Going to Explore Taiwan

Jimmy, one of Stube-HEMAT Yogyakarta’s activists, traveled to Taiwan to join an event entitled ‘2017 I Love Taiwan Mission Camp: Thy Name,’ an international youth camp program organized by Presbyterian Church of Taiwan. He was interested in going there after reading the FB status of Stube-HEMAT last February. This program covers only accommodation cost during the camp, while the flight ticket either departing or returning home is paid by each participant. Taking place from June 28, 2017 until August 15, 2017, the event was attended by young people from various countries such as Malaysia, Korea, Germany, Netherland, Japan and Indonesia. Jimmy is the only Indonesian participant who took part in the event.

The goal of I Love Taiwan or ILT is giving young people chances to know each other and to build a network started with ‘Thy Name’ (Your Name). By knowing name, people will know each other and are expected to be more familiar with the creator, the Lord. This event was also held to commemorate 500 years of church reformation. "This celebration is also to gather young people from different countries who have soul to care each other and to take part in ministry by sharing and studying at local churches in Taiwan. Young people can learn other countries’ cultures, especially the life and struggle of churches facing social problems in society", Jimmy explained.

There were many new insights and knowledge gained, because the participants also got time to go around the city, opportunity to visit hinterland churchs belong to local church of Amis and Bunun ethnics, two of sixteen indigenous ethnics of Taiwan. Participants learned and shared with Sunday school, youth and parents there.

"For me, all activities in the events were very impressive because I had time to exchange information and share about Indonesia culture. I am very grateful to join this activity, because when we apply for a job, we have to attach some certificate of expertise and experience. I received certificate from the program and it will help me when I apply for a job’, Jimmy added.

Jimmy hoped to be able applying the concept of PCT Summer Camp to his church in Central Sulawesi, to gather young people from different countries, so they will know each other and open international insights. He also hoped that this program will be held again next year because it can open opportunity for young Indonesians to develop themselves and to be part of international events. (SAP).