Canberra Mission Trip: Summary

Just two days ago, I came back from a short mission trip to Canberra. Our team were made out of 5 guys and 5 girls from different QUT Lifegroups. This 6-day mission trip was focussed on supporting and encouraging the local churches there, which are Hope Canberra and Hope Queanbeyan.

Throughout the mission trip, we had the chance to help out with their prayer meeting, church services, and lifegroups. It was a great experience for me as I was given the opportunity to try out different ministries. On top of that, we also got to observe how different individuals had to take on multiple roles when the church is smaller in size. One of the brothers in Hope Queanbeyan had to set up the equipment, serve as a visualizer, and after their prayer meeting he would send different ones back to their home. Another brother in Hope Canberra had to play the guitar for church, preach, and when the service ended, he humbly vacuumed the floor.

During this trip, we also stepped out in faith to try out new things such as going out to the streets to invite people to church and share the gospel to strangers. We also went to the Parliament House and did a prayer walk to pray for the country and the people of Australia.

Besides that, we also had the chance to have meals with the core team from both churches where we were given the chance to ask them questions. These sessions really inspired us as they shared how the team persevered and selflessly served God through their tough seasons. Listening to them share why they never stop giving and serving was also a great encouragement.

Throughout these 6 days, I also learned that teamwork is really important. Each of us served with whatever gifts we had, be it playing musical instruments, leading praise and worship, sharing, cooking, and even being a human-GPS. Personally, I didn't think I contributed much but I'm glad I was able to be used by God throughout the trip.

After this trip, I am even more convinced that my God is real and He knows each one of us intimately. Besides that, knowing that there are many other brothers and sisters out there persevering to do His work has greatly encouraged me to be missional for God.  

Words can not fully describe this mission trip and I really want to encourage all of you to go for a mission trip if you have the chance, and experience this for yourself. Before I end this testimony, I would also like to say “thank you” to those who supported our mission trip through finance and prayer because we couldn’t have done it without you. Thank you.

Canberra Mission Trip: Day 6

We started our day by having breakfast and doing our quiet time as usual. It was our last day of the mission trip and we were all excited about it. Our team then drove to the Parliament House. We visited the place and prayed for the government as we walked inside the building.

Australian Parliament House, Canberra

The team outside of the Parliament House

The team on the roof of the Parliament House

Later, we headed over to ANU (Australian National University) and spend 2 hours talking to the students there. We invited them to join Hope Canberra's lifegroup later in the night and also had to chance to pray for a few people and speak into their lives.

For lunch, we ate at Subway in the university's cafeteria. Each of us had half a cup of Boost Juice too! :P We went back to the motel and recharge for the night's lifegroup.

Munching away at our lunch

At 5.30pm, we started driving back to ANU. This time, we were there for lifegroup. It was a little bit unusual for me because I always had lifegroup on Fridays. Nevertheless, we still enjoyed it very much.

I shared my testimony tonight and I'm really glad I was given the privilege. Besides that, we also had some games, passionate praise and worship session led by our team, and a great sharing from Kelvin.

ANU's Graduate House (Lifegroup Location)

Irene and the team leading us in a praise song

After lifegroup, we also got to mingle around with the other brothers and sisters from Hope Canberra. For the night, I talked to Trent the most and really enjoyed how we could share with each other our experiences.

A time of sharing and friendship

Hope Canberra Student's Lifegroup 27/11/12

 

"One more for Jesus!"

We went back to Queanbeyan a little after 9pm. My shoulders felt much lighter after that because this marks the end of our mission trip. To celebrate, we bought supper from Macca's and Hungry Jacks.

But apart from feasting we still had one thing left to do. It was Tracy's birthday so we all gathered to give her a SURPRISE!! I recorded the entire surprise but I probably won't upload it here. After our stomachs were all fulled, we went to bed satisfied. :)

The girls with Tracy and her cake :)

One last group picture!! :D

Well that's the end of my mission trip to Canberra. To sum it all up, I've wrote another post summarizing my thoughts, experiences and what I've learned. All in all, I'm glad I can finally say "MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!"

Canberra Mission Trip: Day 5

To those who think mission trips are boring, this is to prove you wrong. Half of today has been dedicated to exploring famous places in Canberra. Our first stop was Mount Ainslie. From the lookout point, we were able to see the entire city of Canberra.

Group Photo at Mount Ainslie

Winning Canberra for Jesus!

The view from Mount Ainslie Lookout Point

After a few pictures, we moved on to the National Museum of Australia. I was really impressed by the different creative and interactive exhibits. This is really what makes learning FUN! :)

The team at the National Museum of Australia

Since it was our partial day-off, we went to the city for lunch. We were each given AUD10 to spend on anything we wanted to eat! :D 

Our final tourist landmark for the day was the National War Memorial. The museum was HUGE!! Due to the limited time we had, I could only quickly scan through the exhibits. If one were to explore everything there, it could probably take one whole day.

National War Memorial

The team at the National War Memorial

When we were done, we then drove to the city and got some groceries. Then, we drove to Caroline's house to have dinner with the Hope Canberra Core Team. A few of us cooked curry for dinner. As we ate, we had the chance to talk to the core team of Hope Canberra. It was really nice to be able to talk to different people in the Hope movement.

The team preparing dinner

A crowded kitchen :P

Our dinner - Japanese Curry with Rice

The highlight of the night was the session after dinner. We all gathered for a time of sharing. Both sides got to ask questions and learn about each other. Personally, hearing the team describe their struggles and why they choose to persevere really encouraged me a lot.

Later, Tony also shared a short message on the importance of Love. We were also given a book each as a token of appreciation. Then, we formed several small groups where we got to pray for one another. This was my favorite part of the mission trip because after the prayer, my whole face was covered in tears. :P

All gathered for the sharing session

Group Photo: Hope Canberra Core Team with the Hope Brisbane Mission Team

When all that was done, we went back to Queanbeyan. Had supper in Hungry Jacks before going back to our motel. One more day till the end of our mission trip and we were getting excited...

Canberra Mission Trip: Day 4

Since it was Sunday, we got up early and got ready for church. Five of them went to Hope Queanbeyan while the other five of us (Kelvin, Tracy, Rose, Daniel and I) went to support Hope Canberra.

The church was in the middle of the city. Though it was a small church, I really admired their humble hearts. Every person has multiple roles to play and are involved in so many ministries. Imagine doing that week after week! Talk about going all out for God!

Hope Canberra's Welcome Table

Sunday Service

We were given the opportunity to help them with setting up and packing up. Rose shared her testimony to the congregation too, which was great. After the service, we attended their evaluation meeting and learned abit of how they organize things

Rose sharing her testimony

Daniel and Tracy cleaning the communion cups

Then, we went back to Queanbeyan where a big feast was taking place. The people from Hope Queanbeyan hosted the huge picnic for us. We also took this chance to celebrate Misty's birthday. As usual, there were TONS of food!!

In the evening after a short nap, we went back to Arnel's house for dinner with the Hope Queanbeyan team. Jason and a few others made Tom Yam Fried Noodles for us.

Preparing Dinner

Chopping onions :P

After that, we got the golden opportunity of asking the team any question we had in mind. Through this session, we heard what they have been through, the sacrifices they made, and most importantly why they serve God.

Listening to the sharing session

Part of the Hope Queanbeyan Team

Arnel Jr and few of us guys

Arnel Jr and Sr with the girls

We took many photos and mingled around. And finally with a heavy heart, we bid them goodbye. Though we won't be seeing them in the near future, I'm sure we will meet these bunch of God-loving brothers and sisters someday.

Canberra Mission Trip: Day 3

Got up at 6.30am and took turns to wash up. We all had toast for breakfast and later did our quiet time followed by the group discussion.

Briefing after Group Discussion

Then, we drove to Canberra and walked around the city inviting different people to church. Had a few enjoyable short chats, encouraged someone to think about life after death, and also met a very angry old lady.

Canberra Centre

For lunch we went over to the Banson's house for lunch. The family cooked up a storm for us and all of us were so bloated. Arnel introduced to us a new slogan, "NO DIET!". Pastor Nonoi shared his story with us and encouraged us to think about coming back to Hope Queanbeyan to help out and serve God here.

Lunch at the Banson's

Pastor Nonoi's sharing session with the team

Group pictures!

When we were physically filled, we headed out again to the streets of Queanbeyan and tried to invite more people to church. It was really hard because it was super hot and there were barely anyone on the streets. But it was still a learning experience that challenged us to serve even in hard situations.

After that, we bought some chocolate, fruits, nuggets and drinks for the night's youth activity. We went back for a short rest and drove to the Banson's house again.

We were there to bless the kids of Hope Queanbeyan. Jason hosted the lifegroup which started with some fun games, followed by awesome praise and worship, continued with Kelvin's very creative sharing, and ended with a fun song and prayer.

Introducing ourselves

Daniel taught us how to play Ninja

Ninja Team A

Ninja Team B

Jason hosting the night

Praise and Worship

Really enjoyed myself although I was too old for that group. Later, we ate some home-cooked food for dinner and had some chocolate fondue for dessert! =P

Having a great dinner

Kids enjoying the chocolate fondue

The three Banson brothers soon started playing some music for us and we started praise and worshipping in the living room. Andrew joined them as well and all of us had a great time singing to God.

The Banson brothers and Andrew jamming as we worshipped God

After that night, we drove back home and called it another day. Personally I found this day very interesting as I managed to do things I haven't done before, street evax and kids lifegroup. Haha, praise God for new things. :D

Canberra Mission Trip: Day 2

We started the day with a loud knock to on our door. We were actually supposed to wake up at 7am and get ready by 8am. But, we all overslept and one of our sisters had to wake us up. 

All of us quickly washed up and headed over to the girl's room. There, we had a great worship session before we went to have our individual quiet time. Then we formed guys and girls discussion groups to discuss what we have learned. I was appointed to lead the discussion which I didn't do very well. I guess it's something I can work on next time.

Later, we went to Hungry Jacks for breakfast. Managed to get 50% discount thanks to the "Shake and Win" app. When we were all satisfied, we walked over to the mall and did some grocery shopping. The rest of the guys went to collect our rental car while the girls and I walked home with the groceries.

Saved us a lot of money! :P

Walking from our Motel

Hungry Jacks for Brekkie

The girls enjoying themselves while walking to the mall

Our rented cars

We only had one activity planned for today which was the Hope Queanbeyan prayer meeting. So some of us took this opportunity to rest while others prepared and practiced for the night.

Worship team practicing for the prayer meeting

Our microwaved dinner

When it was time, we drove to the prayer meeting location. Had a short worship session among our mission team as we were waiting for the Hope Queanbeyan people to arrive.

Outside the Prayer Meeting location

I was asked to help with the visuals for the prayer meeting. It was a great experience for me because I never used the Visuals software before. Found it quite fun except when the computer shut down and couldn't be turned on for like 10 minutes. Prayed like crazy and after a while the problem was solved.

Other than that, the prayer was really powerful and we even managed to pray for the people of Hope Queanbeyan. We all had a great time worshipping God as well and when we ended the session, the pastor still wanted MORE! :D

Worship Team practicing for Sunday Service

The team waiting for supper at Hungry Jacks

After the prayer meeting, we went to Hungry Jacks again for supper. Had a great time before we went back to our motel to rest for the night. This time, we remembered to set the alarm so that we don't wake up late again! :P