Global Service – Uganda Encounter 2025 

 Sweat was dripping off us as we waited in the sun for our suitcases to be tied down in the old rusty ute before we boarded our hired and tired 33-seater bus. Our team from Maranatha Christian School piled in for the four and a half hour bumpy and dusty ride from the airport to Jinja. Motorbikes, trucks, cars and all sorts of other transport contraptions – not to mention all the various animals – all surged together in the late afternoon traffic. We manoeuvred through traffic check points, busy villages and potholes to our final destination, Suubi House, which aptly means Home of Hope.  We had dreamt and planned for this adventure for a long time.  

For two weeks during the Easter holiday break, a team of 15 students and staff headed to Uganda for a cultural encounter experience with HopeBuilders International.  Following months of fundraising and preparation, the group travelled through Dubai, Entebbe and Kampala to finally arrive in Jinja, also known as the Source of the Nile. It was both a wonderful and stretching time.   

The most enriching part of the trip were the people.  Johann, Robert, Ivan, William, Juliet, Emma, Esther, and Rhoda are all leaders with Uganda HopeBuilders who we grew to love and respect over the two weeks we were there. Their tireless commitment and dedication to the vision and mission of serving their community for Jesus was inspiring. In addition to the leaders, we met many kind and warm friends who made us feel so welcome to Uganda. It was very special indeed.    

As a group, we spent our days visiting the Village of Hope and several other organisations and schools. Some of the activities we did included attending school for an afternoon, doing crafts, playing sport, singing, dancing, attending church, visiting Jinja and going swimming. Most rewarding, however, were the many opportunities we had within the various organisations we visited to serve and encourage those who were there.   

Our Maranatha students particularly enjoyed learning about what life is like for Ugandan school students. What they found most compelling was that while conditions are simple, the students from the Village of Hope have a tremendous love for the Lord and many hope to go on and serve by becoming pastors, teachers, doctors and business people. We were challenged in our hearts to consider how we live back in Australia, often with many more comforts but less gratitude and passion for the Lord.   

As we boarded our flight home and flew over Lake Victoria and the lush Ugandan landscape, we were reminded of the richness of relationships we had cultivated with our brothers and sisters in Uganda.     

If you would like more information about HopeBuilders International, here is a link: http://hopebuilders.org.au/ 

Local Service 

The 'Hope in a Bottle' project at Endeavour Hills has collected over 2,500 products. Thank you to all the students and families who continue to support this project. Middle School students are fostering friendly competition by encouraging donations, showcasing servant leadership in action. 

Another local service project this term featured an initiative called the great “Bake Off.” Families within our community collaborated to prepare baked goods for those in need. On a weekly basis, our local outreach partner, Follow Bless Collective, distributed these homemade items along with encouraging notes to individuals who could benefit from additional support. The project went beyond baking; it was about creating meaningful experiences together. It offered an opportunity to pause, connect and share kindness. A massive thank you to all contributing families and photos shared.  

Missions Week: April 28th to May 2nd 

Young Christian Thinkers Symposium  

Congratulations to our students who attended the Young Christian Thinkers Symposium. They joined others from Victoria to discuss faith-based ideas, guided by the Catalyst Colloquium and Christian thinkers. Our students presented their projects, representing our school well. A fantastic job by all participants. 

Student Devotions 

Members of The Gideons International visited us during our student devotion time. They discussed their mission based on Matthew 28:19, "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations." The Gideons are committed to distributing Bibles and New Testaments and sharing personal testimonies. In addition to placing Bibles in hotels, they work within communities to distribute God's Word widely. 

Adolescence: A Wake-Up Call or Simply Good TV? 

At Maranatha Christian School, we recognise the challenges faced by youth today. In her first article for The Gospel Coalition, staff member Mrs. Helen King discusses how the Netflix series Adolescence reflects teen culture, social media, and the role of parents and educators. It is a thought-provoking read for our community.