East Timor

EAST TIMOR NEWS AND PRAYER

DISCIPLESHIP MATERIALS

Christine has sensed God's prompting to write discipleship materials for use in Timor - there are none presently available in Tetun.  As a prototype she has written 5 Bible studies on Mark's Gospel and is getting them translated into Tetun

Pray:

• God's continuing leading in this project
• Helpful language and cultural advisors
• Good health and ability to improve in speaking Tetun.

EAST TIMORESE STUDENTS IN NEW ZEALAND

4 students are studying at Auckland University.  This is an answer to Christine's prayer for language helpers - Praise God!

Pray:

• Growing friendships with the students.
• During their time in NZ (4 years) they would not only be equipped professionally but also encounter the living God so on return to Timor they can contribute both professionally and spiritually to East Timor's growth as a nation.

FUNDRAISING 

Praise God for the excellent response of volunteers to help with the stocktake fundraiser and the positive relationships made with The Warehouse staff.  To date we have earned $5000 with the money from Snells Beach still to come in.

BRIAN MICHELL AND COMPASSION AUSTRALIA  

Brian left on 15th August to accompany representatives of Compassion Australia to East Timor.  The Compassion Children's programme is highly successful.  It provides children with spiritual, health and social education as well as meals, school books and toiletries.  It also helps to bring together the Catholic (majority) and Protestatn (minority) communities.  We would love Compassion Australia to increase their involvement in Timor.  At present the programme runs three times a week in Aileu, Banderahung and Sarlala.  It's fantastic to see the Compassion children eating meat and drinking milk - for some it may be the only protein they get.

Pray:

• For Brian as he facilitates this visit.
• That the outcome will be that many more children will hear the Gospel and also receive the material benefits of this programme.

Ian and Pamela Crowe, Northgate Baptist

Ian and Pamela have been in Timor already.  They are learning lots, having excellent language opportunites and cultural challenges.  The ladies in Aileu are highly motivated about knitted bootees - they've been up til 11.30pm! - so are eagerly awaiting our teams arrival with more wool!  

Pray:

• For growing Christ-centred relationships despite differences in culture and language.

Team Trip 17th August to 2nd September 

Uncertainties have arisen concerning what projects our team will do this year.  Brian, Wok, Craig and Christine will meet with AOG leadeers on arrival on Wednesday 18th August and aim to iron out issues that appear to be concerning them.

Pray:

• For God's Holy Spirit to guide the meeting and for each participant to be open to His leading.
• That we from WBC would discern what the issues really are and have wisdom in decision making.
• For the team who will need to be flexible and faith filled.
• Ask that God would use our practical work - building, teaching knitting, kindy involvement - as well as testimonies, teaching and preaching to build up His Kingdom in East Timor for His glory and honour.