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Since 2005 the College has been conducting mission trips to Vava’u in the Kingdom of Tonga. The trips are available to students in the Middle and Senior schools. Students who participate in the trip find it a life changing experience as they see firsthand what it means to live in a country such as Tonga.
The Biblical basis for our mission trips can be found in 1 John 3:17. This passage says that if those who have much shut their hearts from those in need then God’s love cannot be in them. In verse 18 it then encourages believers to love in deed and in truth. These verses are at the heart of the mission and cultural trips that Calvary Christian College undertakes to the Kingdom of Tonga. These trips provide opportunity for we who are so blessed materially to give to those who don’t have the same facilities and/or equipment that we do. In doing this we are able to share the love of God. The trips also provide opportunity for our students to share their faith in Jesus with others.
Each year that we go to Tonga, we visit different primary schools and kindergartens. At these schools we give gifts of stationery that have been donated by the families of our Junior Schools. Each child in the Tongan school receives a gift. It is very special for the Calvary students to be able to hand out gifts that they know have been donated by other College families.
When we visit the primary schools we go with a theme. An example of a theme would be ‘God is love’. Where possible all the Bible stories, puppet shows, games, action songs, craft activities and stories are based on the theme.
Over the years we have been able to bless Vava’u High School (This school is the only government high school on the island - the other high schools are run by churches) with much needed resources.
ü 2005 – lawn mower, whipper snipper
ü 2006 - painted blackboards
ü 2007 – equipped the Home Economics rooms
ü 2008 – re-established the library which had not been operational for 4 years
ü 2009 – 2011 – equipping the ITD rooms
It was very exciting to have four Calvary staff visit Tonga in 2009 in order to conduct professional development seminars to primary school teachers. The seminar was attended by 90 teachers and was very well received. For many it was their first professional development. In 2009 we also were able to sponsor an English teacher from Vava’u High School for a visit to Calvary for 10 days. This gave her a wonderful opportunity to observe teaching methods in Australia.
It is exciting for us as a Christian College to be able to minister to the people of Tonga through this program. If you are interested in being a part of the mission trips to Tonga or would like more information please contact Mrs Karen Kolope at karen.kolope@calvarycc.qld.edu.au
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