Personal Reflection…

In February 2020, I commenced the first unit of the Master of Transformational Development (MTD) with Eastern College Australia. After three years of studying while serving in the Solomon Islands, I submitted my final paper at the end of April. The MTD runs for six semesters, covering subjects pertinent to international aid and development from a faith-based perspective:

1. ClimateChange,Justice&Sustainability

2. BiblicalJustice,Human Rightsand Advocacy

3. Economics,Development and Human Flourishing

4. Doing Theology in the Contextof Poverty&Injustice

5. Leadership and Organisational Development

6. Community Development

Each unit is structured with an eight week reading period, during which you engage with an online reading cohort, a one week face-to-face intensive, and three assessment tasks take home exam, minor essay and major essay (totalling 10,000 words). The major essay (6,000 words) each semester allows the student to choose a topic within the subject matter that relates specifically to their vocational context. Similarly, the final unit requires a research paper (10,000 words) addressing a key issue relating to their situation.

Throughout this course of study, I have had the privilege of studying alongside some extraordinary practitioners from a variety of sectors from around Australia, Malaysia, and Thailand, who have significantly contributed to my learning experience. The relevanceofeachsubject matter toaPacific context is self-evident and the Solomon Islands has provided the perfect learning environment to apply this knowledge. This has been especially true in our context of leading the growth and development of The Salvation Army in this region, with every unit beingtimely,relevant andinsightful.

The lecturers from Eastern College Australia contributed a wealth of knowledge and expertise and were very supportive throughout the journey. I am particularly grateful toSteveBradburywhocommenced me on this journey and to Steve Bevis who took over the coordination of the MTD midwaytoseemethroughtocompletion.

I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to The Salvation Army Papua New Guinea & Solomon Islands Territory for endorsing my study application and to The Salvation Army Australia Territory for approving and funding this course of study. Their investment in me studying the MTD has been an investment in the expanding mission and ministry of The Salvation Army in the Solomon Islands. Finally, I want to acknowledge Ness for her unwavering support, encouragement and patience through countless hours of study and our District Team who have carried an extra load while I’ve been hidden away completing assessment tasks. In the words of Paul to the church in Philippi, “I always praywithjoybecauseofyourpartnershipin the gospel from the first day until now” (Philippians1:4-5).