Mission Trip
As a Master’s Commission student, I got a great privilege to be a part of the team that did a mission trip to DR Congo in February. Our small group from England joined a Norwegian team and together we worked for a project called Dina Foundation in Goma, East Congo. Dina Foundation runs an orphanage for 120 girls, from age two to fifteen. Despite the brutal crimes most of the girls had experienced, we were able to see true joy in their face.

It was tremendous to spend time with those kids and to reflect God’s love towards them in various practical ways. Most of the days in Congo, we just played and sang with the children. Even though the language barrier hindered our communication, the appreciation they showed for us being there was clearly visible and extremely rewarding.

What is more, later on the week we got to experience an evangelism campaign in Congolese style. This festival gathered about 2,000 people, and consisted of the most excellent dances and singing. Performances alike also seemed to be a vital part of the locals’ daily living. Yet, in the conference they were followed by testimonies, a sermon and an altar call.

All in all, it was eyes-opening and view-widening to experience DR Congo. In addition to that, through the trip, I learned how precisely and personally God takes care of me and provides when asked for and trusted in.

Minna
- 3rd Year Student in Southport Master's Commission-

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Brighton Trip
The Brighton trip did a great job of taking me out of my comfort zone. Usually I tend to avoid children and do not do well at working with them, but in this case I was put in a position where it was vital that I not only look after children but teach them as well. At first the whole thing was overwhelming but then God started to put a desire on my heart to see these kids know Him and to truly care about their situation in life. When that happened my whole outlook was changed on how I acted and interacted with these kids. It was really phenomenal to see the change that was happening in these young people right before my eyes. Within three days attitudes changed and you could tell that they were interested in hearing about God. Once I was able to get over myself and see that I was there to impact others it morphed from just being a responsibility to being a great experience, one that I was having a blast in.



Church on the Rock proved to be a great community with a great goal, to reach the Kemptown area for God. The heart that Pastor Tyler has for that area is contagious and his determination is unmatched. Every part of our time there was directed toward ministering to the community, from the word of knowledge walk to the football club.

This whole experience was a great one and Brighton will always have a special place in my heart and in my prayers as well. It is indeed a beautiful city and despite all of the opposition, it can and will be reached.

Matt Knaggs- 2nd year Southport Master’s Commission
Exchange Student (Fort Myers Master’s Commission)

Retreat to Norway 07.01.10 - 11.01.10
Southport Master's Commission went on a retreat to Norway after coming back from our Christmas break. As this was a retreat, we weren't a part in serving in any ministry. One of the things that I’ve learned while in Norway was that it's freezing! We had a great time relaxing and spending time with each other, playing football, and walking on water (frozen fjords). The church we were visiting was incredibly welcoming and warm. The local leaders inspired us all very much with what they shared about the different ministries of the church, the great vision they have for the church and how bold they are in their dreams and goals. They explained that church cannot be just about doing things and becoming better at 'doing church', but every ministry should emphasize sincerity in our personal relationship with God. This is an important thing to pay attention to in my personal walk with God but also in the daily life of any church. Our trip to Norway was a fantastic start for the second half of the year. I think we all had a chance to rest, but also to set our mind to what lies ahead of us, to seek God's purposes for our lives and ministries for the next 5 months and even further.

Kadri
1st Year Student in Southport Master's Commission

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This month has been a busy month for all of us in SMC. In church, the theme of the month has been the Bible. We have been working on a drama to the song ‘He is’ by Aaron Jeoffrey that is about the 66 books of the bible. We preformed it twice, once at the start of the bible month and on at the end. They both went really well. Also we have been practicing for our part in the Christmas Production in Shoreline Church. I play the main character that is looking for the real meaning of Christmas. This is another video to music but this time there will be a live band performing as we do it. I look forward to performing it in a week and I hope that it will touch the hearts of the congregation. There is a reason for the season and as it isn’t always remembered, people often feel like my character does, lonely and depressed. I hope that this will reminder that presents, decoration and Santa can’t make them have a good Christmas as without Christ it is just Mas.

Recently we have been on a mission trip with SMC. We spent a few days serving in a little town called Maltby, UK. The purpose of the trip was to help at a kids camp. It was intense. We started our days at 7:30 by prayer with the leaders and then we went for a prayer walk with the children. This was followed by breakfast and crafts and so it went until 10 pm when we all were completely exhausted. Even though I must admit I was physically worn out when we got back, I was really blessed through the ministry.

The camp was incredible and the children really enjoyed it and so did we. It was encouraging seeing the children thinking and talking about God and talking to Him, too. I believe there is huge power in the way children approach God and in the simplicity of their faith. Jesus said unless we are like these children, we cannot enter the Kingdom of God (Matthew 18:3). I was very privileged to spend a few days observing what kind of mindset it is I need to have to please God.

Another good experience was to see the children ministers working because they were doing incredible job and made every day at the camp really exciting from the very early morning till late at night. The kids loved it and so did I, learning how to do children’s
ministry well.

The time we spent in Maltby definitely impacted me and made me. I am working in children ministry in my church and this trip opened my eyes to new ways of doing things. It was a good time of learning, serving, bonding, blessing and being blessed.

Suzie Licha
3rd Years SMC

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This past weekend I had the privilege to travel to St. Ives Cornwall. I have to say it was a truly amazing experience. We were asked to present a children’s program for the children of The Worship Centre, North Plymouth Community Church. The church had decided to go on a family retreat, which consisted of several special services.

This was a time for the church family to be renewed and as such they wanted the same for their children. When we arrived at the Treloyhan Manor Hotel, I was immediately drawn to the friendliness and livelihood of the church family. The kids were amazing and I was surprised at how much the kids already knew about and loved god.

Our program consisted of worship, memory verses, crafts, games and a sermon. The kids were often anxious for the start of each session. The kids responded in a positive way and some even said they would like to go to Master’s when they grow up. The trip was a blessing for me. Definitely not what I was used to in the past and beyond my expectations.

Derek Williamson
-Southport Master’s Commission 3rd Year