The Light 2011 Volume 20

True Knowledge | Faith in Christ | Godly Character

20th Edition/2011

contents Editorial Team PUBLISHER Yayasan Pendidikan Pelita Harapan ADVISOR Brian Cox, Aileen H. Riady MANAGING DIRECTOR Hana Herawati EDITOR & TRANSLATOR Budi Alto, Anita Purwanti GRAPHIC DESIGNER Iwan Werlin PHOTOGRAPHER Hariyanto, Clifford, Andreas

20th Edition/2011 3 The Challenge and the Call to Serve By Brian Cox 4 A Faithful Servant of Jesus Christ By James Riady 6 Living Redemptively By Judy Comrie

7 The Challenge to Serve By Young Jin Park

8 "Get on BASE!" By Tom Going 9 Give What You've Got By Terri Davis 10 Black Holes or Value Creators? The Choice is Yours .... By Pek Swan Layanto 15 Redeeming Life By Eric Henry 17 Grade 10 Manado Mission Trip 18 Tired of Low Expectations? Join the Rebelution 19 New Basketball Court for SLH By Jason Myers 20 Please Pray for Alpiyah By James M. Boldosser, Sr.

Address 2500 Bulevar Palem Raya, Lippo Village Tangerang 15811, Banten Phone: (021) 546 0232-33 Fax: (021) 546 9663 www.sph.edu

COVER

: School Activities

LOCATION

: SPH International

PHOTOGRAPHER : Hariyanto

21 Servant Leader with a Biblical Christian Worldview By Olivia Husli Basrin 22 Grade 12 Farewells 23 Same Life, Same Dreams By Ratna Setyowati Putri

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The Challenge and the Call to Serve Our fourth and last edition of Light Magazine for this academic year.

Each publication has focused on our Saved to Serve theme.

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AST month we were all saddened by the death of the co-founder of SPH International, Dr. Johannes Oentoro.

We honor him as a great hero in the faith.

Was it because he achieved so much? No, it was because he was a faithful and obedient disciple of Christ and a servant to people.

One of the issues in my early life which caused me to reject the Christian faith for so long was a misunderstanding of service and servanthood. Throughout my early life I considered myself to be a kind person. I was generous to those in need; I supported many charities, I felt that I had a compassionate heart.

When Christ captured my heart, he also radically changed my thinking. I recognized that all of my so-called “service” had the goal of making me feel good. I had enjoyed people’s gratitude; I realized that my kindness to others arose out of a sense of feeling superior and more privileged than those that I helped. I had confused a selfish idea of service with being a servant. My Godinspired reading of the Scriptures led me to see the nature of Christ and the nature of my unredeemed selfishness that had been masquerading as service.

I was also helped by reading a very good book entitled The Sons of God are the Servants of All written by Geoffrey Bingham.

The content of the first page has remained with me for almost thirty years: “We look at the facts simply. They are that human beings are all of a fallen race. They have developed certain attitudes to life, to the world about

them, and to their fellow creatures. These attitudes are for the most part self– preserving, self–extending and self–insistent. For this reason we serve ourselves before we serve others. To put others before ourselves seems an incredible idea.

For Christ it was not incredible. The nature of God is to consider the fallen human race before Himself. The Son relinquished His prerogatives and privileges of Deity in order to serve man by redeeming him. Nor was He in any way humiliated by what He did. In fact He wished to do so, and greatly loved the doing of this liberating task. He thus expressed the true nature of Godhead. In fact—strange as it may seem—He thus expressed the true nature of manhood—the image of God ....”

Being a servant means that we subject our lives totally to the Master and, in so doing, we lay down our lives for others. So when we talk about being engaged in service, it is not always a “special event” ... rather servanthood is a way to live all of life.

which transforms our thinking and actions.

We love because God first loved us; and we keep on loving because God keeps on loving us….

The great encouragement for us is that Christ was a loved and loving obedient servant in His humanity ... and thus He shows us that it is truly human to live life in such a way.

Love, compassion and service enabled by Christ bring hope to the world. It is our goal for our young people to be so captured by the grace and love of Christ that they will take on His nature and become those who serve in every place and circumstance.

Blessings, Brian Cox

So in my marriage, I do not need to claim any rights, because God sovereignly provides all that I need; therefore I am free to serve my wife. In my communities, I do not need to assert my authority, if I am to exercise authority it will be under the sovereign hand of God and thus I am free to serve my communities. I need to have my eyes open and my heart attuned to the whole of life and allow the nature of a servant to play out ....

Love and service are completely compatible.

Love lays down its life for another. This love which expresses itself in service is really the love of God Himself flowing through His redeemed and elect people. Fallen humans cannot love in this way.

We need to be constantly filled with this love

Brian Cox

Head of School SPH International Lippo Village and Coordinator of SPH International Schools

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special report

By Dr. James Riady

Founder Yayasan Pendidikan Pelita Harapan

A Faithful Servant of Jesus Christ He was born in Semarang and became Dr. Johannes Oentoro, Ph.D. He was a gifted musician who loved music and the Arts. He was a visionary leader and builder of both people and institutions. He was responsible for the starting and the growth of churches, schools, universities and hospitals; the most basic, yet the most important, foundations of society.

Dr. Johannes Oentoro

This edition of the “Light magazine” is dedicated to the theme of “Redemptive Service”. Our cofounder, Dr. Johannes Oentoro exemplified this truth as he lived his life as a disciple of Jesus Christ dedicated to redemptive service.

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N Wednesday, April 27th 2011, at 9.15pm in Siloam Hospital Lippo Village, Dr. Johannes Oentoro finished his journey of fifty nine years on earth, having fought the good fight. He passed away peacefully to be with his Lord and Saviour, glorified with a new body, to live with his Lord forever.

He was the beloved husband of Santi Oentoro; wonderful father of Lala and Erick, Annette and Andrew; loving grandfather of Michella; much loved son of Hilda Oentoro; eldest brother of Ennyke, Tony, Hanna, Jimmy and their families.

He was the object of God’s saving grace and favour who was in the mind and heart of Jesus Christ as He was crucified, died, was buried and raised. He was reborn having been known by God, predestined by Him and at a point of time in his life, called by Him. Dr. Johannes’ response was, “We want to be a blessing for this nation,” which became a vision that inspired many to be co-laborers in the ministry of Christian Education through Yayasan Pendidikan Pelita Harapan.

Eighteen years have passed since we set sail on this journey to bless Indonesia through holistic education. I am grateful and honored to have witnessed many important milestones, achievements and also to go through the many ups and downs, together with him, as the vision became reality.

He held many positions of responsibility.

He was the founder and first rector of UPH; the first Head of SPH; the Head of Siloam Hospitals. It is his obedience to answer the Lord’s calling in Education where he leaves his greatest legacy birthing UPH, SPH, SDH and SLH in Nias, Mentawai, Lampung, Tangerang, Surabaya, Kupang, Manado, Makassar, Ambon, and all the way to Papua providing access and opportunity for Education to many children from different layers of society in Indonesia and giving hope to those who may never have heard the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

His unwavering commitment to Education was always grounded in Biblical principles and has blessed thousands.

He believed that knowledge alone is not

enough. Knowledge must be guided by faith in God to produce servant-leaders.

His perseverance has brought many breakthroughs for Indonesia. SPH Lippo Village was the first school in our country to emphasize holistic and God-centered education. It was the first school with an international standard IB program. UPH was the first Indonesian global university to produce leaders and world-class professionals.

He was a man with a heart for God, for His people and for His church. For the Kingdom of God his obedience has resulted in many lives being changed having heard and responded to the Gospel.

He truly was a hero in so many ways. He was a hero in that he lived a Godly life but like all of us, had a constant struggle in trying to please, love and serve Him. He responded genuinely and openly to the Gospel mandate to go and make disciples through Education, Health, the Economy, Music, the Arts and Civic society.

He was a hero who leaves behind for his family, friends, co-workers, brothers and sisters in Christ and this wonderful nation, an exemplary life of responding to God. I personally bid him goodbye and salute him as my friend. My memories of being with him are definitely something I will always cherish.

There is no doubt Pak Jo was well-loved by many. He will forever be missed but we know we will meet him again in heaven in God’s appointed time. Let us be thankful that our paths crossed and for all the special moments we shared. The challenge is for us to continue his legacy. I pray that with God’s grace, together we will continue to make a significant impact and allow God to transform our nation through education.

Let us take up his example to be redemptive servants as disciples of Jesus Christ.

special report

Pak Jo is someone who gave encouragement and strengthened our faith. He said something that I will never forget, “Bu Firna, you must be a tough and firm leader, not a mushy leader.” That is how I was trained by Pak Jo and I applied it in my daily job. [ Firna Budiayati, SPH International Lippo Cikarang, Associate Head of School ]

What we see as a legacy of Dr Johannes’ ministry; is what has been achieved by being responsive to the Spirit of God. In his heart and mind were planted seeds of desire to see Indonesia changed through quality education that encouraged young people in their faith. The Vision of our schools and universities today still contains the essential elements of knowledge faith and character. We all owe a great debt to Dr. Johannes Oentoro for his willing, passionate and wholehearted obedience to the call of God. [ Brian Cox, Head of School SPH International Lippo Village and Coordinator of SPH International Schools]

I was impressed by Pak Johannes Oentoro. He always said please, even to a small person like me. If the lights or the AC went off, he always asked for help, “Pak, please turn on the AC, there will be guests coming”. He is the best person. [ Dayat, SPH International Lippo Village, Office Boy ]

As a founder, he is not a person who received the vision then sits back and relaxes. He led in the physical development of the building, recognised that teachers are most important. At the beginning of Sekolah Pelita Harapan he interviewed the teachers one by one himself. I believe that the expertise in choosing excellent teachers is only possible because of the depth of the vision. [ Aileen Riady, SPH International Lippo Village, Associate Head of School ]

I always remember the songs which Pak Jo sang. They became an inspiration for us when doing our tasks. [ Yulvita Hadi Yarti, SPH International Sentul City, Senior School Principal ]

He is one of the pioneers of modern education in Indonesia. Through his vision, we can see that he has lifted teacher’s dignity and value. The teaching methods that he applied at the beginning of Sekolah Pelita Harapan are applied in so many schools in Indonesia right now. [ Wiginy Kusliawan, Coordinator of Sekolah Dian Harapan ]

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Living Redemptively

By Judy Comrie

For my part I believe in the forgiveness of sin and the redemption of ignorance.

—Adlai Stevenson

W

HEN students enter my grade 11 History class, I mischievously dub them ‘ignorant peasants’; however, I also try to instill them with the confidence that this current and unfortunate state will not last long. They, like all of us, are on a journey. Within the span of a few quick years, and with some hard work, they will leave our school being life-long learners who are keenly interested in the world around them and motivated to bring a positive difference to it.

In order to be interested and motivated to make a positive impact, students need to know about the world they are trying influence. They must also have a basis to make a judgment about what kind of impact is positive. This is where ‘the redemption of ignorance’ comes in. We are fallen, imperfect creatures, in a fallen and broken world. However, we are not without hope. As Christians we believe that God is very much at work in and through His creation, restoring it and revealing glimpses of His original purpose which will be fully realized with the second coming of Christ. Amazingly, His will is for us to participate in that restoration.

Given this hope and opportunity, it falls upon us to figure out what form our participation will take in the redemption of creation. Our classrooms should serve as venues for working out answers to this question. Through exploring the created world we can contemplate God’s will for various parts of the creation and how the

past or the current status quo does, or does, not reflect this ideal. In grade 11 and 12 History classes, the focus is largely on issues of governing and organizing society, as well as relations between nations. This gives us ample opportunity to explore questions of morality, integrity and justice.

For example, we learn about the injustices of the Tsarist system, or the deceit and mistrust practiced between the various nations prior to World War One. We can also focus on the positive efforts of individuals such as President Woodrow Wilson in America, furthering his ideals of freedom and self-determination for all people, or Dietrich Bonhoeffer, fighting against tyranny and injustice in Nazi Germany.

We do not only learn about these, but we also need to apply the understanding gained in studying the past to circumstances in the world around us today. In class we spend time talking about topics like the situation in the Middle East or terrorism here in Indonesia.

Does our knowledge of the past help our understanding of the present? And if so, what are we doing with this understanding to participate in God’s redemptive plan?

Students need to be challenged to think through ways in which they can hone the skills necessary to play a redemptive role in the world.

This can take many forms. For example, students can do this by taking greater responsibility for their own learning, helping a classmate who needs some extra encouragement, or building the positive learning environment of the classroom through their engaged participation.

Outside of the classroom we should also see our students playing a redemptive role within the wider school community.

Further a field, students can bring a message of justice, love, patience and

Judy Comrie

Senior School Teacher SPH International Lippo Village

responsibility through such simple acts as responding to current events topics in the newspaper or, as has been recently suggested by one of my students, by sharing their redemptive message over Facebook!

What we need to keep asking ourselves is whether our students’ learning in school only serves as an academic exercise, or whether it results in a change to their behavior that demonstrates redemptive intent. Indeed, it is encouraging that over the years we have seen many of our existing students make a positive difference to the world around them in a variety of ways. Furthermore, many of them go on living redemptively at their universities and in whatever field or endeavor they find themselves in after university.

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The Challenge to Serve:

One Believer’s Path to Understanding the Meaning of Serving God

By Young Jin Park

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HAT does it mean to serve God? Initially, I couldn’t even correctly grasp the essence of the question above. Nonetheless, I have come to realize that passion is no substitute for knowledge and lack of faith is no excuse for one who claims to be a fellow Christian follower.

I asked several people this question and most said something like, “Put your entire trust in Him, and lead your life just as the Bible teaches you”. Frankly speaking, I felt this was a clichéd answer. It seemed to lack something important. My incapability of getting the right answer even caused me to doubt my religious identity. Fortunately, this pressure also guided me to seek better answers and led me to a revelation. In the midst of spiritual perplexity, one pastor gave a response that evoked my sympathy. Pastor Dan Walker says, “The short answer to that question is to live as Jesus lived.” In other words, by following the exemplary Christian lifestyle that Jesus practiced, in our own lives, we can serve God. To serve God and others goes beyond learning lessons from the Bible; it should involve putting these acquired teachings into practice in our daily lives. Matthew 20:26–28 states that “Whoever wants to become great

among you must be your servant just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” This text directly dictates that true believers serve God and others first rather than serve and satisfy themselves.

Then, how do we serve God? The parables of three servants in Matthew 25 helped me to put this question into perspective and formulate a clear concept of serving God. To make a long story short, three servants were given talents by their master based on their individual abilities. While two made more out of what they were granted, the other made no attempts to improve upon the talents with which he was endowed. Through this story, I realized that every man is bestowed with a talent and owes God a debt of gratitude and complete devotion. Just as the two servants faithfully fulfilled the master’s expectation by earning more talents, so too are all Christians responsible for using their talents to fulfill God’s purpose as well as for recognizing that God’s call to serve is active wherever we find ourselves.

In my opinion, an environment that encourages one to become a servant of God and others rather than of one’s own ego or false motives greatly contributes to shape an attitude to want to serve God and others. To a certain degree, I developed my desire to fulfill His purpose at SPH International, a great place to use my talent of actively seeking to help those in need of what I can provide. At school, I had many opportunities to participate in community & service voluntary programs (CAS) such as tutoring underprivileged children in Jakarta and building basketball courts for local schools. I am sure that the drive to join these activities was guided by my faith, and

Young Jin Park

a clearer understanding of the question, “What does it mean to serve God?” shaped my genuine sense of sympathy in these endeavors. Getting out of the comfort zones and spending my time to provide the needs of the needy are examples of serving God and others. At the same time, I gained my CAS points for my MYP and IB programs in return. The more activities I joined, the more perplexed I became because I could not distinguish between self-serving motives of acquiring points for my diploma and selfless devotion to God and others. Was I truly serving God and others or blindly chasing after points awarded to me? Through a talk I had with one of my teachers at SPH International, I came to the conclusion that the intention of questioning my motivation to serve is wrong. It is important for us to focus on obedience rather than self-fulfilling motivation as we serve. In other words, implanting a whole-hearted trust in God, not on our own efforts, is a key ingredient to serving God and others. Admittedly, temptations to ignore His purpose and serve other sinful objects such as school grades or CAS points were prevalent during my studentship at SPH. Considering how small SPH is in comparison to thousands of other communities in the world, I am sure that there are likely to be other more dangerous and sinful temptations in my near future.

Without any challenges, we won’t be true Christians because Jesus, the Son of God, himself undertook a myriad of trials during his mundane life. The first step to serve God and others is to develop a strong faith to withstand challenges by spending time with other Christians, having mentors model our belief, and most importantly, making decisions and behaving based on what we learned from the Holy Bible.

Vice President Senior School Student Council SPH International Lippo Village

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"Get on BASE!" “ ... What God opens no one can shut, and what He shuts no one can open ... See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut ....”

(Revelation 3:7–8)

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HE giant tsunami that struck Banda Aceh in 2004 hit with such force that homes and buildings were swept off their foundations and thousands of lives lost.

Such devastation and tragedy changed the face of Northern Sumatra, mostly negatively, but also waves of change that opened hearts in the area as doors were opened for the first time to foreign relief and mission organizations. What had been a closed area to other religions was now an opportunity to witness through hands of service.

It is through this open door that we hoped to lead some students from SPH International Lippo Cikarang (SPHILC) and provide a unique opportunity to put the theme for this academic year, Saved2Serve, into action.

The Lord opened the doors of eight students’ hearts, leading them to get on BASE—Banda Aceh Service Event. With a team formed, we immediately began meeting regularly in

order to prepare the actual service we would offer the Islamic schools we would be visiting.

The students were divided into an inside team and an outside team so that our group could teach a PE-type class outside and a creative English class inside at the same time.

The doors the Lord opened for our team led to amazing experiences. Not just English lessons in and out of the classrooms, but an opportunity to perform a drama in front of the whole student body at two separate middle schools with a message centered on answering the call to use our skills and talents for the benefit of others ... allowing our gifts to multiply through service. In addition, the Head of the Teacher’s Association in Banda Aceh hosted our team for a dinner at the Diknas headquarters where we were able to publically state the meaning of BASE and our reasons for coming to the city. All these opportunities were “doors” that only our faithful God could open.

We returned to Lippo Cikarang with hearts of gratitude. The BASE students returned with the knowledge that service is not just a special weekend of charity, but rather a way of life! The call to serve our Lord means trusting Him with each door we face in life so that ultimately service becomes a natural part of our character, a lifestyle. Each day we can

Tom Going

English Teacher SPH International Lippo Cikarang

confidently walk through the open doors that God prepares with hands outstretched as we place the needs of others above our own.

I praise our Lord and Savior for giving us the opportunity to serve His children in Banda Aceh and for providing such a faithful SPHILC BASE Team.

Quotes from Students I think our drama about the Love Ball was really eye catching, as we had a chance to pass along a message about the importance of sharing talents and our love with others ... If we keep love, it will not grow but as we give it away, it will grow. [ Kim Ji Won, Grade 10 ] Being a part of BASE, I realized that happiness doesn't come from the things or the places I usually think are important. I had looked for love, happiness and fulfillment in food, basketball, drink, dreams etc. Instead, real happiness can only be derived from helping others, engaging with others, and making their lives better. [ Iyas Lawrence, Grade 9 ]

Actually my faith in God was decreasing but through this trip I was able to build a stronger relationship between us. It was a valuable lesson and experience. [ Kim Ha Jeong, Grade 9 ] The schools were so inspirational, giving me a conscious reminder of just how good SPH Lippo Cikarang is, and how ungrateful I am about my own schooling. It gave me the feeling of having to change myself and my habits, in terms of how I see my school and surroundings. My suggestion for the future is simple: Have another service trip! It is an amazing experience, something that every student has to have! But next time, go even further to remote places in Kalimantan or Papua! [ Spencer Lestiadi, Grade 10 ]

examples

By Terri Davis

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SPH International Sentul City Teacher

Give What You've Got “We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.”

Romans 12:6–8

I remember professors in my Education classes constantly referring to this scripture as evidence of the noble profession I was choosing to enter. At that time, I did not understand that teaching was a calling and that I had a responsibility to do more than just pass on knowledge to my students.

It wasn’t until I actually entered my own classroom that I recognized that I had been called to teach with everything that I am, and to help my students discover truth, to see the world around them through God’s eyes.

As teachers, we are constantly scrutinized by our students. The things we do and say appear to make more of a difference than anything we try to teach. When we teach with everything that we are, when we recognize that our words and actions are lessons for our students, we truly use our gift of teaching in the way God intended.

So what am I teaching my students? I would hope that it is not only to take every opportunity to learn, but to also make opportunities to give back. Throughout this school year, we have attempted to help our students understand that the gift of salvation

they have been given is more than just something for themselves. That each of us is called to share that gift with others.

My cell group is an amazing group of 10th graders. Every time we meet, conversations turn to deeper things, and we discuss issues which affect the way we live our lives. We have built strong bonds because we truly care about each other, which is only possible because these students are genuinely loving people. We challenge each other to make better decisions and to do what is right, no matter the consequence. Recently, Mr. Nick challenged the entire school to take action concerning our theme. “Saved to Serve” is not just a catchy phrase on banners and t-shirts! I was amazed at how quickly my cell group came up with the action they took on Valentine’s Day. Some of the students had already visited Bukit Karmel, a local orphanage, and the others wanted the chance to go. So they planned, shopped, and prepared to go “Be Valentines” to the children. On a day when many people sit back wishing someone would love them, our group went to love

SPH International Lippo Village

Art Exhibition April 4, 2011

little ones whose only ability to love back lay in cuddles.

There were moments during that threehour visit when I would look at my students in amazement. Even the boys who had no real previous experience with infants were willingly holding children, feeding them cookies, and cuddling with those who would cry any time they were put down. The girls provided laps on which to sit ... and sleep. I was the photographer, witnessing the love being given, until it was my turn to help a tired little boy finally close his eyes in sleep.

Sure, there was laughter and moments of frustration, but the overwhelming feeling in the room was one of love.

In Acts 20:35, we are reminded that Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Honestly, this year’s school theme has driven this point home for me. When we give, not only are we blessing someone else, but we are receiving the blessing of knowing we are making a difference in someone’s life.

Our giving is, in a sense, doubled and even if we feel we have nothing to give, we can always give love.

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Black Holes or Value Creators?

The Choice is Yours ....

Our theme this year, Saved to Serve, has resonated with a passion in my heart. We live in a generation of instant gratification and a society in which self obsession seems to have become a worthy pursuit in life. Our children are being bombarded with subliminal messages that they deserve the pampering and all the material possessions you can buy, while being indoctrinated with the idea that they deserve and have a right to put self first. What a far cry from the model that Jesus demonstrated in his life—the last shall become first and the first, last.

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Y challenge to my children is to choose between life as a black hole or as a creator of value. What do I mean? As a black hole sucks up everything around it and leaves nothing in its wake, we can live our lives quite comfortably adhering to the world's value system by focusing solely on ourselves—our needs, our wants, our "right" to comfort and self indulgence, and consume our resources for self only. Conversely, using God's model, we are saved to serve others.

Creators of value add something to the world. They look outwards to the needs of others and choose to use their resources and gifts to create something that will bear good fruit. The benefits they create for others may even outlive their own lifetime. As our lives unfold, do we consume like black holes and leave no impression on the world when we go or do we look at the resources available in our hand and see the possibilities that they afford us to leave an imprint on others?

Through the transforming work of Jesus, the two fish and five loaves the willing boy offered up was used to bless thousands of hungry people. How do we choose what to do with our own "two fish and five loaves"? Do we allow the transforming power of Jesus to use our gifts and resources to serve the need of others or are we really just black holes?

The PAG has chosen to lead the way to be Value Creators.

Through several innovative programs, the PAG has managed to mobilize resources and volunteers whether it be time, money or skills, to create value in the lives of others:  Dad's Day on 19th and 26th March was a great opportunity for 85 students and parents to give of their time and effort to build a basketball court for Sekolah Lentera Harapan.  New Eyes for the Needy, in conjunction with Optic 22, aims to provide free vision screening and free eye glasses to students and teachers at Sekolah Binong Permai.  The PAG shop which opens on Wednesdays and Fridays has been an ongoing success selling lower cost donated goods, recycled "good as new" items benefitting the lower income community and proceeds from the sales in the shop go toward the Disaster Relief fund.

As parents take up the challenge of becoming value creators, we hope our children will also be inspired to reject the "black hole" option and choose to become creators of value through serving others with their gifts and talents! After all, we are Saved to Serve!

Pek Swan Layanto Grade 9 CPR

Parents Seminar (SPH International Lippo Village, 25 March 2011)

SPH International TK Pluit

SPH International Sentul City

SPH International Lippo Village

SPH International Kemang Village

Redeeming Life special report

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By Eric Henry, Senior School Teacher SPH International Lippo Village

Scientists have reduced all this wonder to the term ecosystem. Its science’s job to try to explain nature. The rest of us see it as the work of God. When God touches something it brings life. And that life attracts more life until something so wonderful is created that we can only observe in awe.

Environmental scientists spend much of their time studying the destruction that man can have on life. Cyanide, dynamite, digging and trampling have made a waste of way too much of Indonesia’s coral beauty. But it can be redeemed. The Environmental Science students on their field trip to the Thousand Islands were actually able to plant coral, with their name attached, onto damaged reefs which will someday grow into a full garden, which will then attract multitudes of amazingly beautiful fish and turtles, including the parrot fish which come along and eat the

“Whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”

John 4:14

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URING the Easter holiday I went along with the Grade 10 student’s mission trip to Manado. On one of the final days we took a trip out to Bunaken to do some snorkeling. Once you put your goggles on and look underwater you are suddenly submerged in a whole new world of coral and fish and life that you’ve never known before. Coral is amazing. They are algae eating translucent animals that rather quickly build up colorful homes for themselves of all shapes and designs. They spawn and reproduce and can even catch small fish with venomous tentacles.

coral, passing it out later as the coral sands that make the beaches on the postcards.

I love science, but the reason I teach humanities is that humans are the most important, complex and wonderful of all God’s creation. But the same processes are at work. We are damaged. Our pride, greed, love of power, lust for pleasure and selfishness

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special report

lead us to hurt others and destroy the life that God has created. Angry fathers hit their wives, mothers take out their frustration on their children, lustful boys take advantage of girls, jealous girls gossip cruelly behind each others backs. Hurting students hide their pain in alcohol, drugs, food addiction, cutting, sex.

God must cry.

But it can be redeemed. Last year I met Joe, who while at university reached out to Eric, who’s family life was a mess. Eric responded to the life he saw in Joe and began to forgive his family and allow the life of God to grow

in him. After university Eric followed God’s call to Indonesia, where he met Stefan, an UPH student who’s own family life was quite a mess. This Easter holiday at his baptism I heard Stefan’s testimony how he had found the life in Christ he had been searching for, and how God had given him a second chance to redeem his own family life. Forgiveness, grace, peace, joy, love and relationship; this is the eternal life Jesus promised to give. The work of God bringing out amazing beauty from the most damaged places.

Pak Rene, who’s heart was actually to go

elsewhere, followed God’s call to SPH. After three years the prayer group that he was leading had grown in their own spiritual life to decide that they were being called to do more than pray, but to reach out to others.

They organized a trip to the Manado area, and spent most of their time at the Betzada orphanage and school. There they hugged, played with, taught, and loved boys who had no father to love them and girls who were brought there before their mothers could sell them. What effect that will have on those children’s lives we may only see in eternity, but it was beautiful to see.

Redemptive Living By Patrick Kurnia, Grade 5 I think that Redemptive Living means to live in a way that can restore someone’s opinion about ourself. I think that as Christians we must try our best to live redemptively. This year, I became the Vice President of the Student Council. This means that I have more responsibilities, jobs and meetings. But one thing I have discovered is that as a leader there are more chances of being blamed for things. Early in my position, I was admired and respected. Later on, as the year comes closer to an end, I realize that if I make one small mistake, or even something thought of as a mistake, people will criticize me, blame me, saying I was wrong.

As a Student Council Leader I will be observed by people. If I make a mistake people will keep on pointing it out. Therefore trying to do something to cover it will be much harder.

So that is why I ask God to help me. We must try our best to live redemptively, although God is the only one who can redeem us.

A Redemptive Life By Quanika Aolani, Grade 5 When I was grade 1, I didn’t really know about God. So one time after lunch we had a discussion and the teacher asked, ‘Who here is afraid of God?’ and I didn’t know what to say so I said, ‘No.’ At that time I didn’t go to a Christian school, and SPH International Lippo Village is the first school to let me have strong faith in Jesus. So on Sunday, I went to church and they taught us about ‘Takut akan Tuhan’ being afraid of God. By then I realized that at school I was wrong. By the end of grade 1 to now I have learned to be afraid of God. Over the past years I have put Jesus first in my life and I want to serve God. I want to tell everybody about the word of God. Since I have been at SPH International Lippo Village the teachers have taught me about Jesus and how to have a strong faith and it really makes me thankful to God for everything.

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Grade 10 Manado Mission Trip

SUNDAY – Baby Orphanage Tomohon, Lokon Volcano View Cafe “The first day was not the most tiring day but it was ‘full’. Right after we arrived in Manado we went to a baby orphanage at Tomohon.

I was very excited to play with babies. But when the group got there, the babies were sleeping so we had to clean the place. It was very frustrating as for some of us; it was our first time mopping, cleaning toilets, etc. Some didn’t know that we had to clean the floor with the broom before mopping. Because of this some of us did everything twice. I was tired, just tired.”—Isabella Lau “Cleaning was not a completely unfamiliar experience for me, although I’m not sure if I can say the same for everyone else. As cliché as it may sound, working at that bathroom made me appreciate the clean bathrooms we have elsewhere, and also having people to help do the cleaning for you. Helping out in the orphanage fits in line with our school’s theme this year, Saved to Serve. Having been saved by God, all of us have the responsibility to serve others whenever we get the chance to, wherever we can, and our service also serves as ministry; people should be able to see God through our actions.”—J. Ainslie MONDAY – New Tribe Mission Headquarters, SMP EbenHaezar, SMA Lokon St. Nikolaus “On the second day, we all went to the New Tribe Mission Headquarters at Mapanget.

Here, we mission and saw a video of the alumni’s work in the actual mission field. We were stunned that they would devote all their lives to serve God and proclaim His words in faraway fields. After watching the video, we were shown the mission field in Indonesia and the missionaries that are currently available. We were privileged to see what people are willing to sacrifice in order to serve God. We hope that we can develop our knowledge of God to maybe someday go on another mission trip like those missionaries in the future. We know that

we are taking it slowly, learning step by step to become the servants that God wants us to be.”—Praisten and Elissa “Among the many cultural and academic interests that we experienced throughout the mission trip, SMA Lokon St. Nikolaus was thebest. It is known for its astronomical studies program. We were privileged to meet with Professor Ratag, one of Indonesia’s leading astronomers. He gave a brief introduction about astronomy and then led us outside for stargazing. It was a beautiful clear night sky that was complete with a full moon and Saturn.

Apart from stargazing we were able to meet the friendly, heart-warming students of SMA Lokon.

That night, both schools mingled and we enjoyed each other’s company. We exchanged dances and songs all night long under the beautiful night sky.—Diana and Timothy TUESDAY and WEDNESDAY – Betzata Orphanage “As we ventured to the Betzata foundation, I was thinking that it would be a run-down orphanage with little to work with a large amount of room for improvement. Though, when we arrived there I saw how blessed these children were with their clean housing, with crystal refreshing water, large lawns and beautiful classrooms. I then wondered, why here? Within minutes, I could see. God brought us here to love. When we arrived, the children trembled with anticipation and excitement.

They were hoping and searching for something in us and I really dearly hope that it was love for we showered them with more than we thought possible. I felt like a dad to the kids who came jumping to sit on my lap, hold my hands and wrestle. This was definitely the highlight of our mission.”—Elliot THURSDAY – Bunaken No trip to Manado would be complete without a trip out to Indonesia’s treasure, Bunaken

Island, and we were blessed with super sunny skies. The coral drop off is amazing and picking your favorite fish a real challenge. Back in Manado the long day finished with a prayer walk around town, praying for the people and future of this dynamic area.

FRIDAY – Final Day The final day before leaving included Good Friday Service and Babi Putar. There were lots more stories we don’t have room for here, of Manado cuisine, basketball matches against local schools, Pak Rio’s karaoke, Ibu Lea’s dancing, Praisten pigging out, the tents, phone numbers, monopoly showdowns and more, but I guess you had to be there ... and it’s our team’s sincere desire that there will be many more who follow in our footsteps.

Conclusion – Redemptive Servant In our mission trip, God demanded different levels of obedience from each individual in the group. God challenged the obedience of each individual through sudden changes in plan and hardships. We did not always have a pleasant trip; some got sick after riding a bus for many hours, some had stomach ache and some had flu after staying in the mountains. Some people had tasks which were more challenging or significant while some were simpler or trivial.

What truly mattered was how we responded to each situation. We, as redemptive servants, responded with thankfulness that came from our hearts.—Maggie and Andrew Park

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special report

Tired of Low Expectations?

Join the Rebelution Over the past months, Grade Six has been reading and exploring the book, Do Hard Things, by Alex & Brett Harris.

An overview of the mission of the book and the movement is explained on the website www.therebelution.com.

The following is an excerpt: The official definition of the 'rebelution' (the combination of ‘rebellion’ and ‘revolution’) is "a teenage rebellion against the low expectations of an ungodly culture." When you look around today, in terms of godly character and practical competence, our culture does not expect much of young people In 1 Timothy 4:12, the Apostle Paul tells Timothy, "Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity." In other words, young people are called to be exemplary in all areas of life. The Fiona Asokacitta Doing hard things means to me that something can be accomplished by a greater means of effort that is normally required of you. It doesn’t have to be something extraordinary, it could be small, everyday things or going against the crowd and not just jumping on the bandwagon That’s really hard these days because of peer pressure.

younger generation is falling incredibly short of that calling.

The Rebelution is made up of three fundamental parts … character, competence, and collaboration. They have to create a counter-culture by networking, exhorting, and encouraging one another in the fight. By God's grace, that's what The Rebelution has become.

When you have a community of young people mutually committed to doing hard things in their teen years for the glory of God, that's an incredibly powerful thing.

Following is a few responses from Grade Six students after reading the book, participating in class discussions, and realizing how they can serve others in their everyday lives. Please continue to keep our youth in your prayers as they journey towards becoming redemptive servants.

Arthur Ko The part that inspired me the most was the Myth of Adolescence.

The inspiration that I received from this part of the book is that it explains on how low expectations are robbing our generation. I cannot let low expectations rob my own life. It will be hard with peer pressure, but I am trying to be a trendsetter of my own generation.

Nicole Wijaya Timothy 4:12 really spoke to me because it made me realize that even though I’m a kid I can do things that adults do. I shouldn’t be sitting around doing nothing; God wants me to set an example for others by doing things that are “beyond my age.”

Shin Dong Yoon To me, do hard things means to do things that other people do not expect from you, or doing something that although other people (even parents) may think it’s impossible for me to do because I’m too young. Do hard things also means to do something right although you do not have support of others and although you do not think that others will appreciate it or even care about what you did. It means to stay loyal and humble in God although his commands may be out of your comfort zone. It means we should stay loyal to God.

Shavela Nihardjo By reading the book I have learned how I have been lied to and fooled by society.

There are only two expectations of teenagers—to have good marks and stay out of trouble.

But actually teenagers are supposed to do something more. They need to participate with their society by stepping up and trying new things that God has placed on our hearts.

Stephanie Purwanto 1 Timothy 4:12 is one of the foundational Biblical verses for Do Hard Things. It talks about how even a six grader, can make a big difference. I realize that I can change more than my own life, but also the lives of others who need support.

Matthew Taruno Do Hard Things is a book that is effective and will help you enhance your mental approach toward most of your things in your life. I am now open to all God will challenge me to do. I must step up.

By Jason Myers

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Sports Program Director SPH International Lippo Village

New Basketball Court for SLH Sekolah Lentera Harapan in Curug has undergone an extreme makeover of their facilities this year. SPH International Lippo Village (SPHILV) contributed to this project by helping them build a multipurpose sports court.

Students and teachers worked together throughout the days of March to complete the court. This manual labor included: moving dirt and rocks, tearing down old buildings, pouring concrete and stacking bricks.

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ING'S Christian Collegiate, from Toronto, Canada joined SPH for the court building project as a part of their week long mission’s trip to Indonesia. The Parent Advisor Group (PAG) organized two Father-Son Saturdays during the project. The Senior School student council, King’s Christian and Parent Advisory Group made significant financial donations as a result of successful fundraising throughout the school year.

The boys and girls middle school basketball teams participated in a free throw-a-thon to raise money to purchase sports equipment for the school to use at their new facility. This was truly a team effort from the community of SPHILV to serve in the local community.

Ron Masengi (King’s CC) said, “The opportunity to connect my former school in Canada with the SPH Court Project was truly an answer to prayer.

We wanted to find a significant and meaningful project to allow our students to serve and to develop a better understanding of how others live in this world and our role in “loving our neighbours”. The group from King’s Christian Collegiate came to Indonesia because of the “Global Initiative” program the school provides.

The objective is learning about God, others, and themselves through serving. The SLH project allowed the group to work with other SPH students, local workers, and interact with the staff and students at SLH. Many of the students returned to Canada changed and the court project was one added element that contributed to the overall successful opportunity that they experienced.

Patricia Renyut (Grade 12 SPH) said, “Throughout the month of March, our group of volunteer workers from various backgrounds worked hard to build the multi-purpose court. Students, parents, teachers and construction workers worked alongside each other, always ready to motivate anybody to keep working under the mid-day sun. We moved massive piles of brick, tore down old walls of the school, and dug out the school’s center area with lots of sweat and smiles. The court is now finished and ready for eager SLH students!

Sofia Layonto (Grade 11 SPH) said, “It was a sand-shoveling, rock-dumping, dirt-moving, gerobak-pulling, concrete-pouring two days.

Although we only got to spend a day with the awesome people from the Canadian mission trip group, there’s just something about sharing sweat, shovels and Hoka Hoka Bento delivery lunches that brings people together. Afterwards I felt lighthearted and surprisingly refreshed. It was like the physical exertion had given my mind a break. My soul felt lighter too—we’d put a lot into this project, but unexpectedly got a lot out of it as well. It felt good to be contributing some of yourself into something that you knew would actually bring enjoyment to others, especially kids that don’t get the privileges we take for granted. One of the things I’ll remember the most was looking at the top layer of the court, finally completed and hearing the excited whispering of the kids that came swarming out of class to see the results of our teamwork and feeling this immensely satisfying sense of accomplishment Ibu Devy (PAG President) said, “It has been an amazing year for PAG-Lippo Village. We have done many bazaars, community services, events for the past 10 months. We were not only serving our school community but also the community outside the school. The PE department gave us a great opportunity to get Dads involved in community service—building a basketball court!

For two Saturdays we had a total of eighty five people and I was pleased to see many Dads on that day.

Devita Gunawan (Grade 12 SPH) said, “This year, SPHILV Student Council once again was given the opportunity to be a blessing to others. Working at the site was not easy, but definitely challenging.

On my workday, my group’s tasks moved bricks and demolished part of the old school’s building leaving us with scars and back pain, but it was certainly worth the time, effort, and sweat.”

Servant leadership was displayed throughout this project as people set aside their own needs and put the needs of others ahead of themself. The mission of SPHILV has been furthered as a result of this exciting opportunity. More important than the court that was built were the relationships that were nurtured and developed with everyone involved. This synergy across the Yayasan has spread the light and love of Jesus Christ.

Please Pray for Alpiyah I’d like to take a minute to share some encouraging news about how God is working through our community. Philippians 2:13 reads, “For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to His good purpose.” Several weeks ago, Grade 6 learned about a young girl named Alpiyah with cancer.

Alpiyah, who is the 14-year-old daughter of trash pickers who live in Pondok Domba, was diagnosed with cancer in October of 2010. The untreated cancer has spread, and she recently learned that she also has a brain tumor. When all seems lost, God’s good purpose shines.

As a community, we have moved forward to serve this young girl and her family. God has led us to an SPH parent who happens to be a doctor and whose mother had experienced the same type of cancer. She graciously offered her knowledge and the knowledge of her peers when she took Alpiyah’s medical paper to be reviewed. This same parent has connected us with a pastor whose organization has agreed to help, without question. We have since moved forward with a second opinion and treatment.

Between the people within our community, and those unmentioned who support this situation beyond our community, we recognize how God We do not know where this is working through us, working through His instruments. we are able to recognize act of servanthood will lead, but we remain prayerful that this situation. and act upon the many God-given oppor tunities within

By James M. Boldosser, Sr. Junior School Teacher SPH International Lippo Village

Alpiyah

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Interview with Olivia Husli Basrin

Servant Leaders with a Biblical Christian Worldview You are a graduate of SPH. When did you graduate from SPH and where did you go from here?

I graduated from SPH in 2006 and then I attended UPH, graduating in 2010 with a major in International Relations.

Did you have a well-defined career path plan when you graduated from high school?

I was not a a hundred percent sure. Being a high school debater, I knew that I was very passionate about politics and international relations. So, the next logical step for me was to major in International Relations, which fortunately was offered at my university campus.

Now that you’re finished with your degree, what do you do professionally?

Currently I am working in the Office of the Special Staff of the President for International Affairs.

How have you seen God working through the journey of how you got to where you are today professionally?

I see Him working in every step. He opened up doors of opportunity that I never thought I would ever get.

He equipped me with the strength that I need to overcome any challenge.

The theme this year at SPH has been ‘Saved to Serve’. Can you give any examples of how the experiences that you had in high school prepared you for opportunities of service that you currently have?

Well, in high school I was trained to be independent, outspoken, and confident. These qualities are very crucial in my current position. They also enable me to take on a leading role in various office projects. I am also currently serving in my local church on the Interpreter Team, interpreting Indonesian services into English.

What thoughts do you have about how parents can help to prepare their children to become people with a heart to serve others?

No. 1 : Money is not everything. Don’t judge a job based on how much it pays, but rather on the satisfaction that it brings.

No. 2 : Instead of determining your child’s future, direct them to know and pursue their passion.

No. 3 : Put God as the center of your lives. This will ensure that your children will always be on the right track.

What advice would you give high school students to help become people with a heart to serve?

1. Be bold in pursuing your dreams.

2. Be nationalistic. Your country needs you. Learn to love your country 3. Don’t ever feel discouraged when things don’t go as you expected. It’s God’s way of leading you to become an amazing person.

Testimony from Sheila Hadikoesoemo Why I chose the career that I am in right now?

I chose Speech Pathology because I have the desire to assist other people in need. I feel that God has put a passion in my life particularly for people and to serve others. I believe that He has blessed me increasingly and abundantly and that it is my turn to be a blessing for others. Being a Speech-Language Pathologist helps me to fulfill what I am called to do. The profession has provided me with the opportunity to see what an impact I can make and to see that miracles do happen.

Grade 12 Farewells The last year of high school has been the toughest, yet most memorable, of my school years.

Spending time with schoolmates, learning from awesome teachers and making great memories with my friends are great moments that I will always cherish. It feels weird knowing that we will not be seeing each other very often from now on when we usually see everyone at least five times a week, but I will always thank the Lord for all these great memories. [ Stacey Pramono ]

Grade 12 SPH International Lippo Cikarang

Grade 12 SPH International Sentul City

Thoughts on leaving SPH After spending thirteen years in SPH, I feel ecstatic to finally say good-bye to math, detentions and waking up at 5 am but above all I am deeply saddened. Leaving my friends, teachers, the SPH community and high school will be painful. I'll miss SPH but I am glad to able to leave with a smile and many valuable memories. [ Tashia Hendrawan ]

Grade 12 SPH International Lippo Village

Five years is not a long time when someone is actually enjoying what they are doing. For me this statement has a bittersweet meaning. Because soon, I will be leaving SPH and moving on to a brand new period of life. My experience as a student has had its ups and downs; though I mostly remember the hard times. Yet when I look back, those challenges are exactly the things that have shaped me the most. I have learned perseverance through character. Sure there have been times when I have been upset but I have to say that I have no regrets in coming to this school as I have been able to learn about God. I would like to say: Thank you very much, SPH, and may God continue to bless you all. [ Tara ]

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Same Life, Same Dreams

By Ratna Setyowati Putri, Junior School Curriculum Coordinator SPH International Lippo Cikarang

In the final year of the Primary Years Programme (PYP) of the International Baccalaureate Organization, students participate in a culminating project—the PYP exhibition. For this year’s PYP exhibition, the sixth grade students of SPH International Lippo Cikarang (SPHILC) collaborated with the students of Sanggar Anak Akar, an organization dedicated to educating street children of Jakarta who cannot afford a formal education. Sanggar Anak Akar uses the performing arts to educate the children and bring attention to their organization.

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TUDENTS from the two schools worked together to adapt Mark Twain’s classic story, The Prince and the Pauper, into a drama which they performed in Taman Ismail Marzuki on May 17th. Through this joint production the students of SPH International had the opportunity to demonstrate their learning in the PYP, raise money to help Sanggar Anak Akar, and make friends with people they would never otherwise meet.

Students from both schools benefited from interacting with children who come from a different social background. Like the characters in the play, the students learned that they all have talents, knowledge, hopes and dreams to share with each other. Most importantly, from this experience students exhibited empathy, caring, and collaboration—not only in theory, but in practice. This is the real action of being Saved to Serve.

The idea of this collaboration is to prove that whatever situations kids have to endure, we share the same dream, and that kids are all the same.

Kids from different situations explored their talents and expressed their thoughts and feelings about the things for which they have a passion. [ Kenny Go, SPHILC Grade 6 ]

I am so glad I can do drama with SPH students and can speak English. We practice together in SPH or Sanggar Akar. Even on Facebook or through e-mail we chat and share. When we come to SPH, sometimes I want them to teach me English more. [ Etta Daud Salech, Sanggar Anak Akar ]

Wow, I am so happy to be able to collaborate with SPH. Although in the beginning I am a little shy, but in the end I am fine. Well… at the same time I can learn English…. [ S. Agus, Sanggar Anak Akar ]

In my opinion, the story that we were reading is similar to our friendship with Sanggar Anak Akar.

We get to experience each other’s lives and we learn that we are all the same; we are all God’s children. [ Yarra Arnes, SPHILC Grade 6 ]

I am so glad I can collaborate with SPH students.

This is the first time for me to perform a drama in English, but though they speak a different language they also try to understand us. Hopefully this is a beginning of a friendship. In the rehearsals Sanggar and SPHILC students are serious. [ Lia, Sanggar Anak Akar ]

From this experience I really improved my ability to make friends with others. Someone told me that all humans are the same and God gives everyone talents; from this drama I am really able to see that. I thank God for this wonderful opportunity to see that everyone God has made is really amazing. [ Christoforus Regie Atmadja, SPHILC Grade 6 ]

I am glad I can be involved in this production because I can learn English at the same time. Hopefully this performance will be a success and the moral of this story can be useful for the audience. [ Kaminah, Sanggar Anak Akar ]