Serving the World for Christ: The Senior Thailand Trip

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Tyrone Fambro, High School Principal

Since 2007, CAJ seniors have traveled to Thailand for a transformative service trip that brings their service leadership journey full circle. In 2023, I had the privilege of joining the trip for the first time. Alongside discovering a surprising talent for archery (yes, I even beat Tanya Hall!), I was inspired by how our seniors lived out CAJ’s mission to serve.

The Thailand trip is more than just an adventure; it’s a meaningful and challenging culmination of a journey that begins in elementary school. Through years of tutoring, local service projects, volunteering, discipleship, sponsoring students abroad, and team-building activities, students grow in leadership, character, and faith. These formative experiences prepare them to serve others with purpose, compassion, and the Spirit of Christ.

In preparation for the trip, seniors complete service hours through events like the Senior Talent Show, concessions, and community service projects. They also attend weekly sessions focused on cultural awareness and service leadership. (Special thanks to Anita Aung and her family for sharing insights from their Myanmar heritage!)

Once in Thailand, students engage in a variety of physical and team-based activities—hiking, rafting, biking, climbing, high ropes, a confidence course, and, of course, archery (though I let the students and Mr. Mawhinney shine—this trip is about learning, not winning!). A highlight each year is visiting Thomas House, a school for children with special needs, constructed in part by past CAJ students. This year, our seniors contributed by plastering walls and digging foundations for a new school building—projects funded in part by proceeds from the talent show and concession sales.

Evenings were dedicated to student-led worship, devotions, and reflection times, organized by members of the Senior Council and Chapel Committee. A particularly moving moment came when our students led worship at a local church, shared a sermon, and bonded with local youth through games and fellowship.

This year also marked the beginning of a new partnership with Chiang Rai International Christian School (CRICS). After friendly volleyball matches and dinner, students from both schools came together for an unforgettable night of worship, led by the CRICS youth group.

Of course, every trip has its challenges. This year, we faced some illness, but thanks to our dedicated nurse, Miwa Hashimoto, everyone received excellent care and support.

Ultimately, the senior service trip is far more than a travel experience; it is a time of transformation. It offers students meaningful opportunities to lead, serve, and live out their faith in a practical way. Year after year, it remains one of the most impactful experiences of their time at CAJ, embodying our mission: To equip students to serve Japan and the world for Christ.