Timorese Native Missionaries
East Timor History
Timor used to be a Portuguese Colony until 1975 they gained their independence. It was short-lived as Indonesia later that year invaded the country and occupied it until 1999. At that time they had a vote to gain their independence which was successful but war broke out because Indonesia and some Timorese didn't like the outcome. The Aussie military went in first to restore order and then the UN went in to help Timor establish their own government. They officially gained their independence in May 2002.
East Timor is one of the poorest countries in Southeast Asia but they have been making progress in rebuilding infrastucture and in the agriculture sector.
Lucas & Nelya
God's Calling
- Brother Lucas grew up in a Christian home and his father was a Pastor. The Lord has given him a burden and love for his fellow Timorese to see them accept the Gospel of the Lord Jesus for their salvation. Some time ago the Lord called him to minister to his people. He had a good paying job but as he had opportunity he began to reach people for the Lord. People got saved and the Lord began to raise up a church in the Capital Dili.
- In the course of time he met Nelya who grew up in the Catholic religion but she got born again and they married in December 2016. They now have a family of 3 boys and 1 girl.
- I have known Brother Lucas for a number of years and can testify that he has a vibrant relationship with the Lord and has the same vision & burden for East Timor that we as a ministry have. This is why we have taken the responsibility to raise support for his family.
- In October 2016 I was visiting in Timor and through spending time with Lucas and hearing his experiences in ministering to people, I discovered that there is a real change in the receptiveness of the people. It is very evident that right now the fields are ripe unto harvest in Timor . There have been many new Converts and others are waiting for someone to come and share the Gospel with them. Revival has broken out and God in His mercy and love is moving powerfully among the Timorese people!
- It is much appreciated if you will join us in intercessions & prayer as we help with ministry over there and also for the Lord's supply that is needed for the work.
- We ordained Pastor Lucas as the first native pastor in 2017 and is currently very busy ministering to a growing church in the capital Dili and is also in the process of establishing a church in Bacau located to the east of Dili. People are very hungry for the Gospel and the Lord keeps adding new believers to the church.
- A church in the District of Oecusse has also contacted Pastor Lucas and wants him to help with ministry there as well.
Presentation By: Mark Garber
