Day 1
After much preparation, we were all ready to set off for Timor Leste. We were looking forward to meet the locals, especially the children. Esther Seah and Chua Yong Wee came to pray for the team and send us off.
After three-and-a-half hours, we landed at Dili Airport with great excitement. We were warmly welcomed by Pastor Catherine and Ai Kit. Upon arrival at Faith House, we were welcomed by three lovely house dogs. After putting all our luggage in the respective rooms, we set off to Timor Plaza to get some groceries for the days ahead. Upon completion, we made our way to a Chinese restaurant for our first local dinner.
After dinner, we were back at Faith House to settle the logistics for the children’s carnivals and rehearsed for the skit – “You are Special”.
We also helped Pastor Catherine to decorate a bridal car, as a blessing for the wedding couple.
Day 2
After breakfast at Faith House, we attended the wedding of the local Youth Pastor, Lito, and his bride, Putri. What a joyous occasion!
Pastor Catherine shared a message from 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 with the couple.
After the church wedding, we went back to Faith House to meet up with the youths from Faith Youth Club (FYC), and had a team building session.
We had great fun and laughter despite the language barrier. In the evening, we attended the wedding reception.
Day 3
We left Dili for Viqueque with the New Community Church (NCC) youths early in the morning. It was a first for the team to take a rocky bus ride up a mountainous path.
We needed to wear masks as the roads were extremely dusty when the bus drove by.
However, we were still very amazed by the marvellous creation of God – the oceans. Even though it was dusty, we still enjoyed the breeze on the bus.
After about four hours, we stopped at Baucau for lunch.
After another two hours, we arrived at Borala Motel, Viqueque. After some rest, we headed out for dinner. We had an enjoyable team building session with the youths over dinner.
Day 4
We had our breakfast, followed by devotion. Doris shared from Matthew 12:9-13 and her encouragement to us was that we were not here by coincidence, but by God’s plan. We stretched out our hands to receive the blessing that God had intended for each individual, and to bless the Timorese. We all received with faith as we went out to serve at the first village – Fatudere.
When we reached Fatudere, the children were excited to see us. They waited patiently for us to set up the game stations.
Pastor Catherine at the entrance to ensure order
The Fishing Pond Station
Ice Cream Sticks – See & Match Station
Balance and Catch Station
Group photo with the children
After the carnival, we headed back to Viqueque for lunch, and rehearsed for the Christmas concert at Dream Centre. In the evening, we went home with the youths and children to invite their family to join us for the concert the next day.
Day 5
We headed off to Christian Vision Church for service in the morning. After worship, we presented a simple song item together with the NCC youths – “Lord, I Lift Your Name”.
We also prepared a Sunday School programme for the kids.
Group photo after service
After the service, we walked back to Dream Centre to decorate the place and prepare goodie bags for the guests and participants of the Christmas concert.
In the late afternoon, the youths and children gathered at Dream Centre for a final rehearsal.
The Christmas Story rehearsal
Ceila and Anissa guiding the youths in their guitar strumming skills
Families of the youths and children slowly arrived at Dream Centre. We started the concert with icebreakers and prizes. All were excited and engaged in the fun.
The balloons we used to decorate the place were given to the children at the end of the concert, and it brought great joy to them. Can you spot the rainbow in the photo above?
“I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth.” (Genesis 9:13)
Day 6
We set off to the second village – Bibileo in the early morning, and proceeded to the third village – Luca in the late morning. We conducted a game carnival and performed a skit.
Cone Toss Station at Bibileo
These onlooking children eventually joined in the fun
Ping Pong Ball Toss Station at Bibileo
Group photo with the children at Bibileo
Even the youngest child in the group enjoyed the games at Luca
For the grand finale, we sang “We wish you a Merry Christmas” and went around shaking the hands of the locals – both children and adults.
We were back at Dream Centre in the afternoon. After lunch, we conducted a cell group meeting with the youths from FYC and NCC. The objective was to educate and encourage them on conducting a cell meeting.
Playing Icebreaker – Give Me Tempo 1-2-3
A time of worship
Day 7
We travelled back to Dili today. On our way back, we admired the creation of God once again.
The trip wouldn’t be complete without this signature jump shot
Day 8
It was our last day. We had breakfast at Timor Plaza and celebrated the birthdays of Pastor Catherine and Ai Kit in advance.
After breakfast, we went shopping and bought the local jelly drink, avocado and soursop.
After shopping, we made our way to the airport and bid farewell to Pastor Catherine and Ai Kit. We will miss Timor Leste. We believe that as we are called to serve this land, regardless of whether it’s a short or long mission trip, we are to bless this nation – a nation that is close to the heart of God.
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20)
We will continue to pray for God’s anointing and favour to be upon Pastor Catherine and Ai Kit. As they serve, more will come to know God and see the greatness of Him. We will also pray for this young nation to be strong and honour God always.