✨ Returning to the Aru Islands: A Once-in-a-Lifetime Journey for Our Family ✈️

Hello! We’re the Collins family – Cia, Josh, and our three young children – and this October, we are undertaking a deeply meaningful and long-awaited journey.

We will be travelling to rural eastern Indonesia for the dedication of the New Testament in the Dobel tribal language – the culmination of over 40 years of work by my parents, who dedicated their lives to living among and serving this remote community.

This will be the first time the Dobel people will receive the New Testament in their own language, and the local community is hosting a celebration to mark this historic moment.

Why This Trip Matters

I (Cia) was born and raised in the Aru Islands, where my parents lived and worked since 1982 – often without electricity, clean water, or access to health care. These villages, and the incredible people in them, shaped my childhood and my values. The Dobel people became our extended family.

This is more than a trip – it’s a return home, a chance to honour my parents’ legacy, and an opportunity to show our children the place where their grandparents have given so much. For our family, this is a once-in-a-lifetime journey of faith, heritage, and reconnection.

How You Can Help

Because of the remoteness of the islands, the journey is long, complex, and costly – requiring multiple flights, days of travel, and boat crossings. We have estimated around £7,000 for our family. We’ve been saving for this for years, but with five of us travelling, we would deeply appreciate any support to help make this dream a reality.

Your donation will go toward:

✈️ Flights and boat transport

Accommodation during our 3-week journey

Extra travel needs for our children

Supplies to bring to the local village

Even a small gift makes a big difference. And if you can’t give right now, we would love it if you could share our story or keep us in your prayers.

With Gratitude

Thank you so much for any support you feel able to give! It truly means so much to us and we are incredibly grateful.

With heartfelt thanks,

Cia, Josh, and the kids