By Aaron Baluyot
On March 20-31, 2019, PUC’s string quartet, along with Professor Kim from the department of theology, embarked on a mission trip/music tour to Indonesia. The quartet consisted of Sigrid Panugao, Dale Araba, Carissa Paw, and Aaron Baluyot. Dale and Aaron are current students of PUC while Sigrid and Carissa both graduated from PUC last year. Our main goal was to join in the fundraising concert of one of the adventist schools in Jakarta, Tanjung Barat Adventist Academy (TBAA). The money raised in the concert would be used to help fund the extension of the school.
During the first weekend, we played at MT Haryono Seventh-day Adventist Church and performed in the fundraising concert. During the next few days, we were very fortunate to be able to explore Indonesia. First, we visited Universitas Advent Indonesia, which is Indonesia’s Adventist university located in Bandung, Indonesia. Next, we traveled to Jogjakarta, where we visited Borobudur temple, which is the largest Hindu temple in the world. The next day we traveled to Bali, where we were able to rest at the beach as well as experience Balinese culture.
On Friday, we visited the students of Tanjung Barat Adventist Academy and played at their chapel assembly, where we gave them inspirational talks to keep practicing their instruments and to do their best at everything their hands find to do. The students also expressed their thankfulness for supporting their school as well as for inspiring them and encouraging them. On Sabbath we performed at Pasar Minggu Seventh-day Adventist Church, followed by a farewell potluck for us provided by members of the church. On Sunday morning we flew out of Jakarta, spent a few hours exploring Hong Kong, and finally returned home to the United States. This trip was a blessing to the students but it was also a huge blessing to us as well as we were able to inspire the kids at TBAA and spread God’s love through our music.
After 20 hours of flying and a layover in Hong Kong, we finally made it to Jakarta and received a warm welcome from our friends from Tanjung Barat Adventist Academy.
On Sabbath we played at the MT Haryono Seventh-day Adventist Church, which is the biggest Adventist Church in Indonesia located in Jakarta.
With some of our TBAA friends after church.
On Sabbath afternoon we visited one of the church members, where we played a couple pieces and Professor Kim gave a short talk.
Sunday was the concert day where we joined in TBAA’s big fundraising concert at Theater Pewayangan.
Photoshoot after the concert. The students and faculty of TBAA were extremely grateful for our support for their school.
Visiting Borobudur temple in Jogjakarta, Indonesia.
On Friday we visited TBAA, where we played at their chapel service and gave the students inspirational talks to keep practicing their instruments and to do their best at everything their hands find to do. (The lady in the center is the school principal.)
Group picture with one of the classes after our inspirational talks.
On the second Sabbath, we played at Pasar Minggu Seventh-day Adventist Church. This church is in the same property as the school and is where we played at the children’s chapel the day before.
With the pastor and elders after church on Sabbath.
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