So November 16 saw him boarding a plane and a few hours later, he was in Vanuatu with 22 other students for an unforgettable adventure in cross-cultural mission.

They were met at the airport and taken to the Scripture Union campsite which would be their home for the coming week.

“Friday night and Saturday were spent looking around and preparing for the week ahead," recalls Jonathan.

“There was plenty of time for swimming at the reef which was just 100m away.

“On Monday, we visited a preschool which was set up by two Australian women. They had come to Vanuatu for a holiday, but were so impacted by the poverty that they stayed. Now they run a preschool for 25 children and their church back in Sydney funds them.

“On Wednesday, we visited a primary school. We played games and craft and sang Colin Buchanan songs. We did face painting and Bible stories. 

“Then Thursday, we took it all to another school and did it again.

“Friday, we went to the water park and did the tourist thing with zorb balls, go-karts and cascades, followed by a fire show with spinning torches and fire breathing.

“On Sunday, we joined in the local church service. The singing is the most beautiful thing you will ever hear. Someone starts up and they all join in.

“Our afternoon Bible studies had a theme of ‘Where do we find our joy?’ It hit home. When you’re with people who think that a balloon is the best thing in the world, it gives you some perspective in life.

“I went there with the intention of becoming a primary teacher. I came home convinced.”

Did you miss the last Your Church in Action? Read it here...