Focus On

If we are to be faithful to the Biblical story, we cannot ignore the command to “Love your Neighbour” and even to “Welcome the Stranger”. But who is our neighbour? The story of the Good Samaritan reminds us that our neighbours are not just those we live near, but all who we meet ‘along our journey’. And to be a good neighbour means we take the time to learn about and show care to those we meet, even if they are from a very different background. At MECS our Indonesian program has served to connect us with our 'Northern Neighbours' in a unique and inspiring way. Our language classes are not just about memorizing lists of vocabulary and rules of grammar, but engaging with the fascinating culture and people that make up the vast archipelago called Indonesia. Students are learning that though many Indonesians may not have much material wealth or ‘things’, they are very rich in ways that truly matter: Community, Art, Dance, Food and even creative sports! 

As we show love and care for other people and cultures, we are living out our MECS’ Threads of being a Welcoming Advocate. This means we are celebrating the diversity of other backgrounds and perspectives. We are not just tolerating differences but celebrating the richness of other cultures and their ways of doing things. To put this into practice, our students have been connecting with students in Yogyakarta, Indonesia and sending and receiving ‘Video Postcards’. These are short clips where they introduce themselves and describe their family or hobbies, as well as asking questions about the lives of students in Indonesia. Connecting in this way has been very successful and helping our students become highly motivated as they meet other students the same age in Indonesia. This program has also helped to prepare the way for our Indonesia Study Tour, which is available for more senior students. They travel through Java’s cities and villages on a memorable 12-day journey of discovery and rich engagement with Indonesia’s diverse culture. Our students are given the chance to serve communities, visit important cultural sites and put into practice the Indonesian language they have been learning. While going with a heart to serve and be a blessing, many recall how they are overwhelmed by the kindness shown by the Indonesian people they meet. In this way our students are not only being Welcoming Advocates, but also experiencing what it feels like to ‘be the Stranger’ who is welcomed in. Oh, and just to add, learning lots of words and grammar will also go a long way to making this whole experience all the richer!

Daniel Bradbury

Indonesian Faculty Leader & Secondary Teacher