mgpcpastor's blog

Before the full federal church committee meetings take place this week, the Timor Leste Committee (more like a task force, or even a semi-autonomous collective, really) of the Australian Presbyterian World Mission conduct our annual face to face meeting.
It’s a helpful time as we coordinate plans and purposes to partner with the Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Timor Leste.
It would be very easy to fall into well-meaning but unhelpful ad hoc actions which could hinder the growth and harmony of this young denomination which is still at a formative stage in its development. It would also be easy to project our own agenda on the church, instead of responding to their priorities.
Our annual afternoon enables us to consider various cultural issues and think about the most constructive ways to develop our partnership. During the rest of the year matters are dealt with by circular email.
We’re reviewing the adequacy of the quarterly block grants, given the depreciation of the Australian dollar and inflation in Timor Leste.
Coordination of visits by Australian personnel is also important given the demands this places on the few folk in the EPC-TL who can function as translators, especially outside of Dili.
Important, yet more personal matters will include ways in which we can respond to situations such as supporting the widow of Manuel Rodriques, and others who are in her situation.
Even the meagre support the Presbyterian Church of Australia can offer could outstrip the capacity of the EPC-TL to effectively administer and utilise, making it an unhelpful burden rather than a means of enablement, so we strive to ensure that the partnership we offer enables the EPC-TL to carry out their mission to their utmost.