Focus On the MECS Threads

At MECS, we want our students to do more than just read the Biblical Story—we want them to live it. A core part of that journey is learning what it truly means to be a 'Good Neighbour'. Our Indonesian faculty is working to develop a program which not only teaches language but embed a deep appreciation for other cultures. And now students are discovering firsthand that loving our neighbour often means stepping outside of our comfort zones to become Welcoming Advocates.

Scripture reminds us that God holds a special place in His heart for the foreigner and the stranger. In Leviticus and Exodus, His people are commanded to treat foreigners with profound care, respect, and love. At MECS, we want to look at those who speak a different language or practice different traditions not as strangers, but as neighbours. When we travel cross-culturally, we don't go with a mindset of 'saving the world'. Instead, we go with humility, asking a simple but beautiful question: How can we be a blessing?

This is exactly why learning Indonesian at MECS is so much more than an academic exercise; we are becoming Welcoming Advocates! By learning the language of our close neighbours, our students move from being passive tourists to active listeners. It gives them the practical tools to ensure we are a blessing and not a bother, choosing to intentionally listen, learn, and welcome others into our lives just as Christ welcomes us.

Just last month, we had the privilege of taking six of our wonderful Year 10 students to Indonesia for an immersive cross-cultural experience. It was, in every sense of the word, a transforming journey for everyone involved! Our students had the chance to immerse themselves wholeheartedly in the vibrant local culture. They experienced the hustle and bustle of everyday life by travelling on local trains, venturing through markets, and spending precious time mingling, and sharing stories with Indonesian school and Bible college students. Our students didn't just visit; they connected deeply through their shared faith, breaking down language barriers with big smiles and open hearts.

As if that wasn't inspiring enough, the team also took on the physical challenge of climbing a mountain over 3,000 metres high! This required perseverance, teamwork, and trust, which are important tools that will serve them well in the future.

Watching our students navigate these challenges and embrace local communities with such grace was a profound joy. They returned home changed, with broadened horizons, a deeper appreciation for God's diverse world, and a lived understanding of what it means to advocate for others.

Thank you, parents, for partnering with us and supporting these life-changing opportunities. Through your children, the MECS community continues to shine brightly as Welcoming Advocates —both here at home and overseas.

Daniel Bradbury

Indonesian Faculty Leader & Secondary Teacher