Easter Mission Tour - Singapore Myanmar 2019

For tour photos, visit: https://www.facebook.com/TheSalvationArmyMSS

Day Twelve - Mon 29 April

Report by Tim Lynn

We began the final day of our mission tour in Upper Myanmar by visiting the local markets and doing our bit to help boost the economy as many of us shopped for souvenirs to take home with us.

One of the day’s highlights was visiting Sekan Corps where we went to ‘inspect’ the property renovation works carried out by the MSS practical work team that consisted of John Adams, Colonel Mark Campbell, Jason Geeves, Jon Steel, Ian van Gaalen-Prentice and Jenny Wishart.

Upon our arrival we were enthusiastically greeted by the Corps Officer, local officers and soldiers who were so eager to express their gratitude. An impromptu dedication service for the renovation works done to the corps was officiated by Major Winsome Mason (RO). As we gathered outside the MSS then sang "In Need" before heading inside the corps, where further thanks was extended to us and the practical work team and a prayer was shared by Major Judith Soeters (EO). The sparse corps and quarters are situated in a remote village where the major lives with her invalid mother and serves the community so faithfully. Prior to leaving we had the opportunity to sing "The Lord bless you and keep you" inside the humble quarters to the major and her dear mum.

On the way back to Kalay, we stopped by the nearby Myohla Corps and quarters to meet Captain Zuali, who was one of the translators at the Myanmar School of Music, and heard a little about the corps’ ministry in the local rural community.

After another delicious meal at the Tahan Corps, we then returned back to the hotel to pack up and check out. An hour or so later, with grateful hearts and tired bodies, we made our way to the Kalaymyo Airport to catch our afternoon flight back to Yangon, where we will spend the night before commencing our return journey home to Australia via Singapore.

We give all the glory to God for the success of our first MSS mission tour to Southeast Asia and passionately pray that our ministry in both Singapore and Myanmar will continue to make a spiritual impact in the lives of individuals we have met and corps we have visited for years to come.

Day Eleven - Sun 28 April

Report by Kylie Muus

We had another change of schedule today that gave us a sleep in, which was much appreciated by all on this last day with the school of music delegates. The MSS started the day in the hotel lobby singing “In Need” to the hotel staff and a couple of guests. This set the mood for the morning prayer meeting and holiness meeting.

In the prayer meeting the whole of the camp were given the opportunity to come to the microphone to willingly share prayer. We had several Myanmar youth, MSS and officers pray about the blessings we have already received and for God to minister His presence to us again throughout the day.

During the Holiness meeting, the worship team leading delegates led the worship songs, with the group taking turns in leading and singing during this worship segment. Two camp delegates gave their testimony. The first reflected on what he learned about the Light of the World, thanking the MSS for teaching him how to turn the light on. The second shared that she has been through some dark times after losing a family member and was encouraged by John 9:1-3 when Jesus restored the blind man’s sight. This story helped her to understand that even in the hardest of time she has God to trust in and knows that He is with us always.

There were three choirs featured at the School of Music - a massed chorus and a junior and senior choir that each contributed a vocal piece in the meeting. Major Mark Hall named them the ‘Myanmar Staff Songsters’ (senior choir conducted by Merryn Steel) and the ‘William Booth Chorus’ (junior choir conducted by Karyn Stow). All of the singing was full of praise and glory to God and you could see the light of God shining in their faces.

The message from Colonel Julie Campbell reminded the congregation that we are to be a shining light to the world too. The Bible message was based on John 21 which speaks of the Resurrected Jesus appearing to the disciples as they were fishing. They didn’t know what the future held, but Jesus was with them. The reminder for us was to focus on the fact that it’s not what we can do on our own but what we allow God to do through us that matters most. God will give us all the power and strength to be His light and shine brightly for Jesus.

The MSS then sang “In Need” for the time of reflection and an appeal was made for those that would like to give their heart to the Lord, or commit to being God’s light in the world. Almost all 80 youth went forward to the mercy seat with prayers being prayed over them by the officers of Myanmar. It was a very moving and sacred occasion for the MSS to witness this spiritual response.

In the afternoon we took an official Myanmar School of Music photo with the camp delegates and officer staff in 41 degree temperature before making our way back to the corps.

Prior to the final concert, the MSS shared together in a poignant devotional time led by Robyn Lorimer that gave us opportunity to reflect on the mission tour and where we have seen the glory of the Lord at work. MSS members wrote down their thoughts on paper and these will be collated as a memento of blessings received.

The final concert started with the worship team leading the camp theme song “Shine Jesus shine” before Major Winsome Mason (RO, Myanmar) prayed over all the youth and congregation. Timbrels brought “God is in the house” on display and you could visibly see the joy on the camp delegates faces as they played their little hearts out.

The Myanmar Staff Songsters blessed us with “A million dreams” from The Greatest Showman film and "My whole world”. The powerful voices of the Myanmar youth rang out over the hall during these songs to bless the congregation.

The worship team lead us in singing three worship songs with the guitar and keyboard elective delegates as musical support.

Before a further two testimonies were presented the Tahan Corps sang and danced in a circle (their Mizo-style Glory March) singing “When we all get to heaven” in Mizo in celebration of exactly what a day of rejoicing it will be. We then all joined in singing the chorus in both languages at the same time.

The testimony of one of male youth said that if we do not follow, we don’t become the light of Jesus. He then sang a song with guitar especially for the MSS entitled “Don’t try to walk this world alone". The second testimony from one young lady told how she realises that she has to shine her light everywhere, especially to unbelievers because God so loved the world he gave His only Son (John 3:16). She then explained how she now understands that she has to believe in Jesus if she is to be an effective light.

The drama group presented a skit called ‘The Sin Chair’ that was a powerful visible reminder of how without God we can get stuck in sin, but if we pray we will be released from the power of sin. To conclude each participant took lit candles from Jesus, the Light of the World, and handed them out to the congregation as a challenge to share the light of God's love.

The William Booth Chorus sang two songs "Promises one by one" and "Nothing shakes the hope" with choreography, making this interactive and enjoyable for all.

Colonel Mark Campbell spoke about a prayer from Philippians 1 challenging us to pray for the Myanmar Salvationists and them to pray for us. He challenged everyone present to stand by their Christlike character, not giving into peer pressure but proudly standing up for Christ.

The Myanmar School of Music massed chorus sang “My Father’s heart” and “Celebrate” before the MSS sang “I’ll not turn back”. Officers from Upper Myanmar then the MSS and visiting officers with traditional gifts. Colonels Campbell also we’re presented with his and her longyis.

To end the night the delegates joined the MSS in singing the camp benediction, “The Lord bless thee and keep thee”.

In farewelling the music school delegates we presented each of them with a Aussie souvenir bag and promised continue praying for them as we return to Australia. It was certainly an experience that we will never forget and an MSS tour like no other.

Day Ten - Sat 27 April

Report by Robyn Lorimer

Another God glorifying experience as we commenced our third day at the Myanmar School of Music

There is certainly a thrill of anticipation as you climb the stairs of the Tahan Corps to the vibrant and exciting sounds of 80 young people singing their hearts out to God. You just can’t keep from smiling seeing so many young people praising God so openly and passionately.

Colonel Julie led the morning worship and reminded us about being a light in the world and being prepared to go out and shine His light in a dark world.

We finished morning worship with the entire camp joining together in the song “Every praise is to our God”, which is now fast becoming a favourite of the group, especially the actions (watch this space as I’m sure we will present it in a future concert 😀)

The morning continued with our Bible Study groups but sadly this was our final one and even though we’ve only been meeting for 3 days, these kids have become very precious to each of the songsters.

Our study was on “You are the light of the world” looking at Acts 1:1-8 and asking “who will be a witness to the world”, and also Matthew 5:14-16 which was a challenge to the kids about not being frightened to be the light of the world and a messenger for God. Each camper was given a torch with “Shine Jesus Shine” printed on it as reminder of the theme of the camp and message in the bible studies.

After massed vocal and electives we headed off for another yummy lunch and a break before heading back to the camp for the remainder of the day.

The afternoons have always commenced with our mentoring groups and these times have become a favourite with the group. It allows the members of the MSS to come alongside their bible study group and just talk - it’s a time when the kids can also ask us questions about Australia and The Salvation Army in our territory.

Again, this has been a really special time as we’ve been able to gain so much insight into the lives of these kids, their dreams for the future, their passions, but also what their fears are for the future, and this has allowed us to pray with them and share with them.

Tonight’s activity was a rehearsal of the electives, which allowed preparation for the concert tomorrow night.

We started the night with “Shine Jesus Shine”, featuring soloists from the camp and our very own Colonel Mark Campbell, who sang the 3rd verse with much gusto - he may have just sealed a permanent spot in the bass section!

Other items included the timbrels, drama, craft, worship leading, conducting, guitar and percussion. The percussion featured not only plastic tubs but boomwackers, with which they presented a very creative arrangement of Shine Jesus Shine and also the William Tell Overture.

The drama group presented a lively drama called “The Sin Chair” which showed people being trapped in sin, but then finding freedom in Christ, which finished with the students depicting sharing the light of Jesus by handing out candles to members of the audience.

Our craft group also featured a beautiful floral display and a creative picture board with the handmade flowers they created during the elective.

Each elective did an awesome job of presenting the gospel message in a variety of different creative ways.

The night was completed with a rousing sing of “I’ll go in the strength of the Lord”

Again, another God glorifying day sharing with these incredible kids whose love for God shines very brightly. We have been so blessed to be part of their lives, even if just for a few days.

Day Nine - Fri 26 April

Report by Joanne Cochrane

The practical work crew left the hotel at 7:30am to continue painting the Sekan Corps with the district officer, Major Tluanga, who now responds to the name Major Bluey (thanks to John Adams!)

The rest of us returned to the Tahan Corps to begin the second day of music camp in worship. Myanmar style worship is energetic and we saw this in the singing of Living Waters (or Gun fox eh as the staff songsters know it). We were taught the actions which were like an aerobic workout. The youth of Myanmar know how to move and the joy of the Lord is evident in the young people when they sing. Some of the songsters were still sore from last night’s bush dance and did well to keep up.

Colonel Julie Campbell encouraged the campers to continue shining the light of Jesus and focussed on the passage from 1 Peter 2:9 - "But you are a chosen  people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light."

Leading into the prayer time we sang ‘I Love You Lord’ after which prayers were shared in English and Mizo before worship concluded with ‘The Power of Your Love’, again sung in English and Mizo. What a beautiful sound it was and a special time together praising God.

Shine, Jesus, shine is the theme of the camp and all the Bible studies align with this theme. Today’s Bible study was based on the man born blind who was healed by Jesus as recorded in John 9:1-39. We are very fortunate to have amazing officers from the Kalay and Tamu Districts translating for us. Yet when it comes to praise and worship, language is no barrier.

The massed choir then re-rehearsed ‘Celebrate’ and learned the camp benediction, Ivor Bosanko’s ‘The Lord Bless Thee And Keep Thee’ during which we lost power and had to continue without any electricity. This happens a lot when the weather is hot and it is something the locals are used to. Once the generator was started up the power resumed and we were able to enjoy singing with accompaniment.

Following our electives sessions, we then headed off for lunch to the Goshen Cuisine and Café Bar. The homemade ice cream completed our lunch and was followed by some downtime before the afternoon and evening sessions.

The afternoon began with mentoring groups and vocal chorus rehearsals for both the William Booth Chorus and Myanmar Youth Staff Songsters before joining together for dinner. As it was Robyn Lorimer’s birthday today a cake had been organised and the campers sang 3 verses of the happy birthday song that included ‘May you live a long life’ and ‘May God richly bless you’.

Colonel Julie then led the MSS devotions based on Matthew 5:1-16 reminding us that we are a blessed people as we bring the light of Jesus to Myanmar.

Tonight’s activity was a talent night. The youth had been practising hard for the night and showed off their amazing talent. Unbeknown to the songsters we were the opening act. Upon arriving on stage we did actions to the Mizo version of Living Waters, in addition to being called up to participate in various ways throughout the evening.

Major Mark Hall then shared devotions from Psalm 23 focussing on who Jesus is. The camp timbrellists then concluded then night with a splendid performance of ‘God is in the house’ before everyone joined together in singing the benediction song.

We returned to the hotel once again full of blessings received and thankful for airconditioned rooms.

Day Eight - Thu 25 April

Report by Paul Lorimer

The date of April 25 was first commemorated by Australian soldiers overseas, far from The shores of Australia. Today, members of the Melbourne Staff Songsters Mission team found ourselves remembering ANZAC day far from home in Kalay, Myanmar.  

As we have moved through Singapore, especially the Changi district and into what was Burma, thoughts have come of those who fought in this terrain and weather, especially those who were interned as Prisoners of War and gave their lives for our freedom. This ANZAC day, as in others we have spent at home, we remember.

Today was the first day of the Myanmar School of Music led by the Melbourne Staff Songsters. 78 salvationists aged between 14 and 25, representing 26 corps, started together today under the theme of “Shine Jesus Shine”.

There was worship and group singing as well as electives including timbrels, craft, conducting, worship leading, percussion, guitar, and drama. We divided into bible study groups, which were also the foundation for our mentoring groups where the students and songsters took the opportunity to share our stories together. Even on this first day we have received a clearer picture of the lives of these young people and their deep spirituality. 

Not all of the mission team were leaders at the camp. A small but valiant group ventured further into the rural countryside to work along side local salvationists in repainting a corps hall and quarters. The conditions of the officer family were confronting and the team faced challenges with language and acquiring materials. However, a good start was made to the work and there is evidence, even on this first day, that an exchange of skills is taking place. 

Following tea the team met together to hear what had taken place for each other during the day and to listen to Bev who spoke about God’s gift of wisdom.  

An evening of Aussie Bush dancing under the expert tutelage of Peter and Matt Lewis was followed by the preaching of Major Mark Hall (Singapore Central CO) before we retired for the night to get some rest in anticipation for all God has in store tomorrow.  

Day Seven - Wed 24 April

Report by Jenni Williams

An early start for some today when Jon Steel set his alarm for 2am by mistake. Needless to say Merryn was not happy. On a more positive note Peter, John and Jenni enjoyed discovering a little of Yangon before breakfast as they wandered the streets coming across markets, people exercising and the hustle and bustle of the township.

Today was one of travel, waiting around and a good lesson in going with the flow. John Adams beautifully reminded us during his devotions on the bus of the importance of love. Time to relax and refuel at the airport and then we flew to Kalay in Upper Myanmar in a smaller plane than most were used to. The yellow flowers decorating the inside cabin were in celebration of the Water Festival - basically a huge water fight (which we unfortunately missed out on) to usher in the Myanmar New Year.

Arriving in Kalay it felt like we had walked into an oven as we walked down the steps from the plane. It was hot and dry and a very basic arrival building awaited us. But the people were warm and friendly and we were glad to be there.

Our personal cooling systems (plastic hand held fans) that had been given to us by Major Winsome were being flapped madly and were very much appreciated.

After a sound check at the hall it was back to our hotel for an exotic dinner that even included a whole fish for one lucky member of the group.  

We were all hot and tired and more than a little sweaty, but after freshening up it was back to the Presbyterian Hall for our evening concert. The vibe was one of excitement as the hall was filled with 80 youth, who were all in Kalay for the Myanmar School of Music. Salvationists from other corps joined us too for the evening Gospel Concert.

The evening concert with MSS featured 3 cultural dances, a range of songs that included both solemn and upbeat styles and a short message from Colonel Julie Campbell. The crowd was large and enthusiastic in its response to our singing as they sang along, clapped, and worshipped God throughout the night.

Kalay is a large town and life is simple but the streets were clean and there is a pride evident in those who live here. The traffic is not as crazy as Yangon, but we still had to be careful as there were many scooters zipping around the streets. The sun glows here, different to Australia and this may be due to a slightly smoky air. Many people cook using outdoor fires. The local people on the whole do not speak English but smile and nod a lot as they try to answer our questions.  They have been most welcoming.

Following the concert there were many conversations and photos taken as the MSS mingled with the crowd. Tyler was particularly popular among the young girls, but I did hear that Judith Soeters also had at least one fan! We again were hot and tired but on a high after another eventful day on our mission trip. The air conditioning in our rooms was eagerly awaited as we bussed back to the hotel, sharing stories of our day with each other on the way.

Day Six - Tue 23 April

Report by Bev McMurray

Welcome to Tuesday 23rd and what an early start to the day - rising at 2.30am for us to be packed and on the bus for transit to the airport. Well done to everyone for the smooth exit from our hotel and being on the road (with hotel breakfast packs included) a little earlier than scheduled.

Time was limited on arrival at the airport and the process of checking in, long, but we made our next flight to Myanmar, to the city of Yangon, with no time to spare. There were shut eyes even before the plane took off.

We were met by Major Winsome Mason, the Regional Officer for Myanmar and Major Dika, the Regional Secretary for Program.

It was very obvious as we drove off from the airport the many differences in Yangon to Singapore and home. The traffic was chaotic with cars seeming to be travelling everywhere in an unorganised fashion to us. People crossing the road with no pedestrian crossings, swerving courageously in and out of cars.
We passed along street laden stalls and huts where people lived and daily sold their wares.

Our first stop was much appreciated as we enjoyed some drinks and eats at a very beautiful garden cafe called Shwe Pu Zun Cafeteria.

We forwarded on to The Salvation Army Girls Home, where we met Lt Swe Hlaing Payne, the assistant home manager. As it is the school holiday break, many of the girls were away, but we appreciated a look around at the facilities and welcomed some cool drinks as we were finding the heat stifling.

The home houses 25 girls at the moment, who are between the ages of 5-17 years of age, and most vulnerable. We were able to sing to those there a song about God’s promises, and we presented the girls with a souvenir pin-on koala we brought from home.

Not far up the road from there is the Officer Training College. We were blessed to meet Captains Lalhmangaihengi who have been on staff there for 9 years, in their respective roles as Field Training Officer and Training Officer. There are 5 cadets in training this year who will be commissioned in March 2020.
The facilities are modest and the most needed resources there are study books in the Mizo language.

After checking in to our hotel where we would be accommodated for the evening, we dropped off our belongings, then went to enjoy some local cuisine at a nearby cafe, 800 bowls. The meal was delicious.

The Holy Trinity Church was where we would be presenting a concert this evening, and a set up and sound check was in order. What a magnificent large church building with authentic stained glass windows and steeples, and acoustically beautiful to sing in.
The grounds were spacious, even housing their own geese and goslings which gave homely atmosphere.

The evening was a blessing to us as we shared in concert with the Tarmwe Corps Band, who played prelude music and accompanied our congregational song, To God Be the Glory. What a good start to our ‘The Glory of the Lord’ concert.

The songsters’ presentation was focused around the message of Easter, and what Christ has done for us.
We enjoyed the presentation of a ‘Cultural Dance’ by a group of women dressed colourfully and who gracefully and proudly danced for us.

Colonel Mark Campbell brought the devotion to the conclusion of our program before we sang our benediction of Praise and Glory to our God.

We were pleased to travel back to our hotel to get a good sleep at the end of a very long and hot day.

The first day here in Myanmar. It’s hard to believe we are here, yet we are so full of thankfulness and blessing.

Day Five - Mon 22 April

Report by Karyn Stow

Well after a busy Easter weekend, today was a much needed day of R&R.

After a leisurely breakfast the day was yours to do as you wanted. Some chose to stay in and relax while others ventured out to see some of the sights such as Marina Bay Sands Hotel, Bugis Market where you could get a great bargain and the beautiful Gardens by the Bay.

Later we all came together and enjoyed a meal at Boon Lee restaurant followed by devotions in the park. A highlight of the evening’s group devotional session was encountering a local passerby who was a passionate Christian and Earth Day advocate. He openly shared his personal testimony with us and we were able to pray over him.

We then headed back to pack in preparation for a very, very early start the next morning.

Day Four - Sun 21 April

Report by Merryn Steel

What a glorious Easter Sunday we have shared with the folk from Singapore.

We were up a bit earlier today to have breakfast and head out to the sunrise service in Bishan Park, not too early though as the service was at 9am.

Before we headed off, Paul Lorimer brought the daily devotions, where he spoke of the things we remember about the Easter story. He spoke of Jesus being the same after His resurrection but changed and that when we encounter the risen Lord, we are still the same people but changed. Jesus imparts His peace to us and we are filled with the Holy Spirit. We have a new purpose and a new life and so we come with thanksgiving to worship our Lord and Saviour on Easter Sunday.

We were presented with a gift from Colonels Mark and Julie Campbell, a beautiful card showing the open tomb and words from Henri Nouwen. We were also fortunate to have a visit from the Easter bunny bringing us some scrumptious chocolates eggs.

Having been dropped off at Singapore Central Corps we had a leisurely stroll down to the park where we shared in worship with the corps folk and the community singing, My Redeemer Lives, How Great Is Our God, Rising By The Power Of His Name, and I Serve A Risen Saviour. Colonel Julie brought a short message about the women who went to the tomb to find that Jesus had risen, and their eagerness to share that news.

It was very warm and humid in the park and by the time we had walked back to the hall we were pleased to be back in air-conditioned comfort! While this was good, what was even better was that a new family came back to hear more about the Easter story.

As is often the case after sunrise services, we shared in breakfast together - our second one - before sharing the most wonderful two hours of worship together. Let me say this wasn’t quite the original plan but, as we are finding out, plans change often in Singapore, and in this instance it was definitely Spirit led.

The meeting started out as per the lead, however, on seeing all the beautiful children in the service I asked Major Mark if we could do a song with them after their time in Sunday School.

The MSS shared in song and Major Judith Soeters shared her testimony about the peace she felt when she finally said yes to God and entered the training college. Colonel Mark Campbell spoke about the journey on the road to Emmaus and how our hearts can burn with confidence and hope in Jesus when we journey with Him daily. Many people came forward to pray during the singing of The Potter’s Hand.

Then what was to be the final moments of the meeting turned into a mini concert. The MSS sang ‘Praise His Holy Name’ as requested by Colonel Mark, then around 40 children came onto the stage to sing ‘Promises One By One’ with the MSS - complete with actions and some wonderful dancing by the TC’s granddaughter. The MSS then sang ‘If Crosses Come’ as requested by Major Mark Hall with the congregation joining in on the chorus, “I’ll not turn back, whatever it may cost”. The timbrels played to ‘Shine, Jesus, Shine’ accompanied by the band and we finished off with the congregational song, ‘I’ll Go In The Strength Of The Lord’ while flags waved and people clapped. And after all this, we took a group photo of all in attendance that morning.

God is good!

Once again we were presented with a most sumptuous buffet for lunch. I for one am enjoying the wonderful noodles of Singapore for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
As this was the last time we would be sharing with the beautiful people of the Singapore Central Corps we performed our ‘This Is Me’ flash-mob for the youth of the corps which was very well received. Then after a photograph outside the corps centre we headed back to the hotel for a much needed rest.

Later that day we headed off to sing to some of the migrant workers here in Singapore. We shared in a meal with the SA team who were running the evening, then joined in some fun and games with the workers and sang to them. A children’s dance group presented an item to a song which says that God doesn’t want our gold and silver, he wants our hearts. The TC brought a message to the group and it was wonderful to see God working in the lives of the men, with 14 men coming forward to acknowledge Jesus as their Saviour.

We returned to the hotel at around 10.30pm with hearts full and feeling overwhelmingly blessed.

Day Three - Sat 20 April

Report by Judith Soeters

The day began with breakfast together before heading off in the rain to Peacehaven. Thanks to our wonderful bus driver, who can turn a bus around on a twenty cent piece, we didn’t get wet!  

Peacehaven is an aged care facility caring for 380 people. It is the largest aged care facility in Singapore and the only Salvation Army one. At the moment it is being renovated and will, by the end of the year, take 435 people. 

The MSS were met by Madam Lau, who runs Peacehaven, and Jimmy, their chaplain. We then broke into two groups so that we could sing and meet as many people as possible. Merryn Steel conducted one group with Peter Lewis on keyboard while Karyn Stow conducted the other with the support of Jeffrey Clarke. 

It was a truly moving experience as we could see the joy on the faces of the men and women as we sang, not in their native tongue but they knew the tunes and would smile, sing along or tap out to the beat. At lunch we were joined by Commissioners Lim and Lieutenants Tan and it was wonderful to share this time with them.  

Some of the MSS went for a stroll in the nearby area while others took the opportunity of a couple of hours free time before heading to Balestier Corps for the evening meal. We were very excited to share in chicken rice as this is a Singaporean delicacy. The officers, Lieutenants Lim, and some of their corps folk looked after us so well and explained some of the mission that is happening in and around their corps. We will continue praying for them as they reach into the surrounding community and, especially, to the young people in the area. 

Following dinner we joined the Singapore Central Corps youth who had prepared a Tenebrae Service. The service begins with lit candles and, as the Easter story unfolds, the candles are put out one by one until there is total darkness. The impact of the story with the use of songs, Scripture and the youth acting out the magnificent story of Christ’s saving work was truly moving. The MSS sang Via Dolorosa and Mercy. It was a moving and powerful experience and we thank the youth for their work, commitment and their desire to share with us. 

Once again, we have been truly blessed.

Day Two - Good Friday 19 April 2019

Report by Lindsay Stow

Wow, what an amazing day!

Day One - Thu 18 April 2019

Report by Tim Lynn

Today was Departure Day. Following a smooth group check-in process, we made our way to the ‘Melbourne Wall’ for a brief farewell performance to airport passengers and staff of the well known song, This Is Me, and an a capella rendition of In Need.