True Knowledge | Faith in Christ | Godly Character
25th Edition/February/2013
contents Editorial Team PUBLISHER Yayasan Pendidikan Pelita Harapan ADVISOR Brian Cox, Phillip Nash MANAGING EDITOR Hana Herawati EDITORS Maureen Cox, Elizabeth Santosa, Nancy Indriyati GRAPHIC DESIGNER Iwan Werlin PHOTOGRAPHERS Hariyanto, Simon, Clifford, Dody, Melissa
25th Edition/February/2013 3 My Last Editorial By Brian Cox
4 Professional Development Day
5 Professional Development Day Reflection
12 Kokonut High By Yulvita Hadi Yarti 17 Brian and Maureen Cox's Farewell 18 The Less Travelled Road By Kristia Davina Sianipar 20 Hospitality − the power to provide By Diane Fennell 21 Hospitality in the Class Room By Joshua Agung Nugraha 22 How I Stole Hospitality By Patrick Jones 23 Hospitality even when it hurts By Don Mercer 23 Becoming a friend of many young teachers By Hondho Setyaningsih
Address 2500 Bulevar Palem Raya, Lippo Village Tangerang 15811, Banten Phone: (021) 546 0233-34, Fax: (021) 546 9663 www.sph.edu
24 The warmth of home no matter where we are By Giselle Arroyo 24 Welcome Home and Hospitality By Leoni J. De Herdt 25 Hospitality in Our Homes By SPH International Lippo Village PAG 26 Journal to Kupang By Helena Wunderink
COVER
: Welcome Home and Hospitality
LOCATION
: SPH International Lippo Village
Brian and Maureen Cox with YPPH Heads
regular
My Last Editorial
3
This is my last editorial for Light Magazine. Maureen and I have now completed our time with SPH International and plan to spend some significant time with our children and grandchildren.
T
HE past eleven years of ministry have been a delight for us. The foundation, of which SPH International is a part, has a magnificent vision from the Lord, and is bringing redemptive restoration to so many aspects of society through education. I can honestly say that my time at SPH International has been the highlight of my career. I cannot thank the community enough for your farewell expressions of love. We will miss families, students and colleagues immensely. For the next six months I will continue to assist the foundation in a part-time capacity; especially with the transition of new leaders and some exciting SDH projects. Phillip Nash, who has been a friend and colleague for many years, and a wonderful Godly man, will now take on the role of coordinating SPH International schools as well as being Head of our Lippo Village School. I know that you will be as kind and supportive to him as you have been to me. This edition explores our “Welcome Home” theme in greater depth, paying special attention to the practice of “hospitality”. I trust that you will enjoy the content and be motivated to deeply consider the issue of hospitality in your homes, workplaces and all relationships. Thank you again for the enormous privilege of being able to work with young people helping them to see the preeminence of Christ and encouraging them to be agents of redemptive change.
Maureen and Brian Cox
Blessings, Brian Cox
4
examples
Professional Development Day Our Welcome Home theme seems so simple and yet has amazing depth and richness. During the school year we’re going to be considering a number of implications of this theme.
Welcome Home − has evangelistic implications. We will spend a year calling sinners to come home. Welcome Home − has ethical implications. We will spend a year considering how we are to live ‘at home’ now! The new heaven and earth is the home of righteousness. This implies holiness, justice, mercy, grace and forgiveness. We will be developing a renewed emphasis on hospitality. Welcome Home − has educational implications. We will work to create harmonious learning families across campuses. This implies unity, respect, communication and collaboration. Welcome Home − has exegetical implications. We will study the whole Bible to understand Christian community. This implies teaching, exhorting, equipping and encouraging. Welcome Home − has eternal implications. Our final home is with God and His people; all that we do now, we do in the light of eternity. At our professional development days in October we began to explore these aspects of our theme. Firstly Brian Cox led some thoughts about evangelism realizing that this involves telling the truth about the triune God; rejoicing in who He is and what He has
done and proclaiming the preeminence of Christ at all times. We need to make sure that evangelism is focused on the finished work of Christ; never on manipulative “techniques”. Every adult needs to be actively and purposefully discipling young people. We then looked at the ethical implications; considering how we are to live our daily lives now in the light of Christ’s redemption. We heard from Doctor George Mathew with regard to how a Christian approaches medicine and health issues. We were especially privileged to be taught by our SPH International alumni ... Michael Sianipar shared with us his passion for Christians to be engaged meaningfully in the sphere of politics. Three of our alumni at Biola led a discussion exploring how Christians might redeem the world of business. Then some of our teachers and counselors led us into some thoughts of how we might have an environment of hospitality, care and love in our school community and beyond. Dan Fennell began to explore the Exegetical implications and how Biblical truth has such an impact on the way we live and the quality of our relationships .... It was a challenging and helpful day of rich thinking ... the follow up day majored on the issue of “hospitality" .... Let me encourage you to be thinking deeply about what it means to be part of a covenant community living in, and out of, God’s grace ....
Professional Development Day The theme for 2012−2013 academic year is ‘Welcome Home’. The first impression of the theme for me is reminding me of my own home, where comfort and safety are some of the things that I definitely can find (read: feel) once I step through the door or even just thinking about home. The sense of protection and certainty of acceptance are what home is supposed to offer. That is how I recall what home is for me.
T
HE school theme is based on 2 Peter 3:13: In keeping with his promise, we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness. God has promised us that because of His grace through Jesus Christ, our savior and redeemer, we will be able to witness His glory in His home of righteousness. In verse 10, Peter warns us, that the day of the Lord will come like a thief and the world today will be burned down and destroyed. And in verse 11, he says: Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives. These are commands as to how believer should live. Then verse 14 makes it so clear to us what is expected: So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him.
Reflection
There is a sense of urgency of preparation to embrace God’s promise, that we must live a godly and holy life. An urgency that the good news must be shared in every possible way through our lives, that’s Evangelism. An urgency that believers must seek to live righteous lives, that’s Ethical. An urgency that believers must interpret God’s will with the help of Holy Spirit, that’s Exegetical. Evangelism I am grateful that my professional surroundings allow me to sound Jesus’ grace freely on a daily basis. I am grateful as well, that my part in the school reminds me all the time of how blessed I am in so many ways. These situations strengthen me, since we know that it is not that friendly out there if it comes to Jesus and everything about him. There are so many expectations in life, and sometime our wishes do not happen the way we plan. But even so, I am grateful and I feel that I need to glorify him, even for the not-sohappy times, since it is not about me after all. And to any world confrontations that I face, I always say that I am thanking the Lord, even for the unfortunate things, since He has saved me and I think that is all that matters. I love that the school strives to make Jesus the centre of explanation of all subjects. I love that devotion time is the first activity to begin the day, especially for students. It is a great way to teach an understanding that it is essential to put God first, now that the students are growing and learning more and more about knowledge and technology. I think it is important to notice and understand that every tiny, simple thing in life is not
examples
5
coincident even though we tend to take it for granted. Ethical I love the way Prof. George Matthew, MD, described his work and its ups and downs, its controversies. I think his story contributes a lot to other professions where sometimes it is hard to draw a line between what to do and what to not do. The Bible clearly instructs us through Ten Commandments. It sounds so simple now that we are so used to it and it almost does not guide our daily lives any longer. It may be sound so simple and yet how to obey it should not be another case. Being ethical from a Christian point of view really is not as hard as some would think. By holding on to what the scriptures tell us, we actually already possess what it takes to act correctly in the practices of our professions. The problem is how to face world’s reactions to our ethical actions, when what the world believes does not go in the same direction as what we learn from the Bible. And the conflict of interest clouds our understanding and often misleads us in making up our minds. It is so important to know why we choose to act the way we act, because of Christ. It’s important to know the main reason for obeying Him. It is all because our main job is to glorify him, at all cost. Even to be shut out from the world and all its glory. Isaiah 54:17 said that: no weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and this is their vindication from me,” declares the LORD. By knowing such a promise, doing our job ethically by God’s orders will not be burdensome. Exegetical I believe that in our daily lives, we are guided and protected by the Lord through the Holy Spirit. I believe that all that is written in the Bible is not a product of men’s thinking. I really believe that only through the Holy Spirit, Bible writers could actually write. It is the Holy Spirit as well, that enables us to understand what is written in the Bible. I
6
Professional Development Day
examples
also believe that we can gain the correct understanding of reading the Bible only and only if we allow the Holy Spirit to guide us.
we need more grace than ever just to gain an understanding of this, and thousands of prayers to strengthen us to actually forgive.
The readings can confuse us if we only rely on our own knowledge and understanding. We need to be sincere that we are just not capable, competent, nor adequate to even know a little of what is being written. We need to be honest with ourselves that our knowledge often hinders us from discovering what is Holy Spirit is trying to say to us.
I found it interesting that hospitality plays an important part in the Welcome Home theme. As I mentioned before, a home is supposed to offer protection and love, comfort and acceptance. In Matthew 7:12: So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. It is a simple statement, and I am sure that all would love to be treated with proper respect and care.
That we are knowledgeable and our experiences will be enough to understand the word of God. This is just untrue. Not to mention the application of the word of God. We just need grace from the Lord Himself, for reading it and understanding it, is a heavy task for most of us. By putting our trust in Him consciously, that often takes years; we are giving Him the authority that we think we own in the first place. Forgive a friend for an example. His order is to forgive, yet
In the education world, obedience is one of the important things that we are trying to teach the youngsters. Teaching it with love and respect will result in a very different way. And the best teaching method is role modeling, by the teacher (in school, as a superior in a job, as parents at home). We must live what we are teaching our students (in school, as subordinates in a job, or a child
Reflection
at home). It is so much easier to transfer the knowledge of the importance of caring and loving one another when one is living it and showing it with one’s life. To make it simple and do-able, just remember why you need to do this lovingly. John 13:34 says: A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. Lord has loved us first and to love Him back, it is impossible to not love others.
Natasha R. Sahetapy IB Administrative Asssistant SPH International Sentul City
A Christian Physicians Oath •
With Gods help, I will love those who come to me for healing and comfort.
•
I will honour and care for each patient as a person in the image of God, putting aside selfish interests.
•
With Gods blessings I will respect the sanctity of human life.
•
I will care for all my patients, rejecting those interventions which either intentionally destroy or actively end the lives of the unborn, the infirm and the terminally ill. By George Matthew
Professional Development Day
Reflection
At our last PD (Professional Development), I was happy to learn of the progress being made with the SLH teacher professional development initiative. I was also excited to hear the call for us as SPH International teachers to actively engage ourselves in the redemptive restoration of the IB curriculum.
I
T was refreshing to have the IB curriculum correctly placed within the ambit of the overarching Biblical Christian worldview that guides teaching and learning at our schools. However, it is Dr. George Matthew who spoke of his rewriting of the Hippocratic Oath from his position as a Christian doctor who motivated me. As Christians, we are often able to quote the scripture that says: “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right” (2 Tim. 3:16). But do we live as if we believe this? Sitting there listening, I had stumbled upon a man who prepared himself to live Biblically by searching the scriptures and setting himself a mandate to be a daily testimony of God’s word in, what sometimes is a very mundane aspect of life; his ‘job’. I was inspired by him to do the same, and by God’s grace I have. May we all be as encouraged by my humble offering of my Christian teacher’s oath, as I was by Dr. George Mathew’s Hippocratic Oath.
A Christian Teacher’s Oath I profess that the Holy Bible is the inspired, infallible word of God. It is the absolute standard by which saving knowledge is attained and by which we are granted in faith all things pertaining to life and godlinessthroughthe revelation of Jesus Christ our Lord. I believe that my vocation is a calling from the one true living God to humbly share the message of His divine plan of salvation by using methods in harmony with the gospel of Christ to teach, shepherd and impart knowledge tomy students. I pledge to abide in Christ that I may continually instruct my students in spiritual truth and academic excellence; so that their human faculties may be opened and that their thirst for knowledge may be guided by the Holy Spirit to a fulfilling existence in Christ. I will respect all the students that God grants me regardless of race, background or circumstances, and I will use every God given opportunity to teach and counsel them in righteousness and to pray for the salvation of those who are unsaved. I will maintain an amiable classroom atmosphere in which my students are invited to listen and are encouraged to question and to express their views without fear of condemnation but with the assurance of receiving guidance with love. I will apply a biblical approach to disciplining my students so that they may some day lead self-disciplined lives. I will remember to cheerfully partake in the advancement of God’s kingdom by being a good steward of my time and talents for which God has made me responsible to my employers.
Anika Browne Jones Senior School Teacher SPH International Lippo Cikarang
I commit to upholding this promise. May I always act as to preserve the finest traditions of my calling and may I long experience the joy of being a Christian teacher.
8
Professional Development Day
examples
SPH International Kemang Village Teachers and Staff
Reflection
I was reminded again about the essence of becoming a Christian teacher. Am I passionate about the gospel of the truth of who Jesus is? Am I passionate in building an intimate relationship with Him through scriptures? Am I passionate to share the good news with students and the community? The living Christ must stay in our hearts, reflect in our actions and words every day, every moment in any area in life (business, education, medicine, etc.). This is only possible if we abide in the ‘truth’— Jesus. Roselita Anggorosari I was challenged by hearing again of our total depravity through the Fall; being reminded of our unworthiness before a holy God; of God’s grace and mercy shown towards us through the redeeming work of Jesus Christ; that we are called home to be with our Creator. The implications for me as a teacher are to not only model through my own actions, but also to proclaim the gospel of salvation to a captive young audience and create authentic learning experiences for my students—teach students to be reflective learners so that they may develop a keen awareness of how God is working in their lives, and that God has a calling and a purpose ‘even’ for young people. Johanna Wielenga The purpose of evangelism the outcome of evangelism is not to necessarily see someone become a Christian, although this is wonderful when God calls us to be part of it, but to be obedient to God and share God’s words with others by living our life out in truth. As teachers we have the privilege of seeing our students every day and being a witness to them in how we live our lives Amy Wong Christian teachers are called to become fishers of men not only transferring knowledge and skills to the students but also to accommodate students’ life transformation to become God’s disciples and equip them to respond to His calling using their God-given talents without having separate boxes for their faith and their work. Su Jan Wong
It was good to hear testimony about evangelism from different areas such as politic, health, business, and education. God can work through people in different kinds of occupations. Mia Febrina We need to relax and not only focus on what we need to accomplish academically. We must be the guide alongside students encouraging, supporting and building them up. Kaitlyn McLaughlin Learning happens cooperatively when we learn together in relationship. We must always be mindful of the sunset—effectively preparing students and others by sharing the gospel and being prepared for Christ’s return. Evangelism is a combination of your life and preaching Christ in a truthful manner. Sharing Christ must happen through honesty and truth found in the Bible. All aspects of life must be a ministry in that we are part of the same calling to proclaim Christ. Chaney Rosti
When we are doing something good, showing kindness and loving, we think we’ve told our students about God but actually it might not be that simple. Evangelism “requires” us to proclaim and announce the good news about Jesus and we must seriously study God’s word. Megasari Sri Ulina It was reassuring to hear our leaders reiterate that the law must not be put on a shelf; rather it plays an integral part in the cycle of preparing hearts for repentance, forgiveness and a fruitful life. ‘Why?’ is ultimately more important than ‘How?’. Even the most skilled person is lacking when the proper motives or circumstances are missing. Therefore teaching my students to glorify God with their talents is a higher priority than academic success, yet academic success is a natural result of the former. Krista Pappenfuss Teaching is a ministry! Faith and work should go hand in hand. Our means and our ends should be one in meaning and substance. Our end is to be in the Father’s home with Him; our means is living a fun, fruitful and fulfilled Christian life. Karl Ryan Osia
Professional Development Day SPH International Kemang Village Teachers and Staff
Praying for students is extremely important. We should be teaching students to approach their material through a Christian worldview. This means seeing beauty in literature, potential for change through written words, etc. Every day is the only day I am guaranteed to have with my students. Make the most of today. Madison Lewis A teacher can only give things that they have/ know/believe that is why it’s important that every teacher fills themselves with the word of God; stay close to God. Teachers, students and parents must unite to reach one God-directed goal - to redeem the world. We must live life in the faith and know that the Holy Spirit will help us to reach that goal. Agnes Sinaga Hearing stories from experienced individuals and young people with so much passion and faith was moving. It’s wonderful to know that these people do live their everyday lives based on truth. Kristine Limbaco We must love students equally, care for them, pray for each of them and through actions and faith walk with the Lord so that we can be God’s witnesses and ambassadors. Erina Tan I’m struggling with the “HOW” to synchronize and integrate everything together. Practically, it seems that this struggle not only applies to teachers. Other professions have their struggles in fulfilling God’s calling. Ian Timothy Two things that God challenged me about evangelism are that as teachers we must get together and pray for our students, and also ask the students about their prayer requests. Catherine Bless Osia
Reflection
“What time is it?” Often I am so caught up with getting my lessons done or trying to rush my students to go to the next step. I am so caught up with my earthly time. What’s more crucial is that we never know how much time we actually have before the Lord returns. This is a scary thought. What have I done so far to preach the good news to my students? Did I contribute to bringing them back “home”? Dasom Jung As a teacher, I have to put Christ at the centre of my teaching and be a model to my students so that they will see how much Christ loves them and then they will be able to apply the love of Christ in their lives. Shirley Tanamal We cannot separate what we do as a job and a ministry to God. Remembering what the Bible says about “doing everything as if for God”. So whatever I come across in my job, I have to address it in the way that is pleasing to God as the Highest Master. Daud Damar Wirastomo
examples
9
Spiritual and secular should not be separated; every single moment of our life should reflect our faith. Helentina Sidabutar Esau gives an example of how we as teachers should welcome home our students ... with open arms. God does not call us to be perfect teachers; He calls us to rely on Him for our strength. At times we may think our arms cannot stretch long enough to embrace each and every student, but at those times God becomes our “go go gadget” arms. Lindsey Cooper We need to think about how it would feel to be a student in our class. Also, to continually look for ways to publicly praise our students. The students won’t just remember what we taught them, but how we made them feel. Laura Michaels Being a person who lives the gospel is always a work in progress. Trent Felstrom
10
Professional Development Day
examples
SPH International Kemang Village Teachers and Staff
Reflection
I think I was reminded that I need to be more intentional about presenting the gospel to my students both outright and through my actions. I want to be more intentional about praying for my students and speaking truth into their lives both in class and outside of the class. Most importantly I want my students to see the love of Christ in me and know that I am a safe place that they can come to. I need to make it more of my mission to prepare them, guide them and help them “walk home before dark”. Hilary Bergen A reminder that Christ works in us. While we are seemingly unworthy, Christ chooses our weakness and strengths to show His love and grace. Taryn Farnell Welcome Home – Theory and Practice. Mr Brian’s talk at the beginning of the day was enlightening and had significant implications for the classroom. His discussion of the three evangelists, Whitefield, Edwards and Finney, highlighted the need for authenticity of faith, and, by extension, highlighted how important it is to be authentic in the classroom. Finney’s reduction of the gospel message to a method, with certain stops and a total lack of relationship, rendered it useless and simply a “means to an end”. In the classroom, teachers can be good practitioners of the methods of teaching without being good teachers. As teachers in a Christian school, we have the added responsibility of living out an authentic faith in the presence and in relationship with our students. Faith, like teaching, is not only about knowing theory and methodology. Rather, faith and teaching should be wholly conceived with a consistency between the theory and the life. Marc Bergen
SPH International Kemang Village Teachers and Staff
Often times, unless you are devoting yourself to the unprivileged in society, people do not consider it to be “missions” work. At SPH, the students are far from “underprivileged” and their drivers, maids, and fancy jeans on Fridays prove this point. However, Jesus is often commended for His ministry to the poor, His ministry crossed all socio-economic thresholds because being lost and in need of love has absolutely nothing to do with how much your family pays for tuition. The PD day this year was an excellent and needed reminder that our ministry to these “privileged” students is not misdirected. Just because our students have enough money to buy a touch-screen GPS, does not mean they are not lost and in need of the healing touch of our Saviour. Christopher Trammell I really appreciated what Mr Patrick had to say about community in the classroom. If we can get our students to “buy in” to the idea that we can all work together to make each other better, then our classroom culture will be one that is healthy and effective.
God is the one who can change people, not evangelism methods or human effort. I know now that I have to develop my dependence on God and spend more time in prayer.
I also agreed with the idea that many of the speakers shared about LIVING out the gospel in our own life. If we LIVE the gospel every day, then our students will get to see first-hand what it looks to “engage in the redemptive restoration of all things through Jesus Christ”.
Hardi Lie
Erik Fry
Mr Brian’s reflection on teachers reaching out to students made me realize how much time I spend on my work and how much time I give to students whenever they need someone to talk to. Students often need a listening ear to either free themselves from a heavy burden or to share their achievements. I was amazed by the people who shared: a doctor, politician, counselor, businessmen and teachers. The Word of God unites people from different professions. It is the source of meaning and purpose in everything we do. Gerardo Fajardo There was an interview with two alumni, now Biola University students. One of the students said that the most important thing she wants to implement in her business is to create a situation to cause those people who are working for her or with her do the work because they love their job not because of the money they earn. She wants a working environment where there are good relationships between supervisors and subordinates. When a person feels they belong, are valued or acknowledged, she believes this person will give their best to the job, dedicating their heart to accomplishing the work in order to contribute to the success of the business. Nauli Novelita Alhika
Professional Development Day
Reflection
I
N John 14:2, Jesus said, "In my Father's house are many homes. If it weren't so, I would have told you. I am going to prepare a place for you.” (World English Bible). These are the homes that God has prepared for all of us. One day, when we go to His House, we will hear Him says, “Welcome Home.” However, not all members of SPH International know these homes that have been prepared for them. Therefore, the Welcome Home theme has an implication that we, the followers of Christ, must evangelize; telling all people the Gospel. Showing good examples through our deeds will not be enough as good deeds do not tell them about the Triune God, the things that He has done and the preeminance of Christ. Alissa Gouw SPH International Sentul City Senior School Teacher
W
HEN I am aware of the brevity of life, I am inspired to weigh my actions carefully. In Psalm 90:12, David asks the Lord to “teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” This is not a new concept, but it is worth pondering.
Many questions were raised at the PD sessions at Kemang and Sentul City on October 18−19. What are the implications of my Christian worldview? How am I using my time? Am I modeling godly responses to ethical dilemmas? Am I equipping my students to seek after God themselves? Am I deliberately passing on my worldview? I was challenged to use my time more deliberately. As Ephesians 5:15−16 says, I want to “Be very careful, then, how [I] live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity.” So much rests on each of my actions, especially at the front of my classroom. I do not have days to waste. Deborah Wagler SPH International Sentul City Senior School Teacher
examples
11
I
am blessed. This is my conclusion of the two day PD. Each of the sessions jogs my memory of what I should do to serve Him better and at the same time to be reaffirmed in my calling as an educator. On the first day, I was reminded that to be able to bring the student ‘home” to God it’s not enough just to be a good or a smart teacher but also to involve God and to be living with Him. The way I am walking with God is important. It will show everyone how I differently live the redeemed life in my vocation. On the second day, I was reminded to be sincere in my doings so people will feel comfortable being around as I am called to serve and to let people feel welcome. Somehow I think it’s simple but it could not be that easy. I believe that being sincere could be fake if I don’t involve Him in my life. I don’t want people to feel that I am nice but it is sweet talk only. I am looking forward to hear God say to me, “Well done, good and faithful servant! Come and share your master’s happiness!” at the end of my journey. Consequently, the topic that Mr. Brian led encouraged me to be open to having others instead material neediness so that I would hear other also says, “I am blessed because of you.” Rosma Indriana Purba SPH International Sentul City Junior School Principal
12
Professional Development Day
examples
Reflection
The Father welcomes us home, but how am I walking now? That question intrigues me as I was listening to Mr. Dan Fennel who was sharing the Word. No doubt that our loving Father will welcome me home, but am I doing what is pleasing Him while living on this earth? Do I dwell in His presence every day? Do I know what He wants me to do, or I just do what I want to do? I need to remind myself that my existence revolves around loving God and worshipping Him. I also need to tell my family and others surrounding me about the importance of keeping this issue as the main thing in life, as an old phrase says, “The leader’s job is to keep the main thing, the main thing.” As written in Joshua 1: 7−8, God wants us to meditate on the Word day and night, so that we can do according to all that is written. The second point is to realize that any recovery in relationship requires an apology and forgiveness. I should never seek revenge or desire to hurt someone just to vindicate my action. What I need to do is an action that will bring a constructive purpose of repentance and recovery for the relationship. That is apologizing and forgiving! Franky Wilianto General Affairs Department Head SPH International Lippo Village
SPH International Sentul City Drama Production
Kokonut High Directed by: Mary Geimann
T
HIS year SPH International Sentul City Drama Production was “Kokonut High”. This is a comedy that brought laughter to the audience and joy to the players. The students’ dramatic and performing skills, as well as their self-confidence grew wonderfully. Several students gained backstage work experience by assisting in make up, management and marketing. This production also enhanced the relations between the supervising teachers, teacher and student actors and actresses, as well as the student assistants. The actors and actresses were students of grade 8 to 10 as well as some Junior and Senior School teachers. The plot was simple: Cordelia Hawkins and her children must do something to earn some money on their hurricane devastated island, Kokonut Island. The family decides to open Kokonut High, a private high school that guarantees a diploma to every student (in exchange for a hefty tuition fee, of course!). Along with the handful of students that show up, a crime syndicate also comes to the island and wants to take it over. Add to this a collection of other colorful characters, and you have an island overflowing with mishaps, mischief, and merriment. We are looking forward to the next drama production at SPH International Sentul City. By Yulvita Hadi Yarti, SPH International Sentul City Teacher
special report
17
Brian and Maureen Cox's Farewell O N 10 and 11 December, all SPH International community spent some time to have farewell ceremonies to Mr. Brian and Mrs. Maureen who have served at SPH International for 10 years. We were celebrating God’s goodness for sending us a couple who have dedicated themselves to help SPH International community to understand the meaning of living as God’s people and doing God’s works to proclaim the preeminence of Christ.
Thank you Brian and Maureen for your services and we pray for your next path of your journey that God will use you even more to glorifying God. God bless you always.
18
examples
The Less Travelled Road By Kristia Davina Sianipar
I once told my friend that I had a smooth-sailing life. I went to one of the best high schools in Indonesia free of charge, I went to a good university in Singapore without much effort, and I was offered a job about a year before graduation. There were some minor waves, of course, but none too extreme. So what was wrong with my life? Not much, except that the wise man of Ecclesiastes words seemed to shout to me every day: “Meaningless, meaningless, everything under the sun is meaningless!”
I
T took a major disappointment at work and the death of a close friend to finally force me to make my move. When we are haunted by the thought that we could die at any moment, without warning or notice, and the realization that on our death bed we would not yearn for another day at the office, then we find a different kind of reasoning. Yes, my view of life’s meaning changed on that day in July 2010 when I saw the dead body of my good friend so pale and unnatural in a white casket. It was the year I finally relented and was baptized, to suffer death in its most meaningful, but seemingly mildest, form. So I left my high dollar-paying job, comfortable and efficient Singapore, my good friends, my position in an organization—everything—to live in a village in Manado, North Sulawesi and be trained to be a missionary. I traded everything I had to be paid close to nothing, sleep on a wooden board, eat simple meals, and be forced to live beyond all my previously known limits. I thought, “This is it, I am going to live a purposeful life, and for the Lord too!” But two months’ later I suffered an illness I had never experienced before and was hospitalized, and finally went back home to Jakarta. I was completely exhausted; mentally and spiritually jaded. I thought, “I am giving my life for the Lord. Surely I have done what the rich young man had not done, to exchange
my riches for the service of the Lord?” I was angry and disappointed. Later I would realize that I had not given up everything; I had retained my pride. I recovered and found myself in Jakarta, working the same kind of mundane, dollar producing job I had back in Singapore. “What are you doing here?” I asked myself as the Lord had asked Elijah on that mountain top. “Wouldn’t it be better if I had stayed in Singapore? I’m just back where I started.” I thought. I recalled my 2010 decision. I had weighed the possibilities of regrets back then and I knew that, regardless of setbacks, I should commit to this less travelled road. A barely trodden path is usually never easy. The unsettledness in my heart finally forced me back on this road again. I applied to be a voluntary teacher in a remote village for one year, was accepted, and once more turned my back on the “big city” job. When my grandmother found out, she exclaimed, “Have you lost your mind?” I think I had begun to lose my own mind two years before. Now I am in Rote Ndao, NTT, at the southernmost point of Indonesia. I am teaching fifth graders in a village, where my school is in the middle of savannah and next to a forest—my little school on the prairie; where I drink water from the well and wash my clothes by hand.
examples nation as many as stars in the sky and sand by the seashore. I remember all of them who died in faith.
19
opportunity to return. But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them. (Hebrews 11:13−16)
And especially, I remember the goodness the Lord has given me in the past, in the present and thus in the future. He has been faithful throughout my life and held me closely and securely even when I have refused Him and denied Him. Why can’t I have such faith too?
I see a multitude of stars every night, probably as many as Abraham saw when the Lord gave him the promise, and I see the bluest sky I can ever imagine every day. Sometimes I do think of my past life, the past that sometimes seems to temporarily glow brighter and brighter as I think of it. But I hold fast to Hebrews 11, the passage that has, for more than a year now, become my favorite passage. I remember Moses and how he left the crown of Egypt to be with a stiff-necked nation. I remember Abraham and his faith in the promise that from one child will spring a
This service as a teacher is only for one year. I do not know where I will be going after this. But whatever it is, I think I have understood a little of the purpose of God. Whilst life seems so unpredictable to me, and will probably remain so. I have one certainty: He calls us to be faithful and He enables us to be faithful. These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland. And truly if they had called to mind that country from which they had come out, they would have had
Kristia Davina Sianipar. Graduated from Sekolah Pelita Harapan, Lippo Karawaci in 2004, and from Singapore Management University in 2008. Has previously worked in audit and consulting firms in Singapore and Jakarta. Currently serves as an elementary school teacher in Rote Ndao, Nusa Tenggara Timur as part of Gerakan Indonesia Mengajar Foundation.
E CONFERENCE By Judy Comrie
SPH International Lippo Village Teacher
NCOURAGING yet challenging. Academic yet practical. Familiar yet fresh. All these contradictions aptly describe my experience at the Association of Christian Schools conference in November in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Christine Freeman and I went to this conference to present a workshop on mentoring high school students. Apart from that experience, we had many other valuable opportunities. The conference was attended by over 600 Christian educators working in Asia, both national and expatriate. Encouraging because it was a wonderful gathering of like-minded people with a heart to bring Christian truth to students and families! Challenging because of stories of the work of Christians in places where there is little or no freedom to share the gospel, yet there are faithful people persevering in this task. Academic because we were confronted to think about concepts such as postmodernism and the possibility of a Christian metanarrative. Practical because we also talked about topics such as specific classroom strategies, spiritual warfare in our classrooms or how to prepare our students better for university. Familiar because of the many ‘God appointments’ we had. Frequently we were brought together with people that had a connection to someone here at SPH International. It was very heartwarming to be reminded that we are one big family after all! Fresh because Chiang Mai is in the lovely hills of northern Thailand and the air is clear and beautiful!
20
examples By Diane Fennell
SPH International Lippo Village Teacher
Hospitality - the power to provide
The word hospitality comes from the Latin ‘hospes’ which means literally, ‘to have power over’. A host has power over his guest – both to invite people to and provide them with hospitality.
T
HE Grade 10 Food Technology “Serve with a Smile” unit, enables students to learn about and put into practice the powerful creational mandate and Christian virtue of hospitality. We read in the first chapters of the Bible how creation displays this powerful paradigm of host and guest. God, the host, welcomes us into His world—as His guests. He had the privilege and power to provide for the safety, comfort, nourishment, rest, and entertainment of his guests; and he did, in a decorous way. As His image-bearers we are called to welcome humanity into relationship with Him. We are to reflect God’s character by welcoming strangers, aliens and by building positive and godly relationships with others,
in particular those who are vulnerable and alone. While we naturally extend hospitality to family, friends, even acquaintances, Biblical hospitality invites those unfamiliar or strange to us; those in need; both the traveler and the resident foreigner. God invites both ‘us’ and ‘them’ to come. Jesus ate with sinners. Sometimes, as with Zacchaeus, he invited himself to dinner. God’s hospitality that welcomed us in creation and welcomes us back through Christ’s cross, reaches its climax in the final vision of the Bible. Then God welcomes humanity into His new creation city to live with God as God’s people; in the light, not of sun, moon, and stars, but of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. There God’s forever life flourishes for ages to come.
Around Jesus ‘many will come from the east and the west, and will take their places at the feast with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven’ (Matthew 8:11). Grade 10 students are challenged to host members of our school community in the true spirit of creational, Christian hospitality in a poised and polite way. They are also challenged to build new relationships with their guests by using their culinary talents, organizational skills and godly attitudes. Students have worked hard on their hospitality this year. They’ve had some success. May hospitality continue to be the hallmark of all our lives as together we serve Jesus.
By Joshua Agung Nugraha SPH International Sentul City Teacher
Hospitality P
EOPLE consider today is the precarious era. What used to be referred to as the truth may no longer be considered to be one. One of the negative consequences is that young people today easily get bored and this fact makes the learning process more difficult. Brian J. Walsh in his book “Education in Precarious Times: Postmodernity and a Chrisian Worldview” stated that: “Boredom has always been a problem experienced in mass education especially during the teenage years. When that boredom is combined with an overall sense of numbness, the pedagogical task becomes all that more difficult and yet also more crucial”. How do we, as a Christian school, look at this issue and find the solution for it? I think hospitality might be the answer. This idea is closely related to our mission statement which is proclaiming the pre-eminence of Christ and engaging in the redemptive restoration of all things in Him through holistic education. In John chapter 4, when Jesus went back from Judea to Galilee, he had to pass Samaria. So he passed a city called Sychar in Samaria. Where there was the well of Jacob. Jesus was tired and he sat by the well. It was about noon when a Samaritan woman wanted to draw water. Jesus came to her and started a conversation by asking if she was willing to give him some
in the Class Room water. Later on, after her amazement of seeing Jesus as a Jew initiating a conversation with a Samaritan, Jesus offered her living water. Further more, he promised her that if she drank the living water given by him the fountain of water will well up to eternal life. Lastly, Jesus blessed her by making her aware that true happiness would come from within. This is one of the clear examples of hospitality offered by Jesus. He initiates a conversation, offers something that others need, and provides the solution to those who have problems. These facts are truly in line with the real meaning of hospitality which is treating others with a friendly attitude, showing welcome acceptance and showing the quality of being hospitable or generous. It seems that Jesus has set a very compatible and long lasting method of teaching for us. The question is how can we use His method in our class room? From Jesus’ experience above, we can learn three different types of hospitality. Firstly, students and other member of SPH International community, are part of our spiritual family. We are taught by God’s Word that we must treat other people with respect, care and hospitality. Thus, we need to develop this type of nature at our schools and in the classroom. As a family we are expected to have good relationships with other staff and students not based on fear, but based on willingness and sincerity.
Secondly, teachers also need to develop instructive hospitality. This type of hospitality encourages students to experience discipline and timely manner in every facet of life. Like Jesus meeting with the Samaritan woman, He was there before she got at the well around noon. It means Jesus knew exactly that He would meet the woman. We can develop this in our class room by being on time and setting everything in place so that students know what they are going to do before the class starts. Thirdly, teachers also need to develop the logical type of hospitality. This type is shown when teachers are able to accept and anticipate different, or even contradictive, ideas of others. Jesus shows how He handles the woman’s idea about material type of water which is the opposite of the spiritual water meant by Jesus. He does not want to win the argument and confront her that the spiritual water is what He wants to deliver. He slowly directs her mind into thinking that the spiritual water is much more important than the material water. To conclude, hospitality in the class room is very important. Let’s be thankful for what he has shown to us through the principle of hospitality so that every step of our ministry in SPH International campuses may lead us to reach our incredibly important mission statement.
Resources: “Welcoming the Unknown” By Elizabeth Topp, November 26, 2012. http://www.intervarsity.org/followingchrist/features/feature.php?id=532 “Education in Precarious Time: Postmodernity and a Christian Worldview” By Brian J. Walsh. November 26, 2012. http://crc.sa.utoronto.ca/files/2010/01/education-in-precarious-times.pdf “The Christian World View of Education” By Dr. Richard Lappert, Phd. And Dr. Robert Somonds. 2004, The Coalition on Revival, Inc. USA.
22
examples
How I Stole
Hospitality
Good artists borrow. Great artists steal. This quote is, ironically, attributed to over a dozen artists and visionaries. Who said it first? Who made it popular? Who cares?
W
HEN I became a teacher, I decided that I wanted to steal from Mr. Kelley. I wanted to steal his class structure. Steal his persona. Steal the way his classroom smelled. I can still remember that blend of cologne and candles. It made me feel safe. Mr. Kelley knew something that a lot of teachers don’t—he knew that kids won’t work hard when they don’t feel safe. He knew that they work harder when they feel welcome. So I stole a lot from Mr. Kelly. I stole the way that he opened his class with wisdom and inspiration that provoked thought. I stole some of his assignments. I’m still trying to find his smell. More importantly, I stole his wisdom and decided that my students would feel welcome in my class. But it’s not enough. If all our effort in focusing on Welcome Home is to make our students comfortable during the hours in which they sit in our chairs, we are failing them. And we are not giving them something vital that they are longing for.
Why did we spend an entire day talking about hospitality? Why is our theme Welcome Home? If we have to devote a year to focus on home and hospitality it’s because we haven’t been hospitable. Our students haven’t felt welcome and safe. What makes students scared in our classroom? What causes fear or uncertainty? What causes the need for a year-long focus on hospitality and home? Failure. Mr. Kelley did a great job of welcoming me to class. A firm handshake, bright smile and warm candle made sure of that. But a hospitable environment is not enough. It only helps our students feel safe inside our room. And that’s not what they’re scared of. They are not scared of our room, they’re scared of failing our class. If students feel like they can’t succeed, they probably won’t. As welcoming and comfortable as Mr. Kelley’s class was, I can’t imagine how welcome I would have felt if I knew that I was failing. Or if I knew that Mr. Kelley expected me to get a C-minus. Sure, the candle would have been just as bright and the smile just as warm, but failure trumps feelings. If we want to be truly hospitable, we need to help our students feel welcome inside a place in which they want to be: a place called success.
When we welcome students to success, they will feel welcome in our classroom, school and world. Our belief in our students is more valuable than a handshake at the door. It communicates more than a smile or inspiring quote. It is also much harder to show. One of the great things about teachers is that we don’t see kids for who they are. We see kids for who they can be. In a way, we can see into the future. To help our students feel welcome we should be the one who says, “You are smart enough to succeed, even though you don’t believe it!” When our students believe that we believe in them, they will believe in themselves. When they know that we know that they can succeed, they will. Why do we talk, write and read about hospitality? Because our students aren’t feeling it. They are scared. Not of us, but of failure. So don’t settle for handshakes and smiles. Don’t be satisfied with celebrations and parties that allegedly form community. Believe in your students. And let them see it. Tell them, “This assignment is hard. But I wouldn’t give it to you unless I knew you could do it.” Words like these inspire kids. They make students want to work hard. And who knows? Maybe you’ll inspire a student to become a teacher. And he will be hospitable in his classroom so that his students experience success. And maybe, when he is asked, “How do you show hospitality in your classroom?” he will mention you in an article for the school magazine. Because good artists borrow. Great artists steal.
By Patrick Jones
SPH International Lippo Village Teacher
Patrick Jones
examples
23
By Don Mercer
Senior School Academic Principal SPH International Lippo Village
Hospitality even when it hurts
T
HIS is one of the things we talk about and pray about when the Senior School Admission Interviewers meet together at the start of the “interviewing season.” In Senior School, we normally interview a large number of 11−12 years students hoping to enter grade 7 the following year.
addressed, I want to highlight at least one thing that the Senior School Interviewers work hard at AND we hope results in contributing towards a positive experience for these students, even in the midst of receiving discouraging news about not being admitted.
Often it is painfully obvious as soon as the interview starts that some students will not be admitted. They are really, really struggling to carry on a conversation in English. The answers that they are able to give may additionally reveal a young person whose sole motivation in life seems to be to play online games.
As an interviewer with many students to see in a morning, it can be tempting to “get this one over with in a hurry” and move on to others. But, we are very conscious of the fact that for many students, this might be their only exposure to a Christian organization and to adults who represent the Christian faith. It would be tragic if they were seen as anything less than a wonderful creation of God, infinitely loved and cared for.
What will their experience be during this process of application, coming to the school for testing and interviews, and then finally hearing from SPH International that they will not be admitted. Will their experience be one of hospitality? While there are many aspects to this situation that can be
And so we smile and ask simple questions that will give us the opportunity to be as affirming as possible. We pray for them in our hearts as we watch them leave the room, asking that although they might not be admitted to SPH International that will NOT feel like they were not accepted by SPH International.
Becoming a friend of many young teachers By Hondho Setyaningsih SPH International Lippo Village Teacher
Our God is so relational ... and so he has graciously blessed me with love and enjoyment to build deeper relationship with others. One of them is the precious relationships with the TC students. Now they are TEACHERS! Oh, my heart beats fast with thanksgiving when I realized that these young teachers used to sit in my classroom. I am so proud of them!
G
OD has given the opportunity for my family to welcome and serve these young, energetic, enthusiastic and creative teachers at least twice a year, during Summer and Christmas break. Some teachers would stay for a week or two during their
annual training, but some are just visiting. Our house is full of joy and laughter when they come over. They have ‘adopted’ us to be their family. Usually the boys will have noisy fun watching football matches with ‘Pak Antoni’—my husband or just have a chat about technology, and the girls will do some baking
and cooking with me and my daughter, Alin. They never forget our other family member, Princess, our dog. These are very memorable moments each year, to be able to have fellowship with them, listening to them, praying with them and finally sending them out again with our blessing, when the holiday is over!
The warmth of home no matter where we are
The Guariguatas
S
INCE birth we receive care and love from our first hosts in life. In our hearts, we fully understand the concept of hospitality because our parents host us in their homes and in their lives. We try to teach children the meaning and the different dimensions of the concept of hospitality which is strongly linked to the concept of family and home. But hospitality has many faces. We can find a loving home in the classroom. Teachers, like parents, offer their
wisdom and in many cases their hearts to hold the ideas that children need to mature. In that sense teachers are the hosts of the school environment. Hopefully, provided they walk the right path, many more people will welcome them in their hearts and they will receive warmth, protection and guidance. Our family has the opportunity to live in different countries and in each new home hospitality is always an integral part of our life. Our hearts rejoice whenever a family
Welcome Home and Hospitality
I
N the Human Resource Department, we try to be helpful by giving requested information, responding to emails and phone calls and finishing our tasks in a timely manner to try to do it all as unto the Lord. In other words to work joyfully and being helpful one to the other in carrying out our responsibility. We feel that by beginning the day with daily morning devotions helps us in being grateful for everything that comes our way—when we prepare for hard tasks, surprise visits of government officials, employee problems or other things that we do not know how to handle, we bring it in prayer to the Lord. Problems always go away and become a valuable lesson, which again make us learn to give thanks in all circumstances. Because colleagues know we have our daily morning devotions they sometimes ask us to pray for them too or sometimes come to take part in our devotion.
Over the years at HRD we have felt how daily devotions, sharing and prayer have made us grow in our faith and understanding of God’s word and love. It has helped us enjoy and be grateful for our daily work! Personally I have seen newcomers at HRD change and seen them become comfortable in prayer, sharing and involving the Lord in their daily activities. It is a great way of melting frozen hearts and opening it to the Lord and I recommend every workgroup at SPH International to have regular devotions to come closer to the Lord. Which other organization encourages this great benefit? May SPH International continue to seek the Lord in all its ways. Leoni J. De Herdt Head of HRD SPH International Lippo Village
member visits us for a few weeks not only because we can be together after a long time apart, but also because it is an opportunity to share our realities in each country we have lived. At that time of joy, hospitality is not only our duty as hosts and but becomes a celebration with our family and friends. Being able to witness to our children hospitality means the opportunity to share different types of playdates, birthday parties and sport activities that have allowed us to see the different dimensions that hospitality has in different countries. I can say with confidence that regardless of race, cultural background and social class, hospitality is an important element. Although sometimes tiring, we have learnt to feel at home in our host country and for that we are very grateful.
Giselle Arroyo Mother of Alejandro, Manuela and Mateo SPH International Sentul City
pag
25
HOSPITALITY IN OUR HOMES By SPH International Lippo Village PAG 2012−2013
What does "Hospitality" look like in our homes? Each family has a unique way of practicing hospitality. PAG asked some SPH International parents to share their experiences and found that how we show hospitality springs from the values we hold dear in our hearts and our attitude towards others.
“It's important as it is a reflection of who we are and if we are in Christ, then hospitality is His commandment as Jesus said: "Love your neighbors as you love yourselves". Hospitality is a show of accepting others as they are, welcoming them and respecting them with friendly gestures. Being considerate to other’s needs and putting others' needs before yourself is one way of showing hospitality. Serving others with a cheerful heart, serving them with open arms, warmth and smiles ensuring them that they feel at home and at ease. As we show hospitality to guests, the children will follow our examples in welcoming their friends. They always prepare food and beverages abundantly, always asking guests if they need anything else and always striving to serve them with a smiling, friendly face.” [ Ivan Hodiny ] “Hospitality is important to show that we care, as well as for fellowship and sometimes to host kids school activities. It's also a good opportunity to witness that we acknowledge and honor God such as through mealtime prayers and other discussions. We have friends and family over, both scheduled and sometimes unscheduled. Children can share their rooms and other things, prepare simple snacks and activities for the visits”. [ Lely Kurniawan ]
“Hospitality is not only about inviting people over for dinner with great meals. As it is stated in the Bible: "Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling” (1 Peter 4:9). There are many creative ways to offer our hospitality as a Christian mom and wife. As I recently moved to Lippo Village, my house is near the school, so I sometimes offer my son's classmates to stay for afternoon tea in our house after school if their drivers are late in picking them up from their home in Jakarta. The boys love it and we often chat about things that have happened in school that day. I find that this little gesture makes the boys feel more relaxed and happier as they have someone listening to their problems before starting their journey back home. Hospitality comes from the attitude of heart. As Christians we will bless each other with our hospitality that is genuine.” [ Linda Koesno ]
“In our family, we open doors for our children's friends, moms, teachers and bible study groups. We provide food and room for out of town guests. We visit friends who are sick and pray for them. Three times a year, our family will organize an 'open clinic' in the Tangerang area. Our children usually participate in organizing, preparing, and praying. Why do we practice hospitality? We want to share our care for others, especially those in need, as if we are doing it for God and taking the opportunity to minister about Him.” [ Siusan Hermawan ]
“Hospitality in our home reflects our faith in God. I like to surround myself with scriptures (Calligraphy)/cushions/ candles/ family photos etc with inspirational scriptures or comforting words and reminders of His promises. I believe it is cozy and welcoming with Christian music playing and inviting to relax and find peace. It’s a place where it is clean but “lived in", where people feel at ease and find an ear to listen (1 Timothy 5:10). When I think what the Bible tells us about hospitality it’s amazing! We are encouraged to entertain even strangers, after all we could be entertaining angels! (Hebrews 13:2; Leviticus 19:34). Hospitality goes beyond convenience or our own comfort (1 Peter 4:9). It is sacrificial and not always easy time-wise, but it's worth every effort. It is giving us a platform to share God’s goodness and find out people’s needs (Romans 12:13)” [ Sharon Tan ]
Inspired? Wouldn't it be a wonderful blessing if through our practice of hospitality in our homes, our children grow up with an innate ability to love others through caring for their needs with generous hearts?
By Helena Wunderink
Ex SPH International Lippo Village Teacher
F
ROM the 26th to the 30th of September a team of seven teachers from Sekolah Pelita Harapan Lippo Village and two curriculum coordinators from Sekolah Dian Harapan went to Kupang to hold a three day workshop for the teachers at Sekolah Lentera Harapan which were exhausting but also exhilarating. It was amazing to see the different branches of the Yayasan come together with a common purpose: to build relationships, share knowledge and support each other in prayer. The focus of the workshop was not just to share teaching ideas and classroom management strategies; the main goal of the workshop was to build mentoring relationships that would continue beyond the workshop. To facilitate this, teachers broke up into small groups with a workshop leader to reflect on the workshop sessions. These small group times allowed for more one-on-one discussions about specific classroom situations, and gave more opportunities to encourage each other in prayer. I was extremely blessed by the opportunities we had to build relationships with others, whether it was through singing silly songs at Karaoke or praying together for individual students and classroom situations. I look forward to future workshops and opportunities to build bridges between the different school systems and reach out to our brothers and sisters in Christ who are in SLH and SDH. What did we do? • Huddle Groups − We got together in small groups to reflect and discuss what was talked about in the seminars. We also were able to talk one-on-one about specific classroom situations and give encouragement and prayer. • Fun Activity − An optional time after the workshop sessions where the teachers and workshop leaders continued to develop relationships through games, dinner and Karaoke! • Worship Sessions − Sessions to praise God together for all he has done! • Seminars − Sessions for teaching, learning and sharing ideas. • Parent’s Seminar − Pak Rene shared about the view of Education through the Bible, interviewed Pak Matteus a blind man who works tirelessly to provide education for over 20 children he has adopted over the years. There was also an opportunity for the parents to participate during the Question and Answer time. It was a great opportunity to get to know the wider school community and invest in the parents. • Team Devotions − The workshop team got together every morning to sing and spend some time in devotions to prepare our hearts for service.