Timor Leste is in the eastern half of Timor island, west of Indonesia. It may be small but has a big story. It was ignored by the Portuguese during their rule from 1511 to 1974, then developed by the Indonesian military as a place for the elite, and recently destroyed in vengeance after the vote for independence in 1999, destroying 75% of the infrastructure and economy before the UN intervened. The new nation faces major rebuilding. The majority have experienced invasion, suppression, famine, lack of health facilities and poverty.
It is only one of two Asian nations that has a Catholic majority. Catholic agencies helped serve at the forefront of the mercy ministries to the desperate during the time of invasion. Protestants are viewed more with suspicion since most come from Indonesia. Pray that the churches will unite and help spread a gospel of hope, aid and love to the people of Timor Leste.
