The Light 2012 Volume 24

True Knowledge | Faith in Christ | Godly Character

24th Edition/October/2012

contents Editorial Team PUBLISHER Yayasan Pendidikan Pelita Harapan ADVISOR Brian Cox MANAGING EDITOR Hana Herawati EDITORS Maureen Cox, Elizabeth Santosa, Nancy Indriyati GRAPHIC DESIGNER Iwan Werlin PHOTOGRAPHERS Hariyanto, Simon, Clifford, Dody, Melissa

24th Edition/October/2012 3 Welcome Home By Brian Cox

4 Welcome Home By Dan Fennell

5 Welcome Home By Geoff Westlake

7 Imagine a School, a Church, a Home By Lukas Limanjaya 9 Building a Christ-centered Community 10 SPH International Lippo Village Student Council 2012-2013 By Hartini Lestari 10 Creating Welcome Home at SPH International Lippo Cikarang By Lasmyr D. Edullantes 11 Kenya Trip 14 Our Graduating Students 2012 18 SPH International Lippo Village Alumni Reunion Class of 2006-2011 21 Summer Program 2012

Address 2500 Bulevar Palem Raya, Lippo Village Tangerang 15811, Banten Phone: (021) 546 0233-34, Fax: (021) 546 9663 www.sph.edu

24 SPH International Lippo Village New Parents Comments 25 SPH International Sentul City New Parents Comments 25 SPH International Kemang Village Grand Opening By David Michel 26 Students Opinions: SPH International Sentul City Student Residence

COVER

: Welcome Home

LOCATION

: SPH International Lippo Village

Parents Advisory Group 2012–2013 SPH International Lippo Village, 3 October 2012

Welcome Home Our schools’ theme for this year is “Welcome Home”. This arises from our relational context that we want to see our school communities as a “second home for children.”

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T would have been very easy for us to interpret this theme as simply providing a nice, warm, welcoming and safe place for our young people. A place where they spend most of their time Monday to Friday being nurtured, encouraged and loved. A place of warm security; where everyone is cooperative and friendly. This is not a bad goal, and I pray that students, families, teachers and administrative supporters will find our schools to be such a place. But the goal is too simplistic without a much larger context.

Maureen and I have lived and worked in three different continents and many different locations. Each of these places has been “home” to us. But each of them has been a second home. We can only experience the communities of which we have been a part as “second homes” because they are shadows of our ultimate home, which is living in the presence of the triune God. Knowing that we have an eternal destiny and home with God and His people, enables us to live now with that future reality as our security.

Each of our communities on earth are “second homes”. Our families, our churches, our workplaces, our schools are but shadows of what will be. We can anticipate the joy of untarnished “homeness” where perfect

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"Educating for Shalom" by Neil Plantinga Colossians 3:12–15

Shalom will be experienced as we live in the presence of the Father.

“In the Bible shalom means universal flourishing, wholeness, and delight—a rich state of affairs that inspires joyful wonder as its Creator and Savior opens doors and welcomes the creatures in whom He delights.”1 To live rightly in our second homes rights now requires us to understand the Trinitarian nature of God. The Trinity is a Divine community of persons living out their existence in complete deference to one another. The Shalom we see in the Trinity includes perfect love, righteousness, completeness, wholeness, health, welfare, safety, security, tranquility, prosperity, perfectness, fullness, rest, harmony, the absence of agitation or discord, and much more.

So what should our “second homes” look like? Since God has chosen us to be the holy people He loves, we are to clothe ourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Making allowance for each other’s faults, and forgiving anyone who offends us. We are to remember, that just as the Lord forgives us, so we must forgive others. We are to

Brian Cox

Coordinator of SPH International Schools

clothe ourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the shalom that comes from Christ rule in our hearts. For as members of one body we are called to live in shalom. And always be thankful.2 This is to be the hallmark of our “second homes.”

The wonderful news for us all is that Jesus left the shalom community of heaven, in order to bring us into shalom relationship with God, with one another and with all of creation. Christ is the fulfillment of all God’s shalom intentions for our world.

Our destiny is one home, one family, One Father. In the light of this great truth, we can be secured by this future promise, to live with joyful anticipation in our “second home” shalom communities right now.

Blessings, Brian Cox

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examples

By Dan Fennell

Biblical Foundations Coordinator SPH International Lippo Village

Welcome Home ‘There are two ways of getting home; and one of them is to stay there.’

— G.K. Chesterton, The Everlasting Man —

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T'S family that makes a house a home! Families are often complex and sometimes confusing yet we can’t escape being part of one. Parents can be difficult and demanding yet we wouldn’t be here without them! What comes to mind when you hear the word ‘home’? The Bible reveals that ‘home’ begins in the heart of God. God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit—is the first family! Christians believe that in the Trinity we see reality. In the Trinity we see the essence of all real relationships. The Father, the Son and the Spirit do three things which should be seen in all human relationships— they love, serve, and glorify one another unselfishly. Imagine a home where everyone loves each other unconditionally serves each other unselfishly and honors each other gracefully? That’s what God is like.

Human families derive their nature and their name from God (Ephesians 3:14–15). For this reason Christians call God ‘Father’ (Luke 11:2) and God calls Christians ‘family’ (1 Peter 4:17). We were created to belong—to our Creator Father and to each other. That’s what our first home was for. We were made in God’s image to live in his Garden as one family with one Father. That home was perfect. Everyone was at home. God joined Adam and Eve together in marriage to know the joy of loving and serving each other by loving and serving God. There were no barriers to separate them. Everything they experienced was very good. But after Adam and Eve sinned, home and family were damaged. We left home, full of shame and blaming everyone—including God!

The Bible also describes family dysfunction. Cain murders Abel. Jacob deceives Esau. Joseph is sold by his brothers.

David commits adultery! And then there was Jesus’ family!

Remember the scandal and gossip surrounding his birth.

Can you hear the Pharisees sniggering, ‘We have Abraham as our Father! We know who our Dad is. Who’s your father, Jesus?’ (John 8:18–19; 39–41) Jesus’ family once thought he was crazy (Mark 3:21). Jesus knows all about family! Do you despair that your family can never be repaired? There is hope!

Families are still a gift from God, even with their flaws and faults. Homes are to be places of honor. 'Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord you God is giving you.’ (Exodus 20:12) Homes can be places of hope. When we admit our brokenness and leave our sin God comes in and makes our house his home. ‘Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off.’ (Acts 2:38–39) God’s forgiveness offered in Jesus is the key to family. His forgiveness frees us to love and keep on loving. We can only be at home and build a home when we’re at home in God. This is our desire for every SPH International student. God's gospel invitation calls us to come home to Him, and stay there!

GEOFF WESTLAKE, from Perth, helped our schools to launch this year theme ...

Welcome Home

By Geoff Westlake

“Welcome,” means gladly received.

I’m on the plane flying home to my family where I know that I will be very gladly received. As I think back over the last ten days at Sekolah Pelita Harapan International, there has certainly been a lot of glad receiving!

FIRST, God’s Message for you was gladly received by Mr. Dan Fennell and I. God’s message for SPH International, that every single one of you are “Welcome Home". The more we have embraced this message, the more we have been embraced by it.

SECOND, I saw that you were prepared to gladly receive the Welcome Home message.

The banners, posters, T-shirts, the songs, the conversations all showed that you were ready to listen and work with it. What a privilege to sow seeds in such fertile soil.

THIRD, I watched your faces as so many of you did gladly receive the Message. It is good

news, isn’t it! It is wonderful to not be aimless like that random balloon, but to gladly receive such a heavenly direction. Remember the balloon on the string: 1. Our Heavenly Home gladly receives us, through Christ’s cross, resurrection and His Spirit in us.

2. Our Family Homes give us a taste of what that heavenly love, joy, comfort, and peace, will be like, and help us set our lives towards our Heavenly Home.

3. Our Second Homes (SPH International school, church, the people of God) help reinforce that heavenly direction.

4. The Holy Spirit makes His home in our hearts, that we might know the first-fruits of His love, joy, comfort and peace, here and now.

5. He is the Spirit of Christ, who left His Heavenly Home to come and make his home among and within us, promising, “I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

6. Junior students, celebrate those heavenly qualities in your family homes.

7. Senior students, choose that heavenly life for yourselves: get good info, use good processes, follow your good values, receive the Spirit of truth, and know you are safe and secure in Christ to make that choice. “Be there!”

8. Staff and parents, create heavenly kinds of homes, with your families, and colleagues. Know it, promote it (in Spirit word and deed), shape your input, use systems that help us when we fail, put your hope in Jesus, be led by his Spirit, and love—love them lots!

9. And all of us need to be carried at home sometimes. Perhaps we are frail, or

injured or sick or heart-broken, and we simply need home to hold us. That takes grace and trust.

10. Likewise we ultimately must trust Jesus to carry us to our Heavenly Home, so let’s commit ourselves to him—now and forever.

Some may not yet feel at home with this Message. This may be because of your family, or maybe you feel pressured into it, or away from it. Please know that God, although He is the Supreme Being of the universe, the King of the Kingdom, is also patient and gentle with us, and waits for your choice, for you to welcome Him. As the song says, “Softly and tenderly, Jesus is calling ... calling “Oh sinner come home.” He gladly receives you: why not gladly receive Him? When we gladly receive each other, when the welcome is welcomed, that’s when home becomes mutually blessing. Yes, in this way, we get to bless God! FOURTH, I trust that the Message planted in the good soil of your hearts will be watered at SPH International. I expect you will check the Message, examine my sources, and discover how I know all that I have said. I hope you compare being home with being alienated from God, apart, alone, the opposite of heaven ... I trust you will cultivate the fruit of Welcome Homes so that many others will experience God’s Welcome Home,

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examples

through you living in the abundance of God’s home within you. As this year continues, may you feel increasingly embraced by that sense of God gladly receiving you, through Christ.

Is it strange to think of God as glad? – “Surely the Supreme Being, with so many infinite and eternal matters on His mind, must be so serious and stoic.” Yet the Bible makes it clear that God rejoices, God feels pleasure, God delights—and mostly he delights in us, His children, when we come home! Believe me, I know something of that delight when I simply think of my four kids. I am absolutely crazy about them! Having been both a child and a parent, I can safely say that a good parent’s love is much greater than the kids can yet imagine! So then, how great must be the Heavenly Father’s love for us! And how unimaginably gladly He must receive us home!

FIFTH, tonight I will arrive home and be very gladly received by my family! I look forward to that welcome home prepared for me. Ah yes—I belong here, where I am loved just for being me, regardless of my performance! I

don’t have to do anything in order for them to love me—we are just loved. It’s safe, it’s real, it’s home.

That’s how God loves us: whole-heartedly, regardless of our performance. Through Christ’s cross making us right with God, He gladly receives us to a welcome home He has prepared for us forever. Yes, Heaven will be more amazing than Scrat’s acorn, an Australian football highlight, or anything else we can imagine! So for now let’s live in the light of that Welcome Home to come.

Even though we are not yet home and there is still much sin and suffering, he knows and cares and is with us always. He believes in us, and what we can do when we gladly receive each other. So welcome home to God, put your confidence in Him, and stop doubting yourself.

FINALLY, I felt like all of you gladly received me too—the whole SPH International community of staff, students, parents, founders and friends—everyone at Karawaci, Kemang, Sentul and Cikarang. The families who hosted me for meals, the hotel staff,

drivers, security guards, everywhere I went I felt welcomed. I am taking home some wonderful memories of smiles, beauty and very great generosity. For that, a huge terima kasih to you all! I look forward to returning one day.

Geoff Westlake www.geoffwestlake.com

examples

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Imagine a School, a Church, a Home

By Lukas Limanjaya

courageously breaking the wall to welcome the hurting, the lost and the rejected into the local churches. Moreover, places that are not traditionally considered as “church” are forged

by God the Father, through the Son, by the power of the Holy Spirit into spiritual homes for those He claimed as His own. One of these places I believe is in Christian schools, ours included.

Grade 11–12 Senior School Chapel

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved (Acts 2:42–47).

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HAT a wonderful picture of a community Acts 2 portrays. After all, this is where miraculous, awesome, wonderful things happened regularly; where selflessness and service were the characteristics exhibited, not only by a few but all; and where loneliness and rejection disappeared. However, what is even more amazing for a believer is that Acts 2 is not just simply an historical record. According to Romans 8:16, for all Christians in the past, present and future, The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of

God. Acts 2 is actually our spiritual family legacy. It is our family chronicle of what happened when our great spiritual ancestors came together to obey the Father and act like a family that they are. Imagine if churches nowadays acted like the early church.

Dare we to imagine SPH International as a church? Let us consider this for a second. Can we actually equate a Christian school with a church? I believe so. What is a church anyway if not the Body of Christ. Our school then, by its makeup is a form of a church. Are not the staff, teachers and students Christians in their various stages of spiritual maturity? Do we not hold worship sessions? Do we not have morning devotions and biblical studies? Do we not come to meet every day? So is not the church being manifested in this school every day?

Sadly, for the most part churches have not been obedient. Instead of welcoming the prostitutes, the tax collectors and the drunkards and loving them like the apostles taught and Jesus did, we shun them. We treat them like infectious lepers, foolishly thinking that if we isolate ourselves enough in our Christian ‘bubble’ then we’ll be safe from being tainted by sin. We have forgotten that we are all infected and sometimes the virus strain in the bubble is a lot more deadly than the one out of the bubble. Remember what Jesus said about the Pharisees and how he hated them? We suffer the same sickness.

Fortunately our Father is not absent but loving. By His grace the Holy Spirit has been working in people’s hearts to restore His family and home. He opened the arms of His people to embrace the ‘sick’ of the world as he did when he walked the earth. Even as some tried to bar the door, others are boldly and

(LUKAS LIMANJAYA was a student at SPH International Lippo Village. He has now returned to become a Student Counselor. He reflects on homes and second homes)

Lukas Limanjaya

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examples

NEW PARENT ORIENTATION SPH International Lippo Village, 20 July 2012

However, will we be the ones who extend our love to the broken, troubled, and difficult or will we be the ones that judge and reject them? For teachers and staff it will often mean going beyond our job description.

When a student is hurting we are to be the extension of Christ’s healing hand and that involves emotional and spiritual investment.

These kinds of investments are always the most dangerous ones as it means we are to feel and experience the hurt our students are suffering. This means who we are inside and outside of the class room matters. We are no longer regarded by students only as their teachers but also as their spiritual models. The standards that they have for us are higher. We can no longer say what we do outside is our business and ours alone. We cannot be a stumbling block for our students but following the pattern of Paul with Timothy, we become faithful spiritual parents to our students.

Students are members of this spiritual family.

Just as even the smallest parts of a body need to function and serve the other parts lest all need to serve. I am saying this particularly to the senior schools students that you cannot simply be consumers, taking and demanding much but giving little. Instead, renew your mind and find joy in pleasing your Heavenly Father. Do your best in everything not so you can gain fame but so that God can be glorified. Befriend the weird, the odd, and the rejects that eat by themselves in that

unpopular corner of the school canteen.

This means you stop using your seniority to oppress the younger students but use it to point them to our Father. Be selfless. Be servants. Be Christ.

family experience awesome transformation, where selflessness abounds, where love is the operating force in the hallways and classrooms and rejection ceases to exist?

Even if we want it can we ever achieve it?

Parents, compared to teachers, staff, or students you may not feel connected since you are not often physically in school.

However, you are a part of the community, this church, this spiritual family. Contribute more than your money but also your time, effort, and expertise. Remember that you are to support, encourage and love other students as they are part of your spiritual family as well. Remember that in this spiritual family there is a Father who supersedes your authority, dreams and ambitions for your children. Be assured in the truth that He loves your children more than you can ever imagine. Sometimes the greatest contribution you can make to your family is to allow our Father to take over the reign.

I believe by faith we can as we rely on the One who is able. He will supply all we need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19). He is our Shepherd and we shall not want (Psalm 23:1). We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us (Philippians 4:13). So let us be bold in our imagination; radical in our Christianity. Let us confidently announce it to the world, “To the broken, the hurting, the fatherless, the motherless, the naïve, the unloved, the abandoned, the rejects, the lost, the black sheep, the overachievers, the underachievers, the Gothic emo’s, the daddy’s little princesses, the momma’s boys, the trouble makers, the Otaku, the addicts, the immature, the athletes, the intellectuals, the clueless, the rebels, the teacher’s pets, the detention regulars, to all: that in this school, this church, this house, you will be loved.”

When we look at what is required of each of us to build a spiritual family we might get discouraged. Dare we imagine pursuing such a Christian school? Where students and their

Welcome home.

examples

Students should also contribute to making our schools a second home.

Our Student Councils have plans ...

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SPH International Sentul City Student Council 2012-2013

Building a Christ-centered Community

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HE Student Council plans to carry on the work of our previous council.

According to Misya, last year’s President, the focus of the council was “on building the community. In our activities, we tried to have everyone involved and by the end of the year I’m sure our community grew closer together.

By building this togetherness, we established a more welcoming place for everyone.”

our school more Christ centered, where people will be more valued as individuals and feel comfortable. This year’s Student Council would like to continue the concept of building community, which the previous Student Council did well. We want to continue the concept as a continued goal and we hope in the future it can change the atmosphere of this community.”

With this year’s school theme of “Welcome Home,” our new Student Council desires to continue in the same direction. Our new President, Aaron Sutarto, put it this way: “The new Student Council plans to make

Developing Christ centered community is not easy. We know we cannot do it in our own strength, and so we will build our Student Council, and everything it does, from God down.

Photos: Leadership Camp for Student Council

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examples

SPH International Lippo Village Student Council 2012-2013 “Welcome Home” in our school context means two things to me.

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IME-wise, SPH International is quite literally a home for us, as we spend 40–50 of our waking hours at school each week. It’s not only a place to learn, but also place to interact, build relationships, find solace, and support one another—quite like our real homes. Each student has the right to feel these things, and having it as our theme is a much-appreciated reminder of the direction in which the school should be going. Second of all, “Welcome Home” emphasizes on how members of the community should be helping each other in terms of their spiritual walk. SPH International should also be a place where the members support and guide each other in their faith, so that when the time comes, we will be able and ready to embrace the Lord, and return Home.

The school themes in the past few years have generally been quite poetic—Shine like Stars, Saved to Serve, Passion for Compassion, and so on and so forth. Although they did make their point very well, the value of a simple theme such as “Welcome Home” should not

be overlooked. What this year’s theme lacks in artistic appeal, it gains in personal value for the individuals in the community. It’s a theme that holds a meaning that is easily applicable in the everyday lives of each member in the SPH International community. It’s a strong and direct reminder of the atmosphere we’re aiming to build at school, and of how each and every member should act towards one another.

Student Council can help facilitate “Welcome Home” by making sure that each and every student feels appreciated and comfortable in the school community, whether it be through events and activities, or through personal interactions. The Student Council should work towards a more unified, empathetic,

and understanding school community. It should also be a place where students can share their mistakes and receive loving help and support, without fearing rejection or judgment.

We have to work towards making this “home” a place where the members actually look forward to returning to, and to make them see it not just as a purely academic institution, but also as a place where they can seek help in any aspect of their lives, whether it be in terms of internal struggles, relationships in school, relationships at home, or their walk with Christ.

Hartini Lestari SPH International Lippo Village Student Council 2012-2013

Creating Welcome Home at SPH International Lippo Cikarang

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HAT is most important in a home?

A family is an integral part of any home. In fact, it can be argued that family is home. Family does not have to be limited to blood relations. A group of people who love each other and are comfortable with each other constitutes a family. So, in accordance with our school theme “Welcome Home”, we need to make our second home, SPH International Lippo Cikarang, a family.

between students and teachers, we are working with the teaching staff to create ways wherein students can be given more responsibility and choice while still abiding within the school rules. By being polite and respectful and encouraging the same from other students, the Student Council hopes to build better understanding between the older and younger grades in the Senior School.

At our school, each grade level seems to have a sense of being a family already. As Student Council leaders, we will strive to unite the classes in Senior School through combined activities that will help the students get to know each other better. To build trust

What are we trying to achieve with this effort to build family in school? Through experiencing the kind of home SPH International Lippo Cikarang promotes we are able to see a glimpse of our true home, heaven with God.

By Lasmyr Diwa Edullantes Student Council President SPH International Lippo Cikarang Grade 12

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ECENTLY, several SPH International students (along with a teacher, Principal, and a couple of parents) made an adventurous trip to Kenya. While there, they visited a variety of Second Homes. In Kenya, more than two million children have lost their First Home through abandonment, imprisonment of parents, or death of parents. And so for these children, orphanages are filling the gap.

Some of the orphanages specialized in abandoned babies who test HIV-positive. Another orphanage specialized in caring for children whose mothers are in prison and then working with them to reunite the family when the mothers are released. All of the orphanages visited were run by Christian organizations that “specialize� in sharing Jesus’ love. It was humbling and encouraging for the group to be a part of that, if even for just a short period of time.

Another notable Home this group visited was unlike any other home they had ever seen. This home was made of cow dung and mud. This home was inside a volcanic crater. This home was surrounded by thorn bushes to keep lions and hyenas from killing the goats or cows at night.

This was a real-deal Masai home and spending the night sleeping there was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Another trip highlight was a visit to the world famous Masai Mara Game Reserve to witness the wildebeest migration and the beauty of the Great Rift Valley. And finally, a trip into the Kibera Slums to visit a tiny Christian school in the midst of that slum was also an eye-opening experience. It was amazing to see that even there in Kibera, God is providing a Second Home for many.

Orphanages, Masai culture, animals, slums, and amazing and beautiful people everywhere! It was the trip of a lifetime!

SPH International Lippo Village

Senior School Athletics Day ( 28 September 2012)

University Admission Fair ( 3 October 2012)

Children of The King Day ( 14 September 2012)

Kindy Swimming ( 3 September 2012)

Grade 1 Field Trip to KidZania ( 9 August 2012)

SPH International Sentul City

Welcoming New Sudents and Parents ( 20 July 2012)

Summer Program ( 25 June–6 July 2012)

Junior School Flag Ceremony ( 27 August 2012)

SPH International Kemang Village

Art Festival ( 16 May 2012)

Living Wax Museum by Grade 5 ( 5–10 May 2012)

Independence Day Celebration ( 30 August 2012)

SPH International Lippo Cikarang

Meet and Greet First Day of School 2012-2013 ( 24 July 2012)

Special Guest: Bay Forrest – a former NBA professional player ( 10 August 2012)

Parents Morning Tea ( 31 August 2012)

In House Retreat ( 20 July 2012)

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alumni

Each year we invite alumni to return to SPH International for a reunion. This year our special quests were graduates from 2006–2011.

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was that student who sat in the back of the classroom ignoring every Gospelcentered devotion the teachers faithfully conducted every morning. I was numb to the Gospel and a practical atheist despite being active in the school worship team. I was living life without a purpose and I disdained any attempt the teachers made to communicate truth to me. I saw Christianity as self-righteous legalism and hypocrisy. To me it seemed to be another vain attempt to reach a God too perfect for sinners—another man made religion, though perhaps riddled with mistaken good intentions. Or perhaps, it was a delusion, and a projection of man's wish to escape from the meaninglessness that is the inevitable conclusion of atheism. Yet they were faithful. And when God did his miraculous work in changing my heart, causing me to see that He is the sure foundation out of which all life is possible, I could only come to a fond remembrance of those who challenged

me despite my hardness of heart. They were the ones who cared enough, and they have shaped the way I've become today.

I can say that one man, in particular, was used by God to impact me more than any other person.

Were it not for the Sovereign Providence of God which caused Mr. Brian Cox and me to start a deep friendship, I can honestly say I would not be the person I am today. Though not unaffected by friction and some occasional disagreements, our relationship has been the instrument through which God has taught me humility, grace and true fellowship. Through this friendship God also caused me to see the deepest depths of my sin, and therefore the amazing nature of God's renewing grace. Thus I encourage, and will continue to encourage, all teachers everywhere to mentor, disciple and befriend their students. I spent many hours in Mr. Brian's office, and I still do every time I come back. The students might be resistant at first (as I was!), but God is faithful and sovereign. No hard heart is out of his reach, and even the first step of wanting to talk to another Christian is a sure sign of the work of God. No person, out of his own free will, will ever choose God or even desire God. I remain convinced that God has called me to the serious study of his Word and his World for

His glory, and thus I am continuing my studies in Westminster Theological Seminary starting this January. My passion is to see the first-fruits of the Kingdom of God being manifest in the lives of other Christians as we do all things to the glory of God (1 Cor. 10:31), and to hold every thought captive to the Lordship of Christ (2 Cor. 10:5). We have been called by God to become the agents of redemption and reconciliation, to reconcile all things back to Christ. All areas of human life must be subsumed under His Lordship. I pray that Indonesia, our home, will also joyfully submit under this vision. Divorce any aspect of human life from Christ as its foundation and it loses its meaning and purpose entirely as all things hold in Him and find their significance in Him. If life is a mere eighty years of getting by, toiling just to put food on the table and to make a few finite humans happy then we are aiming too low. God has created us and saved us for a purpose. Let us not neglect the high call and joyfully obey the purpose of our existence! This is why I love this year's school theme of calling Christian's back home. Do not labor for the food that perishes. Labor for the home that lasts in eternity. Work for that which lasts, and trust in the God who continually sustains your every breath.

Nathaniel Gray Sutanto

SPH International Lippo Village Alumni – Graduated in 2009

alumni

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ERE are some of the most important moments in my high school career: The first one was my high school retreat.

I was lucky enough to room with two of my best friends in the world, one of whom had recently become a Christian and the other one was Muslim. It made me stronger in my walk with God to be able to speak with them and hear their experiences; experiences I've never had because I've been a Christian all my life.

I don't think there were groundbreaking conversions in our retreat, but lots of difficult questions were asked, and a many people became brave enough to ask those questions.

The second one was Orpheus—I can't believe a class of BI A1 HL misfits was able to pull off writing a play, producing, directing and performing it. I think back and look at our show recording and realize that it was pretty bad.

But nevertheless, the story of Orpheus, which was initially titled Bunga-Bunga di Halaman, was about youth and the fear of losing youth.

Seeing the spirit of my class, how much they had in them to produce a one-act play made me realize that I never have to grow old, and never will. Also, they gave me the strength to pursue what I really wanted but never dared to do.

When Ibu Mona passed away—I was able to visit her at RSCM before she died. Seeing her

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ELCOME Home! SPH was more than just a place to study; it was the place that built the foundation for the life that I live today. It is the place where I found good friends, teachers and staff who were passionate about what they do; a place where I learned how to lead, serve God, serve my community, exercise and the place where I found my vision. SPH has truly been a second home to me. Literally, I would be in SPH for almost eleven hours every day. Even on Saturdays I would spend my day playing basketball there.

Visiting SPH reminds me that God was very gracious by putting me in that community.

SPH was the first English school that I entered and it is the first formal English study for me.

So, it was a struggle for me in the beginning, even the entrance test. What’s really special about SPH is that the teachers really care. They knew my limitations and yet they never looked

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on the hospital bed, having difficulty even breathing—I couldn't say anything when I saw her because I knew that if I had opened my mouth I would’ve started crying, which wouldn't make any sense because Ibu Mona's mother was there and even she was able to muster the strength to smile. I can't believe even Ibu Mona herself was able to come to class everyday and act like everything was alright.

Her spirit and strength are two of the many things SPH International teachers taught me.

Last but not least is achieving a top score of seven in Math SL for Pak Edward. Being able to work hard and do that, despite personally being really bad at Math and usually scoring 4s and 5s in extended Math, was a great achievement for me. All he ever wanted was for his students to give their best. Being able to give him that is one of the best things I've ever done in my life.

After those four highlights, it gets really difficult, because every single day defined us in some ways. Leaving high school, I was a very different person. I trusted people a lot less, I was more reserved, I focused on what I wanted to achieve in college and rarely went out of my way to explore anything else. There's a part of me that I lost when I left. However, with my newfound determination and with God, life has taken me to many places.

down on me. They continued to support me and helped me to succeed in my studies. They served with passion. They taught me how to be passionate about what I do, to love my nation and be the agent of change for this nation.

I learned how to serve God in SPH. I learned to step forward when no one else wanted to. I learned to serve with heart. SPH teaches us to minister to others. I participated in the chapel’s worship team, Habitat for Humanity, building a basketball court for kids and many others.

SPH taught me to look beyond myself; that life is bigger than just me.

I started my leadership experience in SPH. Leading the Student Council, I learned the hardship of being a leader. I learned a very important lesson about leadership from Mr. Brian Cox. He said, “Leaders are not people pleasers.” This message has been a very

Elisabeth When we were still students, we joked that the SPH International is answer to life is “glorifying God”; that answer is so abstract, so intangible!

But I now realize what it means; it means waking up and asking God what you can do to glorify Him today, it means dedicating every part of your life to Him. Elisabeth Ho

SPH International Lippo Village Alumni – Graduated in 2011

powerful message to me. I learned that being a leader can be lonely sometimes and yet we must continue to do what we believe to be the right thing.

My leadership experience really gave me the foundation for university and even the work that I do today.

SPH will always be a second home to me and I hope that all of the students can experience the many wonderful things that I have experienced, be transformed and become a blessing to Indonesia.

Willy Rasilim

SPH International Lippo Village Alumni – Graduated in 2006

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alumni

Andrew

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know that each year of my life in SPH International was defined by people, mainly, the teachers who I knew and respected. I know also that SPH International shaped my worldview. The impact of such a thing can only be truly understood in retrospect once some of the many hurdles and challenges of life are experienced.

Three significant things this Christ-centered

community taught me: to love my nation, to be zealous for the kingdom, and to have a passion for compassion.

to be like Christ rather than to fulfill the criteria of a ‘servant leader’; to be humbled rather than to retain a humble image before people.

My earliest days in senior school were marked by powerful impressions placed upon me by my seniors. Student leaders unashamedly encouraged us, the next generation, to love our nation as it is where God has placed us to work and to be a blessing. They not only encouraged us, but also exemplified such virtues in conjunction with the staff and faculty of the SPH International community. As I progressed through senior school, I saw how the staff and students were the hands and feet of Christ. My paradigm of what it meant to love the nation also developed.

Such precepts and wisdom have proven immensely valuable when put in a relational context.

By the time IB was looming, my love for the nation was still being kindled by the SPH International community. However, a higher purpose lay before me. No longer was I a citizen of Indonesia come global citizen; I was a citizen of the kingdom of heaven. As relevant and impactful as a love for the nation may be, it pales in comparison to the calling to be an ambassador of Christ for His kingdom.

This higher purpose confronted me to be transnational rather than simply international;

The final and overarching significant thing that I cherish from my time at SPH International is the passion for compassion. Compassion is not merely works, but the result of a humbled life.

Compassion is not about programs, it is about people. Compassion is not focused on results, it is focused on prayer. Compassion is nothing in and of itself. To have compassion and to be compassionate is the very command of the Lord. And the Lord is compassion incarnate.

On reflection I can see the cohesive threads that have woven their way through my life.

SPH International has been valuable in my life because it was used by the master weaver as a connecting thread in my understanding of what is true and developing my personal relationship with Him. Andrew Darmawan SPH International Lippo Village Alumni – Graduated in 2010

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Each year in June and July we welcome university students from overseas. They take part in cultural experiences and spend some time teaching in our vacation school.

Reflection by Tanya Woodward - Summer Program 2012 Instructor

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discovered that Indonesia is a lot like the batik cloth it’s famous for—surprising, beautiful, familiar and unfamiliar. At my college, we talk a lot about places where heaven meets earth, where humanity and the Divine intersect—and creating those worshipful places for people to experience God. One distinct memory of our experience was the service-learning trip to the Lentera schools in Lampung. These places were where we saw God working in indescribably beautiful ways, and experienced His simple blessings.

Tanya Woodward

Our team broke off into pairs to visit the different schools. One summer program teacher told me of how relations between different religious groups were tense and sometimes violent until the SLH school was established in that community. Through interactions with the teachers, and their extension of gracious Christianity to the school—the violence and tension is getting better. That’s God’s Spirit working—beautiful encounters with the Divine.

I was by simply being in that woman and her family’s presence. Her whole world was falling apart—losing her job, facing the possibility of leaving their community to find work while taking care of her children and very sick husband—yet, she invited us in. She didn’t have anything left to give, least of all the energy to entertain visitors who didn’t speak her language but she gave something infinitely more precious. She gave us the gift of her time. And her simple gift made room for us to encounter a faithful God, and his gracious presence in the midst of circumstances which seem more than we can bear. But this wasn’t the only instance we experienced the gracious gift of time and hospitality. Teachers, students, and staff invited us into their country and homes, to dinners and into their stories. I wasn’t surprised to encounter these gifts (I had heard rumors Indonesian hospitality), but what I was surprised to find was how much we felt blessed “abundantly and overflowing” by them. I was surprised to encounter the Divine when I least expected it to happen.

I’ll never forget my own encounter with the Divine. The Lentera teachers were giving us a tour of the village, and taking us to visit some of the homes of the students. We came by a home of a woman who had recently lost her job. I have never felt as blessed as

So, thank you SPH International community for giving the summer program teachers and I the gift of your hospitality and the gift of your time. This summer has been an experience that continues to linger in our thoughts.

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special report The biggest lesson that I learned from our month in Indonesia was that God is very much a part of and working through the SPH schools. It was so encouraging to hear, see, and be involved in the SPH vision of true knowledge, faith in Christ, and Godly character.Bandung is beautiful! And the weather was a great break from the humidity and heat. We all felt blessed to be given the opportunity and that we were taken care of so well, not only in Bandung, but through our entire stay. [ Jake Johnson ] Thank you so much for all your hospitality, loving hearts, and sharing Christ with us. This summer program blew away all my expectations and thoughts. The teaching experience was great. I honestly say that this trip was a blessing and life-changing. Thank you for letting me be a part of this program. [ Christina Johnson ]

What an incredible month in Indonesia. After years of living here, I thought this time around would be ‘old hat’, but lo and behold it was significantly different. I learned much more about myself, others, and the Indonesian culture than I anticipated. I am so very thankful to the Yayasan for providing such a unique experience for us all. [ Kendal Metcalfe ]

I have really enjoyed the service learning, traveling, and teaching summer school at SPH. The time I have spent in Indonesia has been the first overseas cultural experience that I have had and I have learned so much about myself, my own culture, the culture of Indonesia and of teaching. For me, the highlight of the trip was the two weeks spent teaching at SPH Kemang Village. I enjoyed building relationships with students, with those who also taught, and being challenged to teaching a place I never imagined being in, teaching middle school-aged students that I never thought I would teach. [ Nona Nelson ]

Teaching in the Lentera schools taught me to trust God + rely on his strength; our time in Kemang taught me about hospitality in ways I never imagined. Summer Program taught and refined me in my love for teenagers and their walks with the Lord. This experience was a gift and a picture of grace. Thank you for all you have so freely given to us, I pray for the opportunities to share this same gracious love with others around the world. [ Anna Harisson ]

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SPH has taught me what it is to be a teacher with a strong vision and a heart for Christ. The people have opened their hearts and hands to us and served us beyond expectation. It was a great experience at both SPH and SLH. Thank you! [ Rachel Porter ]

This experience has further kindled my passion for other cultures and the possibility of living overseas. I am in love with this place and the people and you have done an excellent job of providing a fantastic few weeks in which I have seen, done, and grown so much as a person, a teacher, and a servant of God. Thank you for everything! [ Caroline Koekkoek ]

I was quickly overwhelmed by the hospitality and graciousness shown by the people here, and by the beauty of the country. God’s presence and glory was so clear to me as I experienced different aspects of Indonesia. This place has made a great impact on my heart and I am so excited to see where God’s calling leads me. I give all the thanks and glory to Him for providing this incredible opportunity to grow and be so blessed by the experience and knowledge gained here. [ Emily McKeon ]

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special report

New Parents Comments

SPH International Lippo Village

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am Arief M Soegiharto, father of Cash S Soegiharto (K1). The initial adjustment of our third child, Cash, in his new environment at SPH International Lippo Village was filled with tears. However, as days passed I believe he got to enjoy the school environment with his new friends. His settling into school was also supported by his teachers who are patient, understanding of children’s characters, and able to teach with a Christian foundation. My wife and I believe that knowledge, character and faith that grow together will result in a positive future for our children.

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HE first day of school was a big day for our family, as our three children were starting as new students at SPH International Lippo Village. Michelle was a new student in Grade 4, and Maxwell and Dustin were starting in Grade 1.

ARIEF SOEGIHARTO Father of Cash (K1)

We were happy to be able to come to school for the Orientation Day and Welcoming BBQ before school started, although the children did not really get to know many other children then. It would be great if there were some activities amongst children so they could start making new friends at this event.

I was relieved that the children were able to make friends easily on the first day. The children also decided to join sports and music activities at SPH International and this has helped them settle into school.

Thank God the children are now happily a part of SPH International. They are very happy to be able to run around and play in the playground during break and lunch time.

As a parent I am also very happy with SPH International. The teachers are very welcoming and willing to listen.

FANNY KOSASI Mother of Michelle (4A), Maxwell (1A) and Dustin (1C)

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VER since my son Jens moved to SPH International Lippo Village in Grade 1, I have felt happy because he also seems very happy. Before my son moved to SPH International, I visited the school several times during Open-Houses. This school was really my dream school for my son because of the great facilities and the green environment. Jens has been enjoying this school and he has made some great friends in these first few months. I think that SPH International will have a very positive impact in my son's life. I hope that SPH International will continue being a second home for my son.

HUINA HADI Mother of Jens (Grade 1)

New Parents Comments

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SPH International Sentul City

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appreciated this school so much including the orientation day. This year I sent my youngest one to K3. I believe this school would be an excellent place for my sons to learn. I found that all of my children love this school so much that every morning they always eager to come to school. I trust that this school would always be the second home for my children.

Henny Mulyono Mother of Christian Owen Irawan (K3), Adrian Francis Irawan (Grade 4) and Corneille Sebastian Irawan (Grade 8)

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HE new student orientation day was really helpful since as parent I could meet all teachers, especially to know my children’s classroom teachers. I valued that time because I could sit together with my children and let them know the school that I trust would give good quality education to my children. Parents were also informed of the curriculum and how the lessons and activities are conducted.

Arjany Njoman Mother of Oliva Shreya Negi (K2) and Jaiden Satya Negi (Grade 1)

SPH International Kemang Village

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Grand Opening

T was an exciting day on 12 September when we celebrated the Grand Opening of SPH International Kemang Village. I would like to personally thank the students, parents, teachers and staff who first began the journey as pioneers over two years ago. It was this special group of people who put their trust in God as we worked in a facility that was incomplete, yet they were patient and understanding as we developed the school program and its surroundings. The Grand Opening marked the completion of the school's exceptional facilites and its growth in student population to over 425 students. We thank God for His provisions throughout this process.

Blessings, David Michel

Students Opinions

SPH International Sentul City Student Residence SPH International Sentul City offers new state of the art supervised apartments for students who want to live on the school site. Students will be accommodated in twin share modern rooms with interconnected bathroom facilities. The Apartments building has a large welcome foyer with lounge areas. There are study rooms and kitchens; a large meeting area; recreational facilities and structured programs. This facility has been newly developed to provide a second home for your children.

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OME students at the Sentul Campus live in the Sentul Apartments.

We have recently significantly upgraded apartments to be more like "second home" ...

I thought residence like would be tough and boring. I soon realized how wrong I was.

Residence now feels like my home because there are friendly supervisors, kind friends and the facilities provided make me feel like I’m actually home. After the renovation, it became neat and comfortable.

There is a program called “Care Committee” for each grade at the residence and I was chosen to be the leader for grade 11. So far, I believe the SPH International Student Residence has made us feel comfortable and with its programs, I have learned to care for others. [ Richie Winardy – Grade 11 ]

This is my second year staying in the residence. It is very fun to stay in the residence because I feel like a part of a family in this place. We always help each other, forgive each other and solve our problems together. We also have fun together.

The new residence has great facilities including new bathrooms and better bedrooms. I always have such good time since I first stayed in the residence. I want to thank my supervisor who helps me and supervises me whenever I have problems with my grade. They always remind me about my homework. We really have a lot of fun together. Thank you, PHH house. [ Darrel Kartadinata – Grade 10 ]

Since staying in the residence, I have made so many friends. This residence is really good, it has excellent facilities, but the residence students need something important for the study like more printers. They also need something for refresh their minds like TV. (Already installed, Raimundus) [ Raimundus Hardy Utama – Grade 8 ] When I was searching for high schools, my mom suggested that I should move to SPH International Sentul City which is so far away from home. She told me that I would need to stay at the residence. Even when I would be home on weekends, thinking of staying away from parents for the rest of the weekdays scared me. I was worried by how I would survive living in the residence. But once I actually lived there, the residence friends and supervisors warmly welcomed me. Living in the residence gives me courage and also helps me to become independent. I finally realized that the residence has trained me to grow in a good way. [ Angela Mayrina – Grade 12 ]

I’m glad to move back here after 6 months of PHH’s renovation and amazed to see the huge improvements that the school has made. I think that it’s a perfect place to stay-especially for those who came from other provinces and I would thank to everyone who has participated in renovating our (PHH students) second home. [ Bennita Listiyani Ciu – Grade 12 ] The new residence feels like one big family.

It’s more interesting to live in the residence because you meet more people. I have learned how to get along with lots of different people and to be an independent person. I like everything about the residence, there are a lot of activities to keep me active and fit and there is always someone to help me study. [ Genesia Lemuel Ginting – Grade 7 ] The new school year with a new residence is a wonderful gift for residence students.

Moreover, new friends with a various ranges of age and hometowns have been coming into the residence. Our second home is more exciting with the laughter of students who play and learn together after school.

In addition, I also can share my stories to my friends who really care for me. The closeness between boarding students, creates a family atmosphere which make us feel like we’re home. In here, I learn many things from the word “share”. A simple word that has impacted me greatly. [ Clarisa Dhany Reynata – Grade 11 ]

So, this is my second year in the residence.

I was a new student last year. Living in the residence was a bit unusual for me, because I don't have siblings. But here, I feel like I have many siblings. Although we have different characters but we are trying to know one another. Now, I try to do my homework without any one reminding me. I enjoy living here. [ Amanda Dyah Pitaloka – Grade 10 ] This is my fifth year living in the residence. I witnessed many changes in my friends and the residence itself. In return, I have earned many valuable memories and experiences from friends and supervisors that helped me to grow. Here comes another year with new friends from various places and ages. We support each other in studies and in life. [ Nina Haryanto Oey – Grade 11 ] This is my second year in PHH, through this past year I have learned many things. I learn to appreciate other people especially my roommates because all people have different characters. I had more privacy after the residence was renovated, simply because one bed room is only designed for two persons now. Also this makes me feel more comfortable and I am not homesick anymore. [ Valencia Bestina Waisman – Grade 11 ]

We have lots of amenities such as swimming pool, basketball court, tennis courts and wi-fi connection. Staying in this apartment is very comfortable. Thank you Pelita Harapan House. I love you PHH. [ Balqis Tiara Jove – Grade 7 ] My residence family is a blend of younger/ pre-teen students to older 12 grade students.

This blend has created a caring and fun family atmosphere. The residence parents are committed to nurturing and meeting the daily needs of the residence students. So I can go to my classes safely and quickly.

The new residence is such a great place for us together and to be one big family. The place is cozy, comfortable and it feels like we’re living in our real home with our real family.

What I’ve learnt from living in a residence, I could respect other people’s attitudes and personalities. [ Najla Latifa Sekartaji – Grade 10 ]

The residence life is secure, the staff are committed to the students and their support has improved the quality of our residence life. They provide us with many challenges.

As a residence student, one of the benefits of living on the campus is the fact that it takes less than 10 minutes to walk to my classes.

One of the great things I like most about living in the residence is the fact that you can never get bored because I have my good friends living close to me. And since they live next door to me, I can count on them to support and encourage me. [ Keri Liza Rosejasmin – Grade 10 ]

I come from South Sumatra—Palembang.

I am happy because finally I can live in the luxurious new residence, complete with air conditioner, toilet and a very comfortable bed, unlike the old residence, where I usually slept

in a bunk-bed and poor air conditioner. To live in a residence teaches us to be independent, to learn how to solve our problems, to help one another and to live as a family. [ Fernandez Timothy Djogan – Grade 7 ]