Earlier this year I had the opportunity to visit Timor Leste (East Timor) and meet the Presbyterian Churches there. It was a wonderful time that you can read about at some length if you wish. Just enter ‘Timor Leste’ in the search bar over to the right and up a bit on this page and look for the articles that I posted about ‘Visiting The Presbyterian Church Of Timor Leste’.
The following is an email from one of the men that I accompanied, Presbyterian Grand Poo-Bah Robert Benn. (Grand Poo-Bah is more an affectionate term, his present title is actually Moderator General)
Robert and I are home this time, but the other member of our initial party, Rob Duncanson, pastor of Darwin Presbyterian Church, has returned with two others on a teaching mission.
I’m excited because one of those two, Roger Bannister, is an elder here at mgpc. Roger’s main task is to get to know folk and try to identify areas where our church can offer support in the near future. Our congregation is working in the nations.
Robert has heard from the three and tells us the following:
Dear friends,
For your interest and prayers . . Rob Duncanson, David Burke and Roger Bannister are now in East Timor for the teaching week on the Biblical and Confessional foundations of Presbyterianism. WCF will be the stepping stone. Remember, they have called themselves: The Evangelical Presbyterian Church of East Timor. They are less than 18 months old. They have somewhere between 16 and 20 congregations. There are about 5000 members. 20 ministers and elders are attending the workshop at a place east of Dili called Liquisa.
The run of SMSs thus far read thus:
Rob yesterday: “Your greetings warmly received. David Burke brilliantly showing evidence of good communication within another culture”
Rob: “Many blessings already. Many folk are asking after you. Roger is communicating well with the locals”
Me: “Great news. Glad about Roger too. Missing not being there. David tired?”
Rob: “David had good rest yesterday pm and last night. Firing 8/8”
Me this morning: “How did you sleep last night? Liquisa or Dili? god be with you in blessing today. Is it hot hot?”
Rob: “Log-like. Liquisa. On beach now preparing for Sunday. Beautiful day”
Rob: “When to come back? Moderator Arlindo says, ‘Definitely next year!'”
That brings you right up to date.
One of the issues to be talked through while the men are there is: When will we come next year? For what purpose? How many? We have not less than a dozen of our folk, of all kinds of training – practical and theological, who have indicated serious interest in going.
This is a tremendous privilege to be in on first base with a fledgling church that is growing rapidly, to set their feet on the right foundation of God’s Word of Truth. It has the potential of being a time of profound renewal for them, in the hands of God’s Spirit.
We are delighted for the support of Mission Partners in adopting the work in East Timor as part of MPs ministry as we look to partnership down the road somewhere.
We crave your prayers.
In Him
Robert Benn
mgpcpastor's blog 