True Knowledge | Faith in Christ | Godly Character
22nd Edition/2012
contents Editorial Team PUBLISHER Yayasan Pendidikan Pelita Harapan ADVISORS Brian Cox
22nd Edition/2012 3 Redemptive Restoration By Brian Cox 4 What is a Biblical Christian Worldview and how does it relate to Administration By Hana Herawati
MANAGING DIRECTOR Hana Herawati EDITORS Maureen Cox, Anita Purwanti, Budi Alto, Nancy Indriyati GRAPHIC DESIGNER Iwan Werlin PHOTOGRAPHERS Hariyanto, Simon, Clifford, Andreas, Dody, Melissa
5 Responding to God's Call By Connie Rasilim 8 Business and Worldview By Nathaniel Gray Sutanto 11 New and Renewed: Thoughts on the Professional Development at Kemang By Deborah Wagler 14 Brian Doerksen comes to Jakarta By Susan Nickel 16 Shop and Serve at SPH International Lippo Village Christmas Bazaar By Ika Karkam
Address 2500 Bulevar Palem Raya, Lippo Village Tangerang 15811, Banten Phone: (021) 546 0233-34, Fax: (021) 546 9663 www.sph.edu
17 Redemptive Democracy By Elisabeth Ho 18 Pelita Harapan House Christmas: Further than the eye can see By Dekyawan 20 Celebrating Indonesian Day By Yuda Putri
COVER : (L-R) Abel, Raga, Michella, Glenys, Josha, Evannia, Andrea, Sofie, Lorenzo LOCATION
: SPH International Lippo Village
PHOTOGRAPHER : Hariyanto
Cultural Performance (February 20th, 2012)
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Redemptive Restoration A
S we are then motivated by Jesus Christ we are able to live redemptive lives by bringing His goodness and hope into the lives and circumstances of others as we intentionally and compassionately live together.
Brian Cox
Head of School SPH International Lippo Village and Coordinator of Pelita Harapan International Schools
As disciples of Jesus Christ we are called to live our lives redemptively. Our starting point must be to know the truth that God, the Father, has created all things. We then need to know that our nature is to seek to trivialize God by the elevation of ourselves. But God has provided a Savior, the only One who can redeem us from our delusion, self-centeredness, guilt and shame. Redemptive living requires full dependence upon the Redeemer.
Many of our articles in this edition of Light relate to how some of this redemptive living might look. Let me recount a couple of situations of living redemptively that relate to a previous school community. As part of understanding the responsibility of the Body of Christ to the wider community we would have our students invite community leaders to our school for lunch. Students would prepare invitations; create menus, organize room and table decorations; as well as cook and serve a delightful meal. The purpose was to honor, respect and pray for leaders. Whenever we did this, leaders would react cautiously at first, believing that we were only being hospitable because we wanted something from them. As they realized our purpose was simply to honor and value them as community leaders, they were often quite emotionally affected. It is sad to think that such leaders do not normally get much encouragement. We especially enjoyed inviting politicians to be our honored guests. One such person was actually a minister in the Australian government. Over time, he and our students formed quite a deep relationship. Sadly, this minister suffered a severe heart attack whilst in Parliament House. He was
hospitalized and underwent major heart surgery. Many of our students spontaneously wrote cards and letters to him and we sent them to the hospital. A couple of months later, during his period of recovery, he visited our school and emotionally thanked our students for their sincere prayers and good wishes. About a year after this; during the national election, the minister failed to regain his parliamentary position. He therefore decided to retire from political life. About two months later, I received a phone call from the ex-minister to tell me that he was cleaning out his office and had discovered a box containing all the letters and cards from our students. He wanted me to know that he would be shredding most of the correspondence from his office, but would be saving all of the letters and cards from our students because of the wonderful reminders of love, care, concern and encouragement. Small redemptive acts of kindness can affect a person significantly. I encourage each of us to respond to the prompting of the Holy Spirit to take redemptive actions. “Redemption through Christ restores our relationship with God and empowers us to once again fulfill our calling in creation as He intended. The distortions of The Fall still plague us, but we are no longer bound or ruled by them. We are called to live according to the truth, and living redemptively means living by that truth.� (Donovan Graham , Teaching Redemptively)
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What is a Biblical Christian Worldview
and how does it relate to Administration? By Hana Herawati
Head of Administration SPH International Lippo Village
This year’s theme at SPH International is INSIGHT taken from Ephesians 3:4, “As you read what I have written, you will understand my insight into this plan regarding Christ" (NLT). In the SPH International community, various programs such as seminars, chapel services and spiritual development sessions have been designed to shape our understanding.
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HE theme relates to having a Biblical Christian Worldview. Our worldview determines the decisions we make everyday and is therefore extremely important. How therefore can a Biblical Christian Worldview be applied in the SPH International Administration Departments? The scope covers the Human Resources Department (HRD), Admissions and Public Relations, General Affairs (GA), Procurement, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Finance Department and their role is to support the teaching and learning process.
name will be glorified. Discussions about Christ will often take place, and the fact that the students will experience the lordship of Christ through their studies. The same is expected from the Administration staff. The selected candidate must be someone who is ready to be used as God’s instrument as they support the teaching and learning process.
an accurate message to the public about who we are as an educational institution. We want to acknowledge God in every success that we achieve and share within the community about the work of God in education.
When support personnel prepare resources for teaching and learning, such as books, films, songs, websites, we need to examine whether the resources help our students into a better understanding about God and His creation.
In other departments—such as General Affairs—when we handle security, maintenance, cafeterias, bookstore, etc., we want to ensure that we are creating a positive learning environment. By taking care of those facilities, we express our responsibility towards God for the tasks that have been entrusted to each one of us.
The daily tasks of the Admissions officers are helping prospective families to understand our school’s vision, mission, program and facilities. When accepting new students, our focus is on how we can develop the students’ talents so that they can serve God. We help students to understand the purpose of why God wants to prepare them and how they must use their talents to get involved in God’s redemptive plan for this fallen world. In Public Relations, our main task is to give
It sounds very idealistic and I am aware that we are working in a corrupt world full of sinful people. I understand that God’s standards are incredibly high. We need His strength and wisdom to achieve His mission for SPH International. However I strongly believe that God will equip us to carry out His mission inspite of all the challenges that await us. I pray that He will send more people to serve one another and to be served.
In achieving the SPH International vision and mission, teachers have the most critical public role. But administrative departments provide essential support. When the Human Resources Department is involved in recruiting teachers, there is an expectation that through the lives of our teachers, God’s Hana Herawati
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Connie Rasilim and family
Finishing 2011 and getting ready for 2012 was a really special moment for our family. For the first time—after five Christmases!—we finally could have ALL of our children together on Christmas day. We also enjoyed a brief time traveling together as a complete family; did our family reflections on New Year and enjoyed the Lunar New Year’s Eve meal together. What a special gift indeed and my husband and I savored every moment of it! Synchronizing our schedules has been such a “mammoth” task over the past five years, but with our two older kids being home last year, it was finally back to a “much more manageable” matter and we simply could not ask for more.
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OWEVER, it was also during this period of time, that the Lord allowed us to witness some heart-breaking stories in the lives of some of our close friends ... one of them renounced their faith in Christ and decided to pursue another path to ‘find the truth’. She is very disappointed with the way she has been treated by those who claim to be Christians, especially as she has been living in a “supposedly Christian” country for the last twenty years, thus concludes that Christianity is nothing but a set of well intended sayings with no concrete doings. Another friend is still struggling with some family issues that are unresolved, while others are going through some extremely difficult challenges that are testing and stretching them to the limit. Still, we are immensely grateful because despite our own limitations, the Lord provided us with opportunities to respond to each of those needs above. As much as each of those needs
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Responding to God’s Call are uniquely different—one deals with faith issues, the other emotional, the next physical— we are amazed at the so many “coincidences” that He brought together in helping our paths to cross, that we were enabled to present the gospel as different from what they had experienced ... the true grace and love, followed by concrete actions that show that grace and love ... thus, fulfilling those needs in Him, through Him, and for Him! This is the attitude that my husband and I decided to focus on as our family commitment for 2012 ... the INSIGHT that we desire for our children to also focus on ... that no matter how much we are enabled to do in reaching out to others, they are all made possible ONLY because He has first given us the greatest Gift of all, our eternal salvation and an abundant life in its truest sense! Everything else that flows out of this truth and heart of commitment to that truth, will be flowing out of our gratitude and thanksgiving to Him, the Giver and Sustainer of our lives in the first place. No matter how much we think we have done, or are still doing, we are merely doing our duty as His servants ... out of lives indebted to Him ... In many ways, this is also what the Lord has entrusted many of us to do in UPH Teachers College and what I believe each one of us has been striving for in the respective roles that He has entrusted us with ... wherever we are,
whatever we do. As we each strive to fulfill our calling, character and competence, to be more and more like His Son, we are also constantly reminded of the privilege for us, each time we are provided with the opportunities to respond to the many needs in the lives of the younger generation entrusted in our care. For me personally, the Christian Teacher Education Program that our foundation started, impacts more young leaders for Christ. What a joyous moment it will be when these teachers-to-be also respond in full trust and obedience to the opportunities entrusted to them as they teach and touch the lives of their students in the not-so-distant future and for His glory! I firmly believe that this first half of 2012, the last half of our 2011/12 academic year, will be full of opportunities for each of us to respond to God’s call. My prayer is for us to continue growing in our sensitivity towards Him, so that we are continuously refined to respond more faithfully, timely and accordingly, in our journey together. As Christ has reminded us in Luke 17:10, each time we accomplish our tasks, may we also humbly say, “We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.” Blessings, Connie Rasilim • SPH International Lippo Village parent • Dean of UPH Teachers College
Mr. Ben
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God is good! What a blessing it has been to spend my first two years of marriage and teaching in Indonesia. Both Becky and I are so thankful for the SPH International community, which has truly been Christ’s light to us here. We pray that God will continue to work in this school and country as we proclaim His preeminence and engage in His redemptive restoration of all things. My time at SPH International will always be marked with fond memories of extraordinary students, cheerful colleagues, and spicy sambal! Shalom,
Ms. Rebecca
Benjamin Buursma
It is hard to believe that I have been part of this SPH International community for eight years or that I am actually going home to Canada! I have been blessed with so many incredible experiences here including collaborative learning and meaningful friendships that have challenged me to grow as a person, a teacher and in my understanding of worldview. Although I will miss this community tremendously, I am also quite excited for what God has in store for me back in Canada. He has been calling me to ‘move in’ (www. movein.to) to the city of Hamilton and live and work in areas with many immigrants and refugees, to help them adjust to life in Canada and to be salt and light in that community. I know that God is faithful, so I am stepping out in faith that He will provide and lead the way. I appreciate your prayer support as I move into something so new to me.
Rebecca Bertrand
Reflections from my two years in Indonesia Be grateful and praise the Lord in all things. No matter what the circumstances may be, there is always something to be grateful for and always something to praise the Lord for. 1. I praise the Lord for the smog in Jakarta, because I am overwhelmed at the blessing and beauty of a bright blue sky on other days. 2. I praise the Lord for the daily calls to prayer that are sounded across this country, because they remind me to stop and pray for friends who do not know Jesus. 3. I praise the Lord for the congested crowds of people in Jakarta, for they are a constant reminder that I must fall to my knees as I try to reach even one for the glory of God. 4. I am grateful for the strong stomach and bravery God gives me on the days I don't have any idea what the food is that I am eating. 5. I am grateful that the Lord has allowed me to try to make an impact on this beautiful country, however small it may be. 6. I praise God for the struggle of knowing His will because through the struggle, I listen more carefully and seek more diligently. 7. I praise God for the days I feel worthless because I am reminded of God's strength during my weakness. 8. I praise the Lord for the wonderful group of teachers here in SPH International, who serve responsively. 9. I am grateful to God for the amazing children at SPHI because they are learning to truly live a life devoted to God. 10. I praise the Lord that I am saved to serve. As I move on, this isn’t the end of my international teaching career—it is just the beginning!
Allison Pierce
Mr. Steve
Mr. Stephen
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It is difficult to believe that it has already been close to two years since I arrived at SPH International. Sure, my two years at SPH International may pale in comparison to some other teachers’ that are leaving this year, but my time here has simply flown by. I thank God for the time that He has given me at SPH International. The school is beautiful, my colleagues are great and the administration is supportive – but the aspect of SPH International that impacted me the most is the students.
future classes to more of my Powerpoint singing – the students shouldn't have pretended to enjoy it so much! Wherever we all go from here, know that I am praying for God to use each person for His glory in ways that we could have never dreamed. I know that I never saw myself teaching in Indonesia five years ago, but my time at SPH International represents two of the most rewarding years of my life.
I have learnt just as much (maybe more!) from my students. My interactions in class are going to have a significant impact on my future students simply because I have developed many of my first teaching habits here. SPH International may have doomed
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6
In July 2008, my family and I (5 of us) arrived in Lippo Village with nothing more than 10 boxes, 5 friends (other new SPH employees that we met on the plane from Hong Kong) and an expected 2 year timeline to serve in Indonesia. We had moved from New Mexico USA, where I had taught and coached the previous 14 years at a Christian High School and my wife worked as a labor and delivery nurse at a local hospital.
our family quickly took root in this special place and found much joy living and serving in community here. I love teaching IB Economics at SPH International, as well as co sponsoring Speak Up! club and coaching girls basketball. My wife enjoys instructing nursing students at UPH. My kids are often seen around the school taking advantage of SPH’s many opportunities for students (sport teams, bands, ballet, student council committees). Despite this enriching life here, we sense God’s call to return to the States next year. We still don’t know where exactly we are headed or what we will be doing, but trust that He will provide. In every way, we will leave with much more than we came with.
Excited but fearful of unknown situations,
Stephen Weeda
Please pray for my family as we move back to the United States. We have no concrete plans yet, but we are excited for what God has in store for us. As I leave, I hope that you will remember one of my favorite verses. It is a verse that helped get me to Indonesia in the first place!
Stephen Throop
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We seem to believe that there is a great divide between the secular workplace and the mission field. Missions are what missionaries do. What’s intrinsically valuable is what happens on Sundays, and business-folk are just doing what is instrumentally valuable. Business is just good insofar as it produces financial support for the church, its missionaries and preachers. Many businessmen and Business Majors feel this way, often feeling guilty reading their business textbooks and feeling as though they have to make up for it by being more involved in church. But this is not right. "Christ is not just the Lord of Christians; He is Lord of all, absolutely and without qualification. Therefore the entire Church in their secular occupations are called to be signs of His lordship in every area of life." —Lesslie Newbigin
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F Newbigin is right, then there is something intrinsically valuable about Christians doing business and devoting their whole lives to the marketplace. Business is a God-given activity, and it is an activity that is exclusively for human beings. Animals do not trade. It is an expression of being made in the image of God, as humans fill the earth and creatively help each other by trading not only goods but talents and quality for human development. It is a highly communal endeavor, as the marketplace shows to us the interdependent nature of people. Indeed we are social creatures made by a Trinitarian God. Business, as marred as it is by human sin, is inherently good. And because it is marred by sin, it requires much redemption too. Since God is bringing about not only the new heaven but also a new earth. Surely, there will be trade too in eternity! Most probably the musician will still be making beautiful music for the glory of God, and the baker will still be trading bread for the glory of God. There is eternal value in the things that we do here for Him. The Gospel What is perhaps more familiar to us Christians is that the Gospel consists of the good news of God's plan of salvation. God has planned to redeem and save a people for Himself
through the atoning work of His son Jesus Christ. These people are saved from their sins and the wrath of God Himself. Right. But it is much more than that isn’t it? When Jesus was on earth He preached most about the coming of the Kingdom of God. The Kingdom of God is the rule of God and a people responding and obeying perfectly to His reign. It is the Lordship of Christ fully realized, and people becoming fully human. The Kingdom of God is not just the announcement of salvation for God's people, but also the coming of the great Shalom. The full redemption of all things, the reversal of every aspect of sin. It is
(Read Galatians and follow Paul's logic in Galatians 3). We were called to participate in the overarching Mission of God—God's mission to redeem all things from the effects of sin. This means that the Gospel is, on top of salvation and eternal life, the Holy Spirit's work to cause a people to become disciples of Kingdom living. Christians are to be the bearers of good news and be the good news themselves. We are the people through whom all people will see the goodness of God in His mission to reverse all the tragic
Business and Worldview By Nathaniel Gray Sutanto
SPH International Lippo Village Alumni Class of 2009
not merely individual salvation but universal reversal. It is the removal of poverty, disease, corruption, injustice and evil. Election for a Purpose This is what we were chosen for. We were not chosen before the foundation of the world to merely enjoy individual fellowship with Christ. We were chosen before the foundation of the world to inherit the blessings of Abraham, to become a blessing to all nations
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effects of sin. This means that Christians are saved to do profoundly ethical and Godglorifying work; good works that redeem all aspects of life. Whether in the pulpit, in the medical departments, law or the marketplace. The Gospel is that the people of God—the people who live the Kingdom life, will be engaged in the redemption of all these good things. The Market Place Imagine what it would be like then, to view our Christian businessmen and Business Majors as missionaries. They are those people who are called by God to participate in His mission in the field of business. They are those people who are called by God to redeem the sphere of trade. And what an amazingly important and universal field it is. The Business world is often marred by corruption, idolatrous demands and greed. Thus, what an amazingly needy area it is for the redemptive living that Kingdom life is supposed to bring. The effects of sin in the Business world are visible and obvious. Missionaries are to be called to the marketplace. Thus Christian business-people are doing work that is just as important as missionaries who are being sent off to the rural parts of some third-world country. There are several reasons why the Marketplace must be targeted. 1. Time. People spend much more time relating to their co-workers in the office than they do at church. There are many opportunities for pastoral work if only our Christian business people would be the light where they are working. 2. Access. The Marketplace only offers ready access to people who work there. It enables access to countries and areas of the world that would never be opened to Ministers or Churches. The 10/40 window is an astounding example of this. The Marketplace can penetrate areas that are thus resistant to the theologians. 3. Relational Communities. The marketplace is a highly social place, providing a relational context that is often deeper than those offered in many churches. Much opportunity for serious discipleship for kingdom living can be done.
4. Corporation Cultures. Leaders of the business world have the ability to exercise their influence to foster and establish a company culture that is based on Kingdom Living. This includes establishing a company identity and a workplace that not only has visible values and statements, but unstated Kingdomlife presuppositions. 5. Proximity to people in need or crisis. The Business world is necessary for us to overcome poverty, and to improve the lifestyle of the community in general. Honest trade can provide jobs, and propel social justice in this world which is so marred with injustice as a result of sin. Indeed, Wayne Grudem even believes that it is the Marketplace that will, in the long run, become the key for alleviating poverty. The world runs on business and thus the world desperately needs a marketplace that is obedient to the Lordship of Christ. There's still much more to be said. And yes, the business world, as of now, is filled with many ethical dilemmas and morally "grey" areas that are hard to overcome and often seemingly impossible to redeem. However, what a remarkable improvement it would be if we can get our Christian businessmen and women (Missionaries living in the field of Business) to view themselves as doing an essential and highly important part of the Mission of God to redeem all things to His Son. Let us not therefore reinforce
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this dichotomy between "secular" work on Mondays and "holy" work on Sundays. The particular "How’s� would hopefully be a bit clearer after we get the "Why" worked out. Christians are called to participate in God's mission everywhere. This means the redemption of the Marketplace too. Theologians should be actively seeking to influence this area of life. A Korean CEO of a retail company has hired a theologian to become his adviser. What a difference it would make if all CEO's did the same. What a difference it would make when the Churches pray for each business-person as they proceed to a new job the same way they pray for those flying off to preach the Gospel to the unknown tribes of Papua. All Christians are called to preach the Gospel and to live the Gospel life. This is the doctrine of the priesthood of all believers, is it not? Business Majors, Business-people, you are called to engage in important, challenging and confronting work. Do it all for the glory of God, and seek Him first as we strive to redeem the working environment. Work with integrity the best you can, and glorify the Lord who has established you exactly where He wants you to be. For further Reading Wayne Grudem : "Business for the Glory of God" Christopher Wright : "Mission of God", "Mission of God's people" R. Paul Stevens : "Doing God's Business"
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special report
Professional Development A significant event was held in October 2011, as all SPH International staff came together for focus and renewal based on Ephesians 3:4—“As you read what I have written, you will understand my insight into this plan regarding Christ”, and how this theme relates to a Biblical Christian Worldview.
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T was also exciting as it was the first time that all staff were brought together in one place, the new SPHI Kemang Village campus. Representatives from the UPH Teachers College and Sekolah Dian Harapan also came to join and participate in sessions and workshops held over two full days.
“What I believe, and who I am in Christ, are above everything; the most important part of my life” “We are not merely teachers, but have more responsibility as Christian teachers”
Teachers and staff comments best summarize the usefulness of this special professional development opportunity:
“I know that a Biblical Christian Worldview is actually the foundation of education and I feel challenged to implement Christian teaching in my lessons”
“The Bible is one big story and students need to be educated as one part of that big story of Jesus Christ”
“It confirms and reaffirms my faith about God's redemptive plan and no matter what happens, His very good purpose remains”
“We are not just teachers, we are pastor teachers”
“I am so amazed how ‘insight’ should be applied to our daily living”
“It has been a time to revive my passion for teaching and pastoring kids”
“I now see my entire life in the context of God's eternal purpose and plan”
“My teaching must be based on a Biblical Christian Worldview”
“I really appreciated learning about a teacher's role as a pastor”
“The conference gave me a deeper understanding through sharing and mentoring and by putting God as the main priority”
We hope that the opportunity for teachers and staff to come together for Professional Development will become an annual event. Professional Development is a lifelong commitment for the Christian teacher, and SPH International is committed to providing quality experiences that help shape our understanding of the Biblical Christian Worldview in our work with children and with each other.
“We need to follow God's purpose in our life” “I understand more about the connection between a Biblical Christian Worldview and everything that we do”
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Thoughts about Professional Development Transdisciplinary Teaching and Learning IB Workshop Raising questions to gain new understandings Ah- ha! The greatest feeling for any learner New ideas to bring to our teams, students and parents Sharing positively for two days Dynamic instructors from IB Interesting and engaging professional development Solidifying our understandings Challenging our misunderstandings Integrating more and more with specialists Professional interaction at its best Leaders ‘digging in’ with us Implementation happening immediately Not willing to go backwards Altogether, moving forward Ready for continued challenges YES ... amazing learning for Junior School educators
The PYP is a transdisciplinary framework for learning. Simply put, transdiciplinary means across the subject disciplines. No longer is Maths only taught in a block of Maths or PE taught as a separate subject only. “Subjects are the vehicles to teach the transdiciplinary themes and the five essential elements of the programme—knowledge, concepts, skills, attitudes, action.” (Ron Masengi, Grade 3 Teacher SPH International Lippo Village)
By Alexis Hughes
Primary Curriculum Coordinator
New and Renewed:
Thoughts on the Professional Development at Kemang
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was reminded of my purpose. I am entrusted with the privilege of sharing my worldview. During the sessions, especially “Teaching as a Pastoral Ministry,” I was encouraged by stories and advice of teachers with plenty of classroom experience and cultural knowledge. Since then I have been more deliberate about mentoring students and fostering spirits, not just minds. By Deborah Wagler SPH International Sentul City Senior School English Teacher
Do I still get frustrated? Yes. Do I have all of the answers? No. Have my students changed? Not really. However, when I am frustrated, I know why. We live in a broken world. When answers are elusive or painful, I admit my weakness and direct my students to the Writer of all answers. As God’s Spirit transforms me, I pray that students will be impacted. A Christian Education was foundational for my development. May our students look back and say the same of SPH. “Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” Romans 12:2 (NLT).
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SPH International University Fair Choosing a college is a very important decision. It represents not only a significant financial investment, but also influences so much of who we become in areas such as our philosophy, values, intellectual and emotional preparedness for careers, long term friendships and a commitment to serving others. It is important to ask God’s guidance and seek His wisdom when students are choosing their future career and college. Jesus Christ has a plan for our lives and has prepared a unique pathway for each one of our students. We are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which He prepared in advance for us to do. (Ephesians 2:10)
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S a Christian young adult, a key factor in the choice of a career or ministry is one of obedience to God’s calling for our lives. Some will enter a career convinced that God has personally made the choice for them. Others will submit themselves and their choice totally to God and then pursue “the desires of their hearts.” In either case a sensitivity to God’s leading can produce freedom and confidence in the process of choosing a career and the appropriate college. “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.” (James 1:5) SPH’s annual October University Fair provided students and their parents with an opportunity to gather information and speak with admissions officers from all over the world. Seventy six college representatives
from Australia, Canada, Europe, Hong Kong, Singapore, U.K. and the USA staffed booths in the Lippo Village gymnasium and shared about their individual tertiary institutions with senior students from all our SPH campuses. College session options were also offered on topics that help prepare them to be better informed when making their decision about their future college. University fairs are very helpful when trying to choose a college and students are encouraged to be prepared to make the best use of their time. They are required to look through the list of colleges and universities that will be represented at the fair and to conduct research into the schools that interest them. Students learn where the colleges are located and how large the campuses are and what majors the school offers. This initial research helps students to be prepared and knowledgeable when they speak with the Admissions Officers. Students have limited time to talk to everyone so they need to be prepared with a priority list of colleges that they definitely want to meet on the day.
College is an expensive investment, so students need to be prepared to ask the representatives about the university’s admissions process and deadlines, academics subjects, social life, financial aid, deadlines, scholarship opportunities, and anything else that they were not able to find on the college’s website. The university representatives willingly answered questions as they want students to be well informed about their university. Students were challenged by the career counselors to examine the mission and vision statement of the different colleges recognizing that it is important to choose a college which aligns with their own world view. It is easier for our students when relocating abroad to fit and feel more at home in a college whose mission statement is similar to SPH International. “Don’t let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the spiritual powers of this world rather than from Christ.” (Colossians 2:8)
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Below are a number of responses from SPH International students from Kemang Village who attended their first SPH International University Fair: “I learnt a lot from the Christian University option because it showed the benefits and gave information about the reasons to consider a Christian College plus visiting the booths helped me to find out information about student life at the universities and I was particularly interested in asking about the requirements that we need to apply to a medical faculty”. [ KusumaPutri ] “The university booth time was very helpful because I was able to ask questions and they gave me lots of information about college life and academics. I am now interested in studying at HKU or HKUST but I would like some representatives at the next fair from universities in Korea to be able to compare universities from Korea and Hong Kong.” [ HyungChul Kim/Jason ] “I learnt a lot from the Christian College option about how important it is to seek God when making decisions about college. I now understand about SATs, the importance of facilities, internships and scholarships. In the future it would be good if each university could give a short talk.” [ Alvin Wahyudi ] “I found it helpful for my future to learn that studying medicine means it will take a long time for me to graduate and I now understand more about the process of going to university. It was also good to hear from Dr. Curtis Taylor from Dordt about why we should consider a Christian university.” [ Karen Daniela ]
“I enjoyed the first workshop session about studying in the USA as the explanations were very clear. I found all my questions were answered by the US representatives in the booth and I am now considering La Salle, RMIT and Calvin College as possible options for me.” [ Jessica Onasis ] At this year’s University Fair there were six Christian colleges. All of these Christian institutions maintain their faith- based commitment by employing Christian faculty and seeking to create a campus climate that promotes spiritual development of students that integrates faith into an accredited academic curriculum. Many Christian colleges are now found at the top of the lists that
endorse the “best places” to study in the US and their graduate school placements are competitive, and more importantly, these campus communities foster a connection between faith and learning.
By Robyn Combes
University Guidance Coordinator for Pelita Harapan International Schools
Brian Doerksen comes to Jakarta Speak Lord, for your servant is listening. How many times does God have to speak to you before you will listen? That is what I kept asking myself as the thought of Brian Doerksen coming to Jakarta to lead praise and worship kept pressing upon me. It truly was God whispering to me. And so one day, one year after the initial idea was given, and after many more times of confirmation, I finally wrote to Brian and asked him to come to Jakarta. The key word is “whisper.” God was whispering Brian’s name. Our omnipotent God has many ways of revealing His will upon us, but in this instance it was through a whisper. There was little surprise then when I read Brian’s book and smiled as he spoke of God whispering to him! What a blessing to somehow be joined in this ministry; that was my heartfelt prayer.
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OLLOWING the letter, came a time of silence, and then many moments of delightful dialogue. From there to the concerts was no easy task, but God’s message was clear, and many faithful servants of God worked together to make the events happened. Mr. Dave and Ibu Daisy fully supported the endeavour and put together a team of key workers, leading meetings and working so that schedules were created and followed. Mr. John worked on the concert equipment and the music, creating musical arrangements for the choir, introducing key songs to the SPH International community, and practising bass. Pak Heri worked on the logistics of moving between two venues, and on all the details that are often unnoticed but completely essential to successful concerts. Melissa and Ibu Anita spent countless hours promoting the events and selling tickets. It truly was a blessing to see three campuses working closely together. The praise and worship workshop could be described as an intimate mini concert with a time for questions and answers, and an informal time of sharing after eating together. The memories of keen musicians, students, and parents sharing together with Brian Doerksen, Brian Thiessen and Calum Rees are sweet. The following night the larger concert took place at UPH (Universitas Pelita Harapan), with almost 1800 in attendance. As I peeked through the curtains I could see university students, leaders of schools, parents, and a wide
range of students from multiple schools. No, “concert” isn’t the right term; it was a service, a celebration of worship for our Lord. It was a time of unity and honour for a great a mighty God. Pak Tutu and the UPH choir introduced the evening event in powerful song, followed by a full concert featuring Brian, Brian and Calum—all for the Lord and joined by a student choir. Each musician gave of himself and herself for the Lord. What a blessing! As I looked into the dressing rooms, noting the array of bags, food, clothing and shoes of so many people, I had to praise God. Thank you, Janay, Victor and John, for singing and playing with the band; God bless you “The Twelve” for inspiring the musicians with your back-up vocals; great thanks to the technical crew for running the sound, lights and video so professionally. Thankfulness extends to the UPH choir. It’s hard to imagine how such a simple whisper became such a blessing, and yet when God has a plan He will see it through. We gain much by being obedient to Him. Thank you, God, for teaching me this lesson once again.
By Susan Nickel
Spiritual Development Coordinator SPH International Kemang Village
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had heard some of Brian Doerksen’s songs in music class, but I was skeptical about how this veteran Christian musician would impact me. I asked, “Who is this artist who can encourage others? Why has he had such a lengthy and successful ministry? Why is he coming here?” As a member of The Twelve, SPHIKV’s chamber choir, we had a chance to perform with Mr. Doerksen in his workshop, as well as in his concert as a backup choir. Preparing for these special events was an invaluable experience. Our repetition of harmonies over a brief period of time, helped us to reach the maximum potential of our voices—it was hard work, but still fun! When the day of the workshop came, most of the students were excited to meet the team; we had practiced hard to perform with Brian Doerksen and his band. When I first caught a glimpse of them, I didn’t spot anything special. They were just three honest-looking guys; however, as they began to do their musical warm-ups for the performance, I was instantly impressed. I was amazed at their calm and
thorough yet laid-back preparation. Throughout the two days, I think I speak for all the members of the Twelve, it was an amazing experience, one from which we definitely learned lots. The morning of the concert, we were released from class to have a hands-on musical experience; we went to set up for the performance. We were involved in loading and unloading musical equipment. We participated in the sound check in the auditorium, and later a final dress rehearsal. At the main performance, it was amazing to see how many people from school were there. It was a great experience, which I personally think was more of an amazing worship service than one might have expected. It was more than just a concert where people would perform for money and gain glory for themselves; Brian Doerksen, Brian Thiessen and Callum Rees were glorifying the Lord, and His presence was in the well-filled auditorium the whole time. Just hanging around with the band was an unforgettable experience. Each band member
was awesome in his own way. Brian Doerksen was humble and didn’t draw attention to himself; however, when he sang there was somehow a charisma that directed everyone towards praising the Lord. Brian Thiessen was calm throughout the whole experience and I think he was kind of the anchor; he sang the harmony in most songs, controlled tracks on his computer, and generally made the experience worthwhile in a technical sense. The most exciting person, however, was the drummer, Callum Rees. Besides being simply epic on the drums, he was a person who liked to socialize. Everyone in the Twelve gravitated towards him, and he loved to just involve everyone in the performances. During a song he would just smile at us or wink with a funny face. He was the guy who lightened any pressure we felt in those two days. Working with these three outstanding individuals was one of the best things I’ve ever done. I’m thankful for having a chance to be a part of it all; I won’t forget it, and I know it is helping to shape who I am and what I believe. Alvin H. (Grade 10, SPH International Kemang Village)
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pag
Shop and Serve
at SPH International Lippo Village Christmas Bazaar
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N December 6th, 2011 SPHILV (SPH International Lippo Village) conducted a Christmas Bazaar, an event where we invited grade level classes, PAGs, as well as outside vendors to open a booth to sell various kinds of goods, from cookies to batik. Funds generated from this event are used for the Christian Service Projects (CSP). Some of the programs planned this year are New Eyes for the Needy, a project in which we provide eye tests and eye glasses for people who don't normally have easy access to real things, an Open Clinic, Scholarship programs, and many more. The Christmas Bazaar brings the SPH community together, involving a great range of people, parents, PAGs, CPRs, General Affairs team, as well as the Public Relations and Promotion team. They all contributed greatly to the success of this event. There was a total of fifty-nine booths set up in the Senior School Canteen. Fifty-five percent of them were vendors from the SPHILV community, while forty-five percent were outside vendors. This event involved a great deal of team work from the grade level moms who helped arranging, preparing and decorating products to volunteers who signed up to look after the booths as well as wrapping up at the end of the day.
By Ika Karkam
Mom of Kayla Sudharyanto – K1 SPH International Lippo Village
After all the hard work, the fun, and the leftover cookies and candies, the Christmas Bazaar generated a good result that will support the CSP projects this year. We are grateful that the Lord blessed this whole event. He guided us through the process from the beginning; sent us great participants and visitors and it ended with an amazing turnout to fund our services. We are truly blessed to be part of this community and to be able to serve others through this event.
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Redemptive
Democracy
Compared to my classmates in New York University, my high school experience was vastly different. I couldn’t make a fashion statement with cropped tees and Alexander McQueen shoes because our school had uniformed outfits and socks. My stint in the Student Council wasn’t preoccupied with bake sales, but deliberating whether creating a spiritual event or a charity fundraiser would be more appropriate to our vision and mission. Our school never put up a production of HAIR! or Urine Town.
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URING my time in Sekolah Pelita Harapan, I was never under the impression that I could simply speak my mind without being questioned. Every student is entitled to their own opinions, however, likewise other students and teachers would not hesitate to argue or even discredit a point without fear of being considered undemocratic. Everyone operates under the assumption that we are subject to our vision, our Christian worldview, and our principles. I was taught to know what I believe in before reflecting or questioning. I was equipped with a moralistic stance that I was welcome to disagree with, but in fact, gave me a grounded foundation. Coming in from the hallowed brick halls of SPH International into the even more
hallowed stone walls of New York University, I was welcomed by a most flagrant exhibition, and in some cases misuse, of democracy. Although we were college students, 70% of a typical NYU freshman’s time is devoted to being political instead of studying. I’ve seen peers march out to meet causes like Occupy Wall Street and the Slutwalk. A girl in my Facebook feed proudly shouted out that she was arrested in Brooklyn Bridge, to which another person replied “If everyone in America had as much courage as you, we’d be a better country.” Courage? A lot of the times, I admit that in protests such as “Occupy Wall Street,” there are people who are using their political voices in their intended manner, which is completely acceptable. However, the disorganized nature of the movement and the exhibitionism it prefers, as opposed to real administrative action, means a lot of the people and college students’ political actions are like the London Riots; grounded on misguided anger. Often times, those same young people find difficulty distancing themselves from the subject matters being studied in class. Ironically enough, instead of opening their minds to comprehend the author’s intention, that self-same “openmindedness” leads them to their soapbox yet again. Political correctness and democracy is a restrictive vernacular that becomes their barrier. I’ve realized that the professionalism and personal values I was taught in high school also came into play. In my internship as an assistant stage manager at a show on Theatre Row, I was prepared to humble myself and accommodate tasks, even if they are unthinkably unglamorous (every night, one of our primary jobs is cleaning mustard
and ketchup stains from the stage.) When I’m dealing with co-workers, my moral principle is not to let my own character depend on the characters of the people around me. Even though sometimes my co-workers may be condescending or cutthroat or even prejudiced, I’ve committed myself to not faltering despite their personality. I’m glad to say that so far my superiors are happy with my performance—they don’t know my personal or political views or what high school I went to in Indonesia. They only know that at some point something in my life taught me the skills they’re enjoying today. It was also in high school that I realized my true passion and calling in life—to come back to Indonesia and build a new school of Sanzio, or maybe a new 42nd Street. I want to build a feeding ground for young men and women who want to discuss and question, who want to devote their lives to aesthetics and beauty. I want a place where artists and philosophers can express themselves and be taken seriously, even if they aren’t radical or subversive. The youth of Indonesia are hungry for that kind of intellectual freedom just as much as they yearn for the development of democracy.
By Elisabeth Ho
Alumni Year 2011 SPH International Lippo Village
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special report
Pelita Harapan House Christmas
FURTHER THAN THE EYE CAN SEE Our boarding students on the 4th December, 2012 celebrated Christmas with the blind students of Yayasan Elsafan Jakarta Timur. There are approximately twentysix students who reside in the dormitory and eighteen volunteer teachers and staff assist the students in their school work and everyday life.
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UR blind brothers and sisters challenged us all to have courage to reach for near impossible goals; and to have grit, determination, and ingenuity to transform our lives into “something miraculous.” All for the Lord. Our Head of School, Mr. Nick also gave a meaningful message about the importance of having a faith. “A faith is deeper than a goal and more complex. It's where all our goals spring from. It's how we see ourselves living our lives and serving other people.” He also challenged us to think about what legacy do we want to leave behind. He described faith as “an internal compass guiding us through the storm.” Our intention was to visit these young people who have no sight and minster to them but the opposite happened and these young people miraculously ministered to us with their enthusiam for God through praise and worship and the preaching of God’s word.
By Dekyawan
• SPH International Sentul City Head of General Affairs • Pelita Harapan House Administrator
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A Visit To Remember SPH International Sentul City Cell Group Grade 9 Visit to Bukit Karmel, 30 November 2011 After attending SPH International Sentul City Youth Camp last year, our cell group decided to visit Bukit Karmel, an orphanage located in Pasir Angin, Bogor, West Java. We wanted to be God’s hands and let others feel His love through us.
Many children enjoyed art and craft activities. They made picture frames, paper puppets and many more colourful and exciting things! Others did drawing and coloring. And some joined a guitar class and learned to play some basic chords so they can play simple songs using these chords. Others played some simple songs on the piano.
HERE were twelve of us, all from Grade 9. We led a service then we had mini classes with different activities. The message was from Ephesian 3:4, “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. When one is hurt, the others feel it, too.
The place, organized by Mrs. Meivi, a Dutch lady who married a North Sumatran man, has places for around forty children, from babies to 9–10 year old children. There are two categories of children being accepted there: Some of these young people live here temporarily due to financial problems, others stay permanently, due to many, often sad, reasons.
We showed a movie The Boy And The Tree: a story about unconditional love. The children were so excited to hear how the tree gave everything it had in order to make the boy happy, as proof of unconditional love.
We stayed longer than we had planned! It was so hard to leave their happy faces, especially the babies. Some of us shed tears when we had to go. We made a silent promise that we will return.
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special report
Celebrating
Indonesian Day O
NE of the festivals eagerly awaited by the students of SPH International Sentul City, was the Independence Day celebration. It was commemorated not only by having a flag ceremony, but also through a series of special events. All of the joy and excitement of the celebration led to building love for Indonesia by knowing more about ourselves as Indonesians and knowing Indonesia more for the nonIndonesian students. We started the event by having a flag ceremony. The purpose was to commemorate the heroes who fought for Indonesia’s independence. Besides, it was also
a reminder for the young generation to have an unyielding fighting spirit to develop the nation. The events were continued by introducing Indonesian traditional games, such as gasing, congklak, sondah, etc. to SPH students. Furthermore, to implement the patriotic spirit, grade 7–10 (MYP) students attended a seminar about Indonesian etiquette on September 20, 2011. The speakers were from HAGGAI Institute and the Kuningan Family and Community Center (KFCC). From this four hour seminar, we expected the students
By Yuda Putri
SPH International Sentul City MYP Teacher
to have a deeper understanding of their identities by applying Indonesian etiquette, so they could behave accordingly not only to older people but also to peers and even to younger people. For non-Indonesian students, the understanding of the etiquette applied in this country will hopefully help their adaptation and interactions with others. While the MYP students joined this workshop, grade 11–12 (DP) students attended a seminar focusing on 'Theater Performance and its Relation with Nationalism' with Ibu Ratna Riantiarno from Teater Koma. From this seminar, students were expected to understand the ways of showing love to the nation, as well as gaining the knowledge from the drama. To feel Indonesian culture even more, the Indonesian Day committee in collaboration with parents and a number of food vendors, provided traditional food and snacks from Indonesia’s five largest islands. At the end of the celebration, we prayed that all of these activities will instil students with a genuine love for Indonesia. Merdeka! Dirgahayu Indonesiaku!
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Community Music Center Opens in Lippo Village Y
OU may well have heard of the Lippo Village Community Choir and Orchestra (LVCCO). This organization was founded in 2006 when musicians and educators, Johannes Nugroho of UPH, Antonius Priyanto SPH, and Therese Wirakesuma SPH—formed a choir and orchestra in the community of Lippo Village. LVCCO now brings over 200 children and adults together each week to learn music and prepare performances for a yearly concert series. The LVCCO vision is to improve the quality of life in the community through education in western classical music as well as ‘classics’ from other styles. Over the past six years, LVCCO has built a community of music lovers through its non-profit activities in the arts. Yayasan Pendidikan Pelita Harapan has been an integral part of these endeavors through its generous provision of rehearsal space and the participation of many UPH, SPH and SDH students in the programs offered.
As of January 2012 LVCCO has restructured and become a non-profit foundation: Yayasan Pendidikan Musik Klasik Indonesia. It has changed its name and opened the Community Music Center (CMC) in North Lippo Village (Plaza Espana Jl. Kalimantan 62). CMC will continue the LVCCO vision and mission maintaining the tradition of excellence and community service. We are looking forward to the Center becoming a hub of activity!—lessons in the Suzuki Method for 3 years old and up, mothers and babies music classes, lessons in all instruments of the orchestra, rehearsals for children’s choir, orchestra rehearsals of Camerata Indonesia and Camerata Junior. Our 2012 events calendar is highlighted by the following season concerts: 1. March 17, 2012, UPH Building D "A Night At the Symphony" (A Classical Symphony Concert of Symphonic Favorites for all Ages) Guest Conductor : Budi Utomo Prabowo featuring Vivaldi, Bach, Bizet, Trisutji Kamal Performers : Camerata Symphony Orchestra with talented young soloists and our very own SPH International Kemang Village Principal Mr. David Michel (trumpet)
2. May 12, 2012, UPH Building D "Choir Festival Concert" with Jubilus Children’s Choir (Malaysia) 3. October 27, 2012 "Archipelago" (An Evening Of Song and Dance from the Islands of Indonesia)
Cantare Children’s choir, Camerata Indonesia, Conventus Choir, Guest artists and dancers
4. December 1, 2012 "Celebrate Christmas!" (An evening of Traditional and Popular Christmas Music and Christmas Bazaar)
For ticket information and to learn how you can support CMC, please contact: The Community Music Centre (Info: 08111886070)
A THEOLOGY OF CHRISTIAN COUNSELING More Than Redemption By Jay E. Adams (Zondervan, 1979)
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A Theology of Christian Counseling is a book that connects biblical doctrine with practical living. In this book we learn about salvation, it is thought to be ”being saved from the consequences of sin”. But GOD is doing much more. HE is making something new out of sinful matter. HE is CHRIST making new creatures. This book tells us that the Christian counselor’s stance is struck by the far-more-abounding nature of the grace of Jesus Christ in redemption. This book tells us that if we as Christians want to know what love is, then we must look and listen to GOD. The same is true for any other human behavior, attitude or emotion. It is only in the Christian that the image of GOD once more can begin to be detected in any true sense of the word. Only the Christian can be morally acceptable to GOD, only the Christian can (from GOD's point of view)be thought acceptable. The image and likeness of GOD is truth that implies that GOD holds man responsible for his behavior. Sin is the failure to do what GOD commands or the willingness to do what He forbids. But GOD holds us responsible nonetheless. Therefore only redeemed human nature is capable of assuming moral obligations to GOD. ACCORDING TO PLAN The Unfolding Revelation of God in the Bible By Graeme Goldsworthy (InterVarsity Press, 1991) In this book we learn that GOD’S covenant promises appear to have no substance when the chosen people find themselves in slavery to foreign power. But GOD’s faithfulness is shown in the redemptive act bywhich HE saves Israel from their captivity. Signs and wonders demonstrate that the entry into GOD’s kingdom is only possible through a supernatural work of GOD Himself. Redemption, as a release from slavery, or from a position of misfortune, now becomes one of the most significant themes in the Bible for example the book of Ruth provides an illustration as Boaz acts with kindness to perform the duty of a close relative to redeem Ruth ‘s land. This book tells us that in all of our life we have to obey GOD, follow HIS guidance and know HIS will. GOD’s goal for us is to make us like Christ and restore us to HIS presence in Glory.
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KALIMANTAN As Buzz Lightyear (from Toy Story) almost said: “To Kalimantan and beyond!!!”
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N August the call went out to all campuses: Anyone interested in a trip to Kalimantan? The plan was to do a “jungle cruise” of sorts up the Seikonyer River meeting orangutans, monkeys, crocs, and mosquitoes. When all was said and done, neither the crocs nor the mosquitoes showed up. Instead we had a delightful four days of eating, sleeping and lounging on our klotoks seeing only orangutans and monkeys. Six boats filled with thirty-two SPH family members slowly chugged up and down the river, stopping at times to venture into the forest to orangutan feeding areas. Excellent! Peaceful! No traffic jams (except when we tied all 6 boats together for meal times, card games, and just hanging out together). And here’s an idea to put in the back of your mind for next year: What if we planned another trip to some other place ... maybe some place where we could work on a mini-service project for 2–3 days and then spend another 2–3 days on a regular-type vacation? If you have any good location ideas, please send them on to mercer.donald@sph.ac.id