Missions ¢ David Chan is the MMS Country Director of Timor-Leste and the Principal of St Paul Methodist School (Timor-Leste). / Photos courtesy of David Chan
By His grace, grow in L.O.V.E.
G
rowing in love is expected of those who have experienced the grace of God in their life. The students of St Paul Methodist School (SPMS) have
not been an exception, for the grace of God has abounded upon each of them in many ways, especially amidst the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. As love should be shown not only with words but with actions and in truth (1 John 3:18), the school embarked on SPMS L.O.V.E. Projects 2020, in the hope of growing the students in Leadership, Obedience, Vision and Excellence.
Growing in Leadership: Dignity Project SPMS’ Dignity Project was conducted in partnership with Liman Hamutuk, a rehabilitation centre for the disabled started by a Brazilian missionary Pastor Branca. The project saw the students planning and running three days of activities for participants who are wheelchairbound, with Down’s Syndrome, are mute or have other disabilities. Choosing suitable activities to involve these individuals required the students to be sensitive to their needs and abilities.
This is L .O.V.E.! To LEAD is to serve the needs of people.
Growing in Obedience: Garden Project The Garden Project took the students to a farm about a 20-minute drive away from the school. Under the hot afternoon sun, the students were put to work on the farmland. For three days, they pulled out weeds, tilled the ground and planted kangkong seeds and dragon fruit seeds. The toughest job of all was erecting stone structures to grow the dragon fruit. Listening to and following the instructions of the four resident farmers in preparing the ground and not being able to enjoy the “fruit” of their labour taught the students to persevere in obedience in doing good to others.
This is L. O .V.E.! To OBEY is to do good to others without expecting any return.
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METHODIST MESSAGE April 2021
