Arlindo Marcal, moderator of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Timor Leste (EPC-TL), recently visited Singapore for the first time.
While there Marcal met with leaders of the Orchard Road Presbyterian Church and was also interviewed by The Christian Post. The interview contains helpful observations about the general situation in Timor Leste and the particular needs of the church as they fulfill their gospel mission.
The pastor lamented the lack of understanding on the part of missionaries, who often attempt to build churches while native congregations are literally starving and overworked. Sometimes, there is even conflict between missionaries and local churches, he shared.
“Missionaries should add value,” said Marcal.
Rather than setting up their own churches, international groups, which are usually well-funded, would do better to share their resources with Timorese churches.
He said: “The local people know the people, the land and the culture; the foreign people have resources. If you can put them together, it would be a blessing for the people of East Timor.”
Meditating on the sufferings Timorese churches go through daily, the Presbyterian pastor said: “We know this is another way to share Jesus’ suffering.”
The Evangelical Presbyterian Church has already formed a mission partnership with a Presbyterian denomination in Australia.
Read the full interview here: Timor-Leste Churches Need Resources, Not Missionaries: Moderator.
HT: Rob Duncanson. (by email)
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