The Big Year Out

After returning from a mission trip it is often difficult returning to ‘normal’ life. Occasionally we experience things that change our mindset or thinking for good. This can make us see things differently and want to change our lifestyle. Some of the participants are now working through how they can make a difference in the world from here in Adelaide Australia and how their time away can be used to help this. One challenge for them over the next few months is not to get to comfortable with life in Australia, and our life is very comfortable compared with a lot of the world. It is easy to take for granted the wonderful lifestyle we have and opportunities present to us in Australia and forget what others have to live through each day. Over the next few weeks we will continue to explore and process the trip in light of Jesus ministry in the gospel of Luke.

Sounds like the group are getting to experience Typhoon season! It has been very wet and windy but all are safe. They are moving on again today and their trip has 9 days to go. I think they have experienced more church services in the last week than they have ever in their life. It will be interesting to hear what they have learnt and what church is like over there when they all get back.

The group has been in the Philippines for 6 days so far and it doesn’t sound like they have had much time to rest! The first day they arrived, after locating lost baggage, they went to Smokey Mountains to visit a village which has been built on a rubbish dump. Most said it was very eye opening and challenging.

They have then visited over 17 churches since listening to the political situations they face over there. Many church services go for a few hours. The group have been going from about 7 am in the morning till about 10.30 pm in the evening.

Last night the group got to stay in a hotel for the night to recover. I think the shower and toilet were the highlight! They are on the road again today and I will try to keep you updated where they are heading.

Please continue to pray for the trip.

The Big Year Out gorup left Adelaide early on Saturday morning 6 July for a three week visit to the Philippines. The group, led by Lyn Leane and Andrew Robertson, is visiting the North Luzon district of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines. During their visit, they will attend worship in Manila, visit the ‘Smokey Mountain’ refuse tip, spend time in rural communities throughout the north of the island, and spend a few days at the theological college in Baguio City before returning to Manila.

Pictured are Rachel U’Ren (from Melbourne) and Big Year Out participants Peter Grant (Ascot Park UC), Sharnie Pattinson (Nairne UC), David Maschmedt (Aberfoyle UC), Ellen Mitchell and Grace Mitchell (Rosefield UC).

In 2008, BYO participants have been in several local mission placements including…..

- an inner city church is starting a playgroup for Sudanese mothers and their kids, including home visits and day outings. Participants were able to get to know what refugee life in Australia is like.

- learning from a UC deacon, Adam, about how to support young adults and adults with mental health issues living in the Port Adelaide area. Participants have been to hostels, met the residents there, and been to training sessions with local community groups working in the area.

- on the road once a week with Dean, the minister to the Aboriginal Congress congregation at Salisbury. This has included going to KCO with a bunch of young kids, visiting court, and seeung the Congress leaders meet to plan their vital ministry.

- sharing in the valuable and varied work with a school chaplain, and being with students in a busy metropolitan high school

This week we have been talking to Uniting Church international mission staff, and we have agreed to explore taking the Big Year Out group to the Philippines rather than Thailand in July 2008. There are a few reasons for this. We are committed to working with our local partner churches overseas, and don’t want to overload them with working to arrange trips for visitors. There are already a few groups going to Thailand in 2008, including “Mission Ignition”, which is an excellent short-term option if you can’t do the Big Year Out. Read the rest

This year can change your life. Give yourself time to do more than just ask the big questions. Give God the space to be part of your search. Experience life in the Big Year Out and let God surprise you!

Peter Riggs,
Youth Pastor, Aberfoyle UC

We interviewed Pete about why he is excited about The Big Year Out.

Here’s what he said:

Pete Riggs on YouTube

Discipleship is a spiritual journey, and like a journey, it relies on our willingness and fitness to last the distance. Every Big Year Out participant has the opportunity to participate in a regular spiritual growth pattern. Read the rest

From 5th to 27th July 2008, the BYO group will travel overseas for a 2½ week cross-cultural mission exposure trip. This will be a fantastic time of experiencing life in another culture, and learning about the faith and mission of Christians in another part of the world.

We are negotiating for this trip to take place to Thailand and are working with the UCA International Mission staff in planning this. Read the rest

Each week from the beginning of March, Big Year Out participants will be involved in a hands-on mission placement one day a week with a UnitingCare SA community service agency. This is an opportunity to experience Christian service first-hand and to learn about the lives and needs of people who are struggling.

Over the year you will be involved in 3 or 4 placements lasting up to 12 weeks each.

Placements will include agencies such as
- Drop-in centres
- Community mental health services
- Drug & alcohol recovery services
- Support for homeless people
- Aged care and dementia support
- Working with Aboriginal communities
- Local community support schemes
- Providing emergency relief

These voluntary placements will be supervised, and we will endeavour to match your placements with your maturity, interests and gifts. The regular day of the week on which your placement is undertaken can be set to work in with your other work or study commitments.

Rev. Michaela Tiller from UnitingCare SA and Rev. Peter McDonald from UnitingCare Wesley are assisting us in arranging these mission placements.