Where did you go?
Baucau, Timor Leste
Duration of trip:
2 weeks
How many people went?
30 youth and young adults from NSW
What were your mission tasks?
Our team turned a church building in the region of Baucau into a school (including accommodation for teachers) and ran a vacation Bible school (VBS) program in the evening.
1. Most challenging moment?
Youth 1: Trying to paint the top of the buildings on a scaffold.
Youth 2: My most challenging moment was probably having cold showers at night.
2. Best moment?
Youth 1: It would be the last night in Baucau, the dedication night for the school with everyone.
Youth 2: My best moment was spending time singing with the kids during the VBS program and hearing them sing even louder than us by the end of the week!
3. Why did you decide to go on this mission trip?
Youth 1: It was God’s calling. This year it was a goal of mine to be active in attending youth events and I told God, “In 2023 I’ll commit to youth, and You lead me on this journey”.
Through my many prayers about Timor-Leste, He opened so many doors for me whether it was my priorities, friendships, or finances to get there, He made it all happen and I knew He was calling for me to go.
Youth 2: I’ve been on a few mission trips before with my family and really enjoyed them. When this opportunity came up, I was so excited to go on a mission trip with other young people.
4. How did you feel before going on the mission?
Youth 1: I was hesitant at first, I am not going to lie, thinking about spending time with 29 strangers for 2 weeks felt a bit daunting, even having meetings on our Zoom had me thinking would I be able to put up with different personalities, how did I get this far into the trip, what if I don’t like it? A lot of overthinking.
Youth 2: Before going on the trip, I was feeling a bit nervous. I wasn’t sure how I’d be able to contribute because I don’t have any experience with building or renovations. But God will always put people on our path to help us or provide us with the resources we need, and I was able to learn heaps of different skills during the trip.
5. How did you feel after returning?
Youth 1: I felt truly blessed, the 29 people became family, and everything that I overthought was all in my head. I came home feeling so spiritually refreshed and I missed everyone. I’m so grateful that God gave me the opportunity to help, in a small way I could give back, and one day it will make a bigger impact on the children who will attend the school.
Youth 2: I honestly didn’t want to leave! Coming back home, I feel really grateful for many things that I often take for granted like hot water, but I’m also super excited to keep following the school’s progress and see how God will continue to work in Timor-Leste.
6. Biggest lesson you learned on the mission trip?
Youth 1: It is by no coincidence where God places you. And if you want the perfect paint job do 3 layers to the best of your abilities.
Youth 2: Even if we feel like we don’t have much to offer, God can work with what we have. I remember my dad used to tell me that “God doesn’t call the equipped but equips the called”. God is calling us all to something and I think the key is just being willing and having an open heart.
7. What advice you would give to someone wanting to go on a mission trip for the first time?
Youth 1: To step outside your comfort zone, don’t be scared to travel without your friends, and don’t overthink the mission trip.
Matthew 5:16, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven”.
Youth 2: Go for it!! I would 100% recommend going on a mission trip because it’s such a worthwhile experience and something you’ll remember for the rest of your life!