Mission Trips
VASE stands for Vision, Action, Service, and Evangelism.
Vision: Be able to see God's view of the world and discover ways to serve in it.
Action: Physically act by serving in various areas such as teaching and constructing.
Service: Serve people in undeveloped nations and also leave a strong impact on the world.
Evangelism: As Christians, we also need to share the gospel, God's story and His love.
Christians believe that we are called to be disciples for other people and to spread God's story and His great love all around the world: the Great Commission. Thus, GSIS dispatches teams into other countries: Indonesia, Saipan, Thailand, Myanmar and Boracay. Students come back from VASE trips feeling satisfied with positive, life-changing realizations and lessons learned through the trips. The vision statement is, "It is at the core of our school identity to train and equip students to be a blessing to those who are in need. One way this is possible is through the VASE Program. It is our desire that GSIS builds fruitful and lasting relationships with workers in other nations to support the work God has given them to do."
The following videos are a record of my own experience with the VASE Program. Returning and reflecting on my VASE trips, I have come to realize how they have helped to broaden my life, helped me to become more open-minded, and taught me about the different and varied cultures that exist on earth. Thus, my approach to people has become more mature; my level of comfort with those different than myself has transformed. What's more, I've learned the importance of valuing and appreciating myself, living life to the fullest, and always making the best of each life challenge. At the same time, I’ve also begun to appreciate the blessings of my own privileged background; the trips taught me to appreciate how much my parents and my society have provided for me. Had I been born to parents in Indonesia or Thailand, surely my life struggle would have been for subsistence, rather than for self-fulfillment.
Indonesia VASE (Vison, Action, Service, Evangelism) Trip 2014
www.youtube.com/watch?v=FZMAoj_R9zw
Indonesia VASE (Vison, Action, Service, Evangelism) Trip 2013
www.youtube.com/watch?v=GamdaCUgBGc
Thailand VASE (Vison, Action, Service, Evangelism) Trip 2012
www.youtube.com/watch?v=qt2wvMBH2dc
