Sumba School Students Learns about Friendship and Humility through Serving Others
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The little girl in white sat cross-legged on the floor, her hands tightly clasped beneath her chin. Her tiny body was tucked among dozens of other children in a classroom with bamboo walls and a bare concrete floor. As another student led the opening prayer, she closed her eyes and followed along with an earnestness that was hard to miss.
A little girl prays during the beginning of the session
For students and teachers from Sumba School, moments like this were some of the most memorable parts of their mission trip to several village schools.
After weeks of preparation, elementary and junior high students set out to serve younger children living in remote villages. They planned lessons, organized gifts, prepared materials, and practiced activities.
“It was a chance for students to learn what it means to serve and share God’s love,” said Jessica, a TransformNation (TfN) alumna who serves as a homeroom teacher for the junior high. “Along the way, they also learned about planning, teamwork, budgeting, and public speaking.”
When the students arrived, children eagerly welcomed them. Soon classrooms were filled with songs, games, crafts, and laughter.
Elementary student groups sat on the floor making friendship bracelets with kindergarteners. Junior high students led a lesson on gratitude, inviting village children to write down something they were thankful for. Science presentations quickly became one of the highlights of the trip.
Friendship bracelets
One presentation used a red liquid to represent sin. As bleach was poured into the mixture, the color slowly disappeared. Aside from learning about the oxidizing agent that contains sodium hypo-chlorite, the red-turning-clear liquid illustrated God’s forgiveness through Jesus Christ.
A science presentation used a red liquid to represent sin
Another experiment used lime juice, paper, and heat. At first, the paper appeared blank. Then, as heat from a candle was applied, hidden words written with lime juice slowly emerged before the children’s eyes. The experiment was more than just a science lesson. Students explained that just as the words appeared after going through a process, God is working long before our eyes can see it. Throughout the trip, students discovered that teaching younger children required patience. Repeatedly, instructions needed to be broken down into simpler language. At the end of the trip, gifts and supplies were distributed. Children happily posed for photos holding their crafts and gift bags. One parent shared their appreciation. “With the presence of the older brothers and sisters, our children were very happy. Thank you for supporting our children through the love you have shown.”
Before heading home, the students shared their final goodbyes with the children they had come to know throughout the trip. Little girls left wearing friendship bracelets they had made together. The students brought home photographs, stories, and memories that would stay with them long after the journey was complete.
MSI Site Leader Ary, said that activities like this are an important part of how students learn. Christian education is about more than academic learning. It is about shaping hearts, building character, and helping students discover what it means to follow Jesus. “Sometimes those lessons come through school assignments and morning devotions.Other times, they come through moments of serving and shared experiences.”
While posing for group photos at the end of the day, Teacher Jessica’s voice rang out, “ALL FOR...!” “JESUS!” her students responded joyfully. As her words echoed across the hills and faded into the distance, the trip came to an end, but the memories remained.
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Watch the video of the trip here:
