Last year during the mid-year holiday break several STORMCo (Service To Others Really Matters Company) teams travelled to four schools, staffed by Adventists, operating in a closed country in Southeast Asia. The schools offer a bilingual, holistic education rooted in Adventist values and the importance of service to their surrounding communities.
For those thinking Laos? Where is that? picture a small, landlocked gem tucked in between Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar and China. That’s where our STORMCo teams landed for a few weeks packed with educational fun, practical support and community outreach.
Each team immersed themselves in their school’s daily life, running kids’ club programs tailored to engage both young and older students. Values-based interactive games, creative arts and life skill activities were used to teach English and build community.
One team leader reflected, “We came to serve, and we left enriched by the warmth of this place and its people.”
Also, for the first time, our STORMCo teams extended their efforts beyond the school walls, venturing into the surrounding communities to address some of the local needs. Armed with paintbrushes, rubbish bags and a healthy dose of enthusiasm, our teams rolled up their sleeves and got to work. Every day brought a new way to serve, from scrubbing and painting well-used facilities to breathing new life into worn-out sports courts and running kids’ clubs where laughter and learning came hand in hand. This wasn’t just about appearances, but tangible ways to engage with the local community.
A STORMCo team member commented, “Working with the kids is so much fun—lots of smiles and laughter. I love seeing eyes light up during activities. It’s magic! Their energy is infectious. The level of engagement is rewarding and reminds me why we come all this way to do this. This is ministry.”
Working alongside school staff was equally rewarding. Teams collaborated closely with teachers and administrators, exchanging ideas and building relationships that transcended cultural and language barriers. Staff at the school expressed gratitude for the hands-on support the team gave them throughout their Registration Week: “The [STORMCo] team’s enthusiasm is infectious—their passion for ministry to young people is obvious. Thank you all very much! Our staff and students have had a great time talking with the group members and doing activities.”
The STORMCo purpose statement is built on five fundamental foundations that guide every mission:
1. Listening: to understand the uniqueness of a community and serve accordingly.
2. Engaging: an entire community over time to create meaningful connections.
3. Serving: without expectation, demonstrating unconditional love.
4. Building: a sense of unity whilst working together selflessly.
5. Returning: to continue building long-term relationships.
At its core, STORMCo exemplifies a service mentality. Teams travel to communities with the sole intent of serving without a pre-determined agenda or any expectation of reciprocation. Their overarching goal is to embody the fruits of the spirit articulated in Galatians 5:22,23, and by doing so, they endeavour to build long-term relationships and positively impact communities.
So, does it really matter?
Absolutely, because when service meets mission, paintbrushes become tools of hope, rubbish bags turn into symbols of care and kids’ games become lessons that last a lifetime.
Pastor Murray Hunter is the digital media coordinator for the Australian Union Conference.
