Over 12 impactful days in November, a team of 10 Avondale University students and staff worked at the Udon Adventist International Mission School (UAIMS), a school that caters 400 students from Kindergarten to Year 8. During their stay, the Avondale Uni team contributed to UAIMS in various ways. Half the team worked on building a new fence for the school’s safety, while the others assisted teachers in classrooms. Jasmin Ringrose, Student Life/Sport Coordinator and trip leader, reflected that the classroom experience “was particularly beneficial for our team members studying education, offering them invaluable hands-on teaching practice”.
Pastor Sean Berkeley, Manager of Men’s Residence on the Lake Macquarie Campus, also attended the trip, sharing how “the team was close-knit and loved the opportunity to serve in a place that was so hospitable and grateful to have us.” The trip was marked by a strong sense of camaraderie among the team and the warmth of the Thai community. “God shone on us,” Sean noted, appreciating the pleasant weather and the hospitality extended to the group.
Beyond the physical work, the trip fostered meaningful relationships. Each morning two Avondale team members had to opportunity to take the UAIMS staff worship. With the help of a translator, faith journeys were able to reach all UAIMS staff. Jasmin recounts “everyone from teachers to maintenance workers and kitchen staff attended”, which brought a strong sense of community.
"Our students loved learning the language and culture," Sean added. He observed that the experience inspired many team members to consider future mission work, with some even contemplating dedicating a year to overseas service.
Brooke Howard, among the students on the trip, highlighted the diversity of experiences the trip offered. From the assisting in classrooms and leading after-school programs to joining local church worship, the group embraced every opportunity. Brooke described their evenings exploring temples, markets, and local cuisine, often led by UAIMS director, Udom Saengsawang. Brooke reflected, “the love of the community that we connected with in Ubon was probably the most impactful experience for me. The UAIMS community was so welcoming and loving and we all felt at home even though we were only there for a short time.”
The trip reaffirmed Brooke’s belief that serving is an important aspect of our lives as Christians: “I love being able to see different parts of the world and how God is working in those places … We're called to serve, and God will always use those who are willing.”
Brooke’s sentiment of service mirrors that of Avondale’s. Service has been our heart since 1897. We are still preparing students to make change in their world, whether on local or global scales. The team's work in Thailand demonstrates that service is faith in action. Mission work serves as a lived expression of faith, where belief is transformed into tangible acts of compassion and hope.