Papsda International Mission Projects

At Papsda, we're not only passionate about serving and equipping our local community, but we help out where we can in developing countries. The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) work in conjunction with Papsda to organize International Mission Trips each year (our first being in 2008). A team of volunteers from Papsda will pay their own way to go and serve, build, teach or whatever it takes to help a community in need.

Past Projects:

2008: Cottondale Church/Community Centre in South Africa
2009: Bushback Ridge Daycare/Orphanage in South Africa (more information)

2010 Project:

A team of volunteers will head to the Solomon Islands. In the 1990’s, ADRA New Zealand started a project called the Small Enterprise Development Project which worked with the existing Marovo Women’s Association (MWA) members, helping to build the leadership capacity and working with the members on literacy, health education, small businesses and other interventions. The “Papsda on a Mission” team would work together with the MWA members and their families to complete the MWA Centre. This will enable appropriate meeting places for members to be trained out of the elements, provide a place to sleep during the training weeks and also provide a method to generate income by hiring the venue to other groups. When you meet the women in the MWA, you will be able to hear for yourselves personal stories about how ADRA has helped change their lives.

When is it?
Because flights to the Solomons are limited to certain days of the week, the mission trip will happen Thursday, 23 September to Thursday, 7 October.

How much will it cost?
The personal cost to each participant will be approximately $2,500. The building cost is $20,000 which will be raised prior to leaving. $10,000 of this amount has already been donated.

Is it more cost effective to just send the money required for the project?
The short answer to this question is always in strictly money terms “yes”. However the benefits to the community are more than just the building and the benefits to the individuals going are always many and varied. On previous Papsda Mission trips to South Africa one of the biggest benefits was not that we were there to do the building but that the team already serving in South Africa were encouraged in their ministry and excited to know that we cared enough to come. Their enthusiasm and passion for the ministry was renewed because we cared and showed that in a practical way. People going on trips are often inspired to share more and even serve more intimately in the development area which has a long term benefit to developing communities. Is this trip for everyone? Due to the remote nature of the trip and the heat of the Solomon Islands people do need to be reasonably fit and able to cope with rudimentary living and the heat. While some skills like building will be required not everyone needs to be a builder. We will also be running programs in surrounding villages depending on the skills of the people going. Everyone can contribute something. The main criteria is a positive, “can do” attitude.

Is it safe?
If usual precautions are taken like staying in the group and not walking around at night then there should be no issues on safety. There are less issues at the project site because of the smaller community.

Interested in more Information?
If you are interested in coming on this trip please read the listed documents or contact Leanne Davies or Virginia Pycroft at the office (09) 278-7786 for further information.  
2010 Information Pack
2010 Application Form