MISSION Actioning God’s Word Matt 28:19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I am commanded you.
MISSION PROVIDES STUDENTS TO: Look beyond themselves and their needs See the world through God’s eyes Be part of a Christian ministry team Show support and initiative in fundraising Show care and concern for those they meet Change their perspective on life Be ready to stand firm in their faith Encourage others to be part of the mission experience
IS THERE A PROCESS? There is no one process to organise Mission in schools Every school is different in its organisation, gifting of staff & students Some schools have a formal structure, some are flexible and some are more responsive to immediate invitations
Pacific Hills approach Flexible & responsive delivery All members of community can participate e.g. Admin staff, Maintenance staff, grandparents, past students and local community members can attend, if Christian All of the School Community have some level of involvement
A culture of Serving Service is embedded in the education of the students from 3 year olds to 18 year olds 3-6yr olds pray daily for needs of school & all mission trips Mission students take devotions & speak at assemblies Fundraising is an important part of Mission & service Compassion Club visits the elderly & Sydney Children’s Hospital
Preparation Invitations go out to school community (3 schools) one year in advance These missions are based on availability of leaders Principal interviews possible leaders to ascertain suitability for the Mission Leadership Mission Leader confirms Mission Contacts etc Mission Coordinator meets with Mission Leader for Mission Awareness & reviews the Mission Booklet together
Student Application Form Students complete application form and submit it to the Mission Leader Application Form includes references from 2 teachers as to students suitability for mission Students give reasons for wanting to go on the mission form, a short essay Parents must sign agreement to allow students to take part in the activity
Mission Information Night for Parents & Students Parents & student attend an information evening and Team Leader outlines mission objectives and Team involvement Parents and students invited to ask questions Past students who have attended mission in previous years give their account of how the mission trip impacted their lives
Weekly Team Meetings Team members meet weekly to get to know each other, understand the purpose of the trip, organise fundraising and have activities to be culturally sensitive to the country of service All students are required to give their testimony and prepare for activities Parents are welcome to these meetings- usually held after school
Staff Support for Mission All staff members receive Mission Cards with team photo, verse they have chosen to encourage them Staff members pray both corporately at devotions and individually School community encouraged to pray via the Parents Page information, the school blogs, and twitter
School Blogs Prior to departing the Mission Leader updates Mission Blog, re prepartion During Mission trip, Mission Leader regularly blogs for parents to be updated Upon return, the Mission Leader blogs regarding followup team meetings
Examples of Blogs
Example 2
Example 3
Debrief Before they leave the Mission Country Team completes End of Mission Feedback Form sharing the impact of the trip Celebration Meals occur usually within 10 days of arrival home and can continue till end of year Team share their experiences at Staff Devotions & Year Meetings throughout the school
Sharing the vision of mission Quarterly School Magazine- Pacific Streams Yearly Magazine- Banner Local Press Parents Page- Parent Newsletter