The annual Cambodia trip for Year 11s is back for 2024, following an enforced four-year hiatus brought about by the COVID pandemic.
 
Our Head of Middle and Senior Years, Chris McElligott, and our 7-12 Christian Studies Learning Leader, Grant Wildman, have ventured to Krus Village in Kampong Chhnang province to collaborate with the Lutheran Church of Cambodia on the development of a transformational service-learning experience for our Year 11s next year.
 
Since 2015, the college has worked in partnership with the Lutheran Church of Cambodia to offer this rare and important experience as part of the Year 11 subject, Christian Religious and Values Education.
 
Krus Village in Kampong Chhnang province is one of four outreach hubs from which the Church undertakes its mission work. It is also the primary base of operation for Tatachilla students during their time in Cambodia.
 
Over the years, Tatachilla has worked closely with the pastors of the Church to better understand their vision and needs and come up with practical and sustainable ways for Tatachilla students to help address these. 
 
To date, Tatachilla students have displayed their strong service hearts and a deep love of Christ by working to fund and build four modest homes and a preschool for the residents of Krus Village. The college has also purchased a motorbike for the community to enable church leaders to travel to remote areas and administer pastoral care.
 
The COVID pandemic hit Cambodia very hard, however during the period of international lockdown the college was able to use funds raised through Challenge 4 Charity to continue to provide food packages to the people of Krus Village, for whom there is no social welfare.
 
Chris McElligott and Grant Wildman – in the company of Erin Kerber from the LCA International Mission – have since had the opportunity to attend the historic installation of the first Bishop of the Lutheran Church of Cambodia, Right Reverend Tuch Sreyliak, which was held on 9 November 2023. 
 
This was a highly significant event involving church leaders from all over the world, including Hong Kong, Malaysia, South Africa, Finland, Germany, America, Japan and Singapore. 
 
As her first act, Bishop Sreyliak ordained four Cambodian pastors, two of whom were from Krus Village. 
 
While in Cambodia, Mr McElligott and Mr Wildman are also reconnecting with social enterprises and non-government organisations across Phnom Penh, Kampong Chhnang and Siem Reap as part of their preparations for next year’s Cambodia trip. Valuable meetings with Krus Village pastors - Yin Dara and Duy Saran - have also identified further ways that Tatachilla can continue to serve this beloved community in the future.
 
The college is certain that the students who have successfully applied for the Cambodia trip in 2024 will be transformed by the renewing of their mind (Romans 12:1-2) and their ability to act justly and walk humbly (Micah 6:8). 
 
About the Lutheran Church of Australia (LCA) International Mission
 
The Lutheran Church of Australia (LCA) International Mission works collaboratively with overseas partner churches to bring the life-changing news of Jesus Christ to people in South East Asia and Papua New Guinea.
 
Through long established relationships, LCA International Mission seeks to equip, encourage, engage in and support the growth of holistic ministry carried out in relationship with our partners overseas and the individuals, congregations and districts of the Lutheran Church of Australia.