcamission.org.au/join-gods-mission/service-learning/

Read more stories about school partnerships and school service-learning at www.lcamission.org.au/category/stories/local-partners/schools/