mgpcpastor's blog

It was in February last year that the contacts were initiated which led to my accompanying Robert Benn and Rob Duncanson in visiting the Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Timor Leste (East Timor).
One year later we met in Sydney to consider future directions for our growing partnership.
We were joined by Bill McCrae, moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Western Australia and Wilson Fernandez, pastor of a Brazilian Presbyterian church here in Sydney.
Robert Benn provided a summary background, outlining the history of both the independent nation of East Timor and the Evangelical Presbyterian Church of East Timor. Robert’s outline included the trips which we made last April and a leadership training trip which Rob Duncanson, David Burke (pastor from Singapore) and Roger Bannister (elder from Mount Gambier) made last December.
Rob Duncanson related more detail of the tremendous trauma that the country has endured over recent generations. The sense of discouragement and futility which repeated cycles of loss of life and destruction of property and infrastructure have given rise to are a significant factor. Some people have very low expectations, an important aspect of our partnership is encouraging them to dream and then helping their dreams come to fruition.
The presence of Brazilian Presbyterians, whose theological positions are the same as those of the PCA, was noted. The EPC-TL adopted a constitution and confessional standard subsequent to the teaching seminar last December. A delegation from the Brazilian Presbyterian Church will be visiting East Timor during 2010. The leadership of the EPC-TL warmly affirmed the possibility of more leadership training at an early opportunity.
In addition, a broad range of other needs exists. Bibles are in short supply, with some portions translated into the local language, Indonesian and Portuguese copies of Bibles in short supply. Church buildings and facilities range from basic to barely adequate. There is reason to believe food can be scarce in some places, and opportunities for education of children beyond basic primary school need money. Pastors are not paid, opportunities to help local congregations provide a self generated income exist. This will probably be our preferred model of supporting pastors and local churches.
Jo McDougal has a very open door for the books she is writing and illustrating. Though aimed at children, the paucity of available literature in Tetun means that her books are read by child and adult alike.
Ten tertiary students are presently being sponsored.
Money has been sent to purchase a horse for one pastor.
Another trip from Australia may take place soon.
Arlindo Marcel, leader of the EPC-TL will be here in September,
The possibility and practicality of work parties visiting East Timor and carrying out practical building work needs to be explored.
Financial gifts totalling $20,000 have been received, with about $10,000 still remaining.

Our challenge in continuing this partnership is to provide support that encourages the leadership of the EPC-TL to work out their own desires and plans for growth. We need to balance our desire for specific goals and projects that we can identify with against the need for support sent to the EPC-TL to be distributed in an equitable manner that will enhance their fraternal relationships and develop a sense of equality among their congregations.
I firmly believe the growing future of cross-cultural involvement will be based not so much on supporting individuals who go, but on local congregations supporting other local congregations working in cross-cultural situations. Our partnership in East Timor is a demonstration of that. Much wisdom is still needed.