GEMS and Cadets are primary-aged boys and girls ministries at BPCC. We meet every fortnight (during school term) on Thursday evenings at the church to have fun, build friendships, and learn more about our great God. Also, every year the GEMS and Cadets clubs from all over Australia raise money for a specific mission project. This year we are raising some much-needed funds for the Honiara Hospital School in the Solomon Islands. This is a small school built by the Reformed churches of Australia and New Zealand through SWIM, the missions base in the Solomon Islands run by the CRCA.
The hospital school is located at the Honiara Hospital (the major referral hospital to all of Solomon Islands). It was built for the children who miss school while they are at the hospital waiting for parents or siblings to recover from illnesses (often for months on end).
The school is managed by a local board and has some government funding to help pay the teacher and buy some resources. However, there is no funding to help maintain or improve the school. This is where our GEMS and Cadets hope to help. The main fundraising goals are ceiling fans and lighting, an access ramp from the kids ward to the school, water supply and a toilet.
This mission also provides us an opportunity for the GEMS and Cadets to learn more about the people of the Solomon Islands and what it is like to live there. Our GEMS and Cadets are also learning that as followers of Christ we are called to be compassionate and to care for those who are in need.
Hebrews 13:16 says, “And don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God.”
To raise money for this worthwhile project, after the service this Sunday there will be baked goods for sale and a sausage sizzle. The delicious treats have been lovingly made by our GEMS girls, while the Cadets will be cooking the sausage sizzle. Please stay after the service for fellowship (it’s Connect Sunday!) and to this support this worthwhile project. All donations will go directly to the Honiara Hospital School Project.
On behalf of all our GEMS and Cadets,
Bruce and Joanna Smith
