Cooloola Christian College Solomon Islands Ministry Trip 2018 Information Booklet.short term missions take us to places where risks for the gospel are rewarded with opportunities to build the kingdom a world where those small risky steps of faith in God s hands become giant leaps of learning, growth and glory to God. J.Mack, 2000-1 -
1. Our Vision Our College is very aware that a faith in God without action results in a failure to fulfil Gods purpose for our lives. He expects us not The place God wants us to only to learn about Him through studying His word, but to apply start in mission (ministry) what we learn in practical ways we are to be His hands and His work is not to get a feet. passport, buy a plane ticket or develop vacation In September 2006 we sent a team of 12 students and 3 leaders Bible school curriculum. to Gizo and Marivari for a 14 day Ministry Trip. This was a The place to start is by wonderful time of learning, sharing and celebrating in our unity recognising that you must with our Solomon brothers and sisters in Christ. However, this trust God s plan and not was intended to be only the beginning of an ongoing connection your own. The short term between CCC and the people of the Solomon s. Since then we ministry trip is an have run many more trips including our most recent trip in 2016 instrument God uses to where we helped to build a radio station in Munda. help Christians learn to trust Him in deeper and Our next Ministry Trip, planned for September 2018, will give profound ways. (J.Mack students and staff an opportunity to apply faith in an exciting, and Leeann Stiles, 2000) challenging and worthwhile ministry. Notice that this is not called a mission trip. This is because we are going to the Solomon s to minister to the local church and wider community. Although our program will undoubtedly draw children, youth and adults that don t yet know our Lord Jesus, our primary focus is to work with schools and churches, providing practical support, activities and fellowship that will be a blessing to both our team and the people we meet. Obviously, visiting people whose culture is so different from ours will bring challenges that will develop cultural understanding, an expanded world view and a unique experience of God s extended Family. 2. Our Team Todd Vogler (Secondary Teacher) will head up a team of teacher/leaders and around 15 students from year 10-12. We are looking for students who believe God is calling them to be involved in this ministry. Although it will be an exciting and possibly life changing experience, it is not a holiday. - 2 -
There will be a cost financial and personal. Our team needs an attitude of service, coming not because of what we can get out of the experience, but because God has called us to give. 3. Where in the World is the Solomon Islands? Forming a scattered archipelago of mountainous islands and low-lying coral atolls, the Solomon Islands stretch about 900 miles in a south-easterly direction from the Shortland Islands to the Santa Cruz Islands. There are six major and approximately 992 smaller islands, atolls and reefs. The archipelago covers are area of about 249,000 square nautical miles while the land area is 28,446 sq. km. The six biggest islands are Choiseul, New Georgia, Santa Isabel, Guadalcanal, Malaita and Makira. They are characterized by thickly-forested mountain ranges intersected by deep, narrow valleys. The climate is tropical, though temperatures are rarely extreme due to cooling winds blowing off the surrounding seas. Gizo is the second largest town in the Solomon Islands, and serves as the provincial centre to the Western Provence. It is situated on the island of Ghizo (different spelling, same pronunciation). With the appearance of a shanty town, the main street runs along the waterfront lined with small stores and an open air market. Views in most directions show palm tree studded islands ringed by coral reef and clear waters. - 3 -
4. Cost The cost of this trip is expected to be about $2300 This includes: return airfares to Honiara and connection to Gizo or Munda all meals and accommodation all transport in the Solomon s (boat, truck etc.) donations to offset cost to local church purchase of resources for all programs accommodation and meals whilst in Honiara travel insurance Does not include: passports (approx. $150 for new passport under 18 years old) travel medications and injections (approx. $150) personal spending money (souvenirs, drinks and snacks) 5. Program Elements As you would be aware, the main focus of our visit is to minister and outreach to the local community. Children s Program. We will run a program for the local children at a number of the primary schools. The format for this would be similar to Aussie kid s clubs or holiday activities for children. It may include storytelling, drama, puppets, Bible teaching, games, singing, art and craft and morning tea. There will be a theme for the week and activities will focus on the theme, building a complete message by the end of the program. Youth and Adults Programs We will invite the youth to participate in a more active Youth group style program. This will probably involve sports, games, music, Bible studies, food, Bible teaching, - 4 -
personal sharing and testimonies. There will be opportunities to join with the local churches for general activities as well. Village Visits We have a plan to visit a small island community in the Western Provence, where we will be hosted by the local church. We also hope to visit our sister school in Marivari. These villages are very traditional and we will experience much of their unique cultures. Special Project As yet our key project has not been finalised, but it will likely involve some kind of building or maintenance project. This will be confirmed early in 2018. 6. Raising Support Because this trip is about serving the people of the Solomon Islands we will be looking for support from the Christian community here in Gympie. Our team will be encouraged to raise awareness of this trip in their church and wider Christian family, seeking prayer and financial support. Our team will also undertake several team fund raising projects, outside of school, which will offset the cost of the trip. It expected that all team members will make themselves available for these. We have already mentioned that there needs to be a serious commitment level from students and this time and financial commitment is very real. If students can find part time work or do odd jobs to raise the money, this will help them appreciate and value the whole experience. 7. The Risks There are risks associated with any travel. Travelling to the Solomon Islands is no different. Being aware of the specific risks associated with this type of travel and taking steps to minimise them is important. Having said this, we cannot overestimate the power of prayer. Illnesses and Diseases There are a number of precautions that must be taken to prevent contracting diseases such as malaria, typhoid and hepatitis. Travel When in Gizo and Honiara we may be travelling in taxis, trucks, utes. When travelling between islands we will be in small boats. Obviously there is the possibility of an accident while travelling. - 5 -
Civil Unrest There has been civil unrest in the capital, Honiara in past years, however the risk to Australians travelling to the Solomon s is quite low. We will be guided by the Australian Travel Advisory. Risk Management Plan We have a detailed risk management and incident response plan and will implement controls where possible to reduce risk to our team members. 8. Training and Debriefing Sessions Team members will be required to attend regular training and information sessions in the months leading up to departure, including a team building weekend at the beginning of term 3. These sessions will focus on team building, developing skills, program planning, cultural awareness, growing our faith, communication skills and general information sharing. In the past these have been before school and will require commitment from your family to ensure you can attend. 9. Cultural Issues Our team must be mindful of the fact that we will be living and sharing with people who have a very different culture and life style to ours. We will need to be very aware of how we dress, speak and act to avoid causing offence or sending confused messages. Although most youngergeneration Islanders speak English the most common language is Pigeon English so there may be some language barriers. It is vital that we don t impose our western, consumer based culture, so even our use of money and giving of gifts needs to done with sensitivity. - 6 -
10. Accommodation Our Home Away From Home! Our accommodation in Gizo will likely be at Paradise Lodge. This is similar to a backpackers lodge and is owned and operated by a local Church family. It is very basic, but does have running water and includes all meals. Whilst in the villages, we will most likely stay in simple guest houses provided by the host church. 11. Food and Water We are careful with food and water to reduce the chance of sickness. In the past we have treated water where concerned. Local foods include fish and chicken, coconut, sweet potatoes, rice, taro, tapioca, tropical fruit, and home cooked buns. Soft drinks and other snacks can be purchased in bigger centres. 12. Travel Dates The exact dates for the trip are not yet confirmed, however we expect to depart Brisbane on Sat 15 th September and return around the 29 th September. These dates will be subject to flight availability. This includes the last week of Term 3 and the first week of the holidays. - 7 -
Are you are interested in joining our 2018 team? Fill out the Application Form and return it to Mr Vogler ASAP. - 8 -