Information coming soon.
Khomelela Community Centre in Bushbuck Ridge, Mpumalanga, South Africa provides orphans and elderly access to food, healthcare, education, vocation and community. 
In July of 2025 a team from Avondale University Church & Campus will be heading to South Africa to partner with Martha Mawela & Khomelela Community Centre in building, educating, caring, feeding and serving their community. 
As a team we will be fundraising $50,000 to build a new kitchen/dining facility and renovate the existing church/community hall facility.
The dates of the trip are 03 - 20 July 2025. 
There is place for 30 people.
The cost of the trip is $4600 (flights, travel, food, accommodation & excursions) incl. 
We will need caring, committed and capable participates. There will be a variety of service activity option including; building, kids programs, community healthcare, educator training/support, other community service initiatives. 
To secure your booking we will need a deposit of $500 paid by 24 March 2025.
The final payment of the full amount will need to be paid by 30 May 2025.
Student Reflection – Nicholas Gillard
Travelling to Laos was an incredible and eye-opening experience that blended service, faith, and cultural immersion. Our trip began with a flight into Vientiane, where we spent our first night and visited the international Seventh-day Adventist Church—one of the few in the country. It was a powerful experience to worship with fellow believers in such a unique setting.
From there, we travelled to Luang Prabang, where we spent just over a week serving at a local school. Although the school was not outwardly Christian, we were able to connect with the staff, encourage them in their faith, and introduce new teaching ideas. We spent long days (7:30 AM to 7:30 PM) helping students learn English, working with a wide range of learners—from young children as young as four or five to mature-aged students. Some of us even had the opportunity to teach one-on-one, including sessions with Buddhist monks. It was both challenging and rewarding, as we built relationships while supporting their education.
A highlight of our time at the school was running a Kids' Club on Thursday afternoons. This gave us the chance to play games and do crafts with the younger students, incorporating a Christian message in a subtle and engaging way. It was a fun and meaningful time to connect with them outside of formal lessons.
Outside of school hours, we explored the vibrant city, experiencing its stunning night markets and breathtaking scenery. We swam in beautiful blue lagoons and waterfalls, engaged with locals, and gained a deeper appreciation for Lao culture.
Another significant part of our trip was our involvement with the local church. We actively participated in worship services, leading kids’ talks, singing, Bible readings, and even delivering sermons. Each morning, we also led devotions with the school staff, deepening our faith as we supported theirs. Seeing what it means to be a Christian in a communist country, where religious freedom is restricted, was incredibly humbling. It made us reflect on how easily we can practise our faith in Australia compared to those who face real challenges for their beliefs.
After our time in Luang Prabang, we travelled to Vang Vieng, where we had the chance to explore the country further. We took on adventurous activities like hiking, river kayaking, and buggy riding, while also discovering more of Laos’ breathtaking landscapes—including more stunning blue lagoons.
This trip was more than just an overseas experience—it was life-changing. The friendships we made, both with the locals and within our own team, will last a lifetime. Serving the Lord in a completely different environment not only strengthened our faith but also shaped our character in ways we never expected. If you’re considering a trip like this, expect to be challenged, inspired, and forever changed by the experience.
