December 2015
Overseas Missions Department - UPCA
OVERSEAS MISSIONS United Pentecostal Church of Australia ~ www.upca.org.au
Whatever you can do, do!
Acts 13:47 47 For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth.
The hope of the church is the imminent return of Jesus Christ. As we observe the events taking place in the world around us, we see that we are living in that hour.
When individuals become involved in their local church and local churches participate in the vision of the national church, only then do we see the potential that God has placed in us.
The church has been commissioned to be the light in the darkness. We need to shine more brightly in this world than ever before. This is our mission. This is our call. This is His purpose.
As 2016 is about to begin, I want to challenge you to become involved in Overseas Missions. Whatever you can do, do - small or great – it has an impact. Investing in the kingdom of God has eternal rewards and you can make a difference.
Whether you can go, or give, or support in prayer; we are all called to shine. Missions can only succeed when the whole church takes the whole gospel to the whole world. Your involvement in overseas missions at whatever level is greatly appreciated.
Let’s go beyond ourselves and be that light the Jesus called us to be!
Simon and Caterina Butcher 1
December 2015
Overseas Missions Department - UPCA
Timor-Leste ‘Camp Joven’ By Sam Rainima I thank the Lord that I have been able to witness Him do many amazing things within our nation. I’m even more grateful that I’ve been able to see His work amongst the church overseas. Last August, I had the privilege to travel to Timor Leste with Bro Jyrome and Sis Julie Wetere and minister at the first National youth camp in Dili. We were able to arrive a couple of days earlier to spend some time settling in. This gave us the opportunity to assist with some of the preparations as well as giving us the chance to learn and understand the history of this beautiful country.
East Timor’s past is one full of persecution and oppression. Yet, rather than allowing themselves to be discouraged, the church became more hungry for the things of God. The camp began on Wednesday the 19th and these young people, although limited in their means, something we take for granted, they did not hold back from worshipping with everything that they had. The day teaching sessions were focused on grounding the young people in doctrine. They were also blessed to have Bro Jyrome and Sis Julie present workshops in the basic fundamentals of music and worship. The youth put into practice all they’ve learnt in those sessions and sung ‘Break every chain’ in Tetum and presented the ‘Cardboard Testimony’ item in front of the congregation. The church was richly blessed.
The young people did not hold back from worshipping with everything that they had.
Every night as the Holy Ghost moved throughout each service, the young people responded. We had at least three people receive the gift of the Holy Ghost including a mother and her daughter on the same night. Three siblings were baptised in the precious name of Jesus Christ. Glory to God! I give honour to Bro Michael and Sis Diane Perry for their work in Timor-Leste. I also give honour and thanks to Bro Simon Butcher and the Overseas Missions board for their confidence in our team. Most importantly, I thank our Lord Jesus Christ for the work He is doing and will continue to do in the lives of the youth of Timor Leste. Maromak fo bensi!
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December 2015
Overseas Missions Department - UPCA
Timor-Leste ‘Camp Joven’ By Julie Wetere
I thank God for allowing us to experience being a part of a mission trip to East Timor. Initially I was excited and then filled with nervousness, as it was my first overseas missions trip. However, God placed us with the perfect team and leaders, and all nervousness was replaced by an overwhelming burden and passion for what Bro. and Sis. Perry had started in East Timor. Our scripture for the trip was Psalm 71:17-18, “Oh God, thou hast taught me from my youth: and hitherto have I declared thy wondrous works… O God, forsake me not; until I have shewed thy strength unto this generation and thy power to everyone that is to come.” We came to know that East Timor was a country ravaged by war, grief and loss - practically the loss of an entire generation. The rash change in government and political bodies meant the East Timorese people were victim to drastic societal and identity changes. Our aim for this generation at the youth camp, was to show Jesus’ power and strength through doctrinal teaching of God’s word and demonstration in the Holy Ghost.
We wanted to share God’s love and show that we are One body of believers, unified with an identity in Christ and develop strong bonds of brother and sisterhood, despite cultural differences and the distance between Australia and East Timor. I am happy to say that I have brothers and sisters in Christ in East Timor! The youth certainly have the heart of worship and tap into the Spirit within the first minute of the first song. I must say, this is quite different to some of our youth in Australia. We tend to wait for the right beat, tempo or lyrics to get us going. They love to praise and worship God with their all! We were blessed to connect with them, pray with them and have fun! A young girl received the Holy Ghost in her chair after the first teaching session! There were several others who received the Holy Ghost that weekend, all glory to God! I thank God we were able to be a part of such a work and for being able to plant seeds, through testimonies, exhortations, teaching, songs and fellowship. It was only possible through the prayer and investment of people such as Bro and Sis Perry. Maromak forbensa! God bless you!
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December 2015
Overseas Missions Department - UPCA
Timor-Leste ‘Camp Joven’ By Jyrome Wetere Hahi Maromak! Praise God! I’d just like to acknowledge Bro and Sister Perry for their sacrifice and their burden for East Timor. They are true examples in God’s Kingdom and we need more people like them. Their love for the people in East Timor is contagious. We had an amazing trip, from the first prayer meeting to our send-off at the airport. We were so blessed to be a part of the first National Youth Camp. The youth welcomed us with traditional Tass scarves, with “Joven IPU Timor Leste” embroidered on them. It was a very special and warm welcoming.
“...They didn’t need I was so blown away by the hunger these young people have for God, despite their circumstances. Their passion for music and the Word of God was displayed throughout the whole youth camp. There was nonstop singing and praise songs from morning until night. It just showed how “on fire for God” they are. They didn’t need specific songs to ‘warm up’ to God’s presence: they were tapped in from the first song. That was an example to us! We held two music teaching sessions, where the kids learnt the song, “Power in the Name of Jesus” as a choir. You could feel the Holy Ghost moving even in our practise! The youth also had a chance to share their own testimonies in “cardboard” format. The youth performed both, the choir song and testimonies, for the main church on Sunday morning. It was great to see the youth displaying their talents for God. We all built strong connections and bonds with these youth people and look forward to hearing what God’s doing in East Timor!
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specific songs to ‘warm up’ to God’s presence: they were tapped in from the first song. ....”
December 2015
Overseas Missions Department - UPCA
Youth Team -
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Nabire and Jayapura
In September of this year, Overseas Missions and Australian Youth Missions (AYM) partnered together to give seven young people the wonderful opportunity to travel to Indonesia and take part of a mission’s trip to Nabire and Jayapura. The young people involved this time,were Jessica Peisley, Liz Everett, Chichi Ditutala, Steve Chorzewski, Moses Kalau, Emma Frost and Roan Barrett. The team was guided by Bro Butcher and Sis Ferrari who’ve had much experience travelling through Indonesia. Bro Thompson Manafe accompanied the team as interpreter. We asked the young people what they thought of their ‘Mission Field’ experience and here are some of their answers.
I wished I packed… Less! I didn’t need half of the things I packed. Emma Full Cream Milk: Liz Coffee: Steve
I wasn’t expecting… To be treated like a movie star, taking photos with everyone & shaking everyone's hands. I wasn’t expecting. So many people coming to the airport to pick us up & drop us home. Roan Our accommodation to be so nice! We were told so many horror stories and yet, it turned out quite pleasant! Emma Showers in Nabire! Chichi
I found the people and culture… Very hospitable and we were treated like royalty. Roan Very friendly and kind. Jessica Very welcoming, nice and appreciative. Chichi So giving. It's amazing in their culture how they feed their guest so much. I personally put on a couple of kilos! Moses
I am grateful for… The opportunity to minister in Nabire & Jayapura. Roan God’s hand of protection & health, no one was sick on the trip. Liz The leadership that was there, who had faith in us. Steve The doctrine that we have in Australia. Not many places in the world have the teaching as we do. Chichi
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December 2015
Overseas Missions Department - UPCA
Youth Team Nabire and Jayapura A highlight for me was… Church in Nabire and how they respond to the presence of God. How much the children open themselves to the presence of God. Moses God filling so many people with the Holy Ghost, and being there to share such joy was a real privilege. Steve Teaching on the necessity of the Holy Ghost for salvation. Emma The hunger and the desire the people had for God. Jessica
I was challenged by… Preaching in the dark after the power went out. Roan Preaching with an interpreter and praying for someone to get the Holy Ghost who didn’t understand English. Chichi The lack of control I had over the planning. I am a control freak; so when the majority of the answers to my questions of what was happening were “we don't know,” I struggled to just go with the flow. Emma The language barrier. It was so difficult to pray with people & build relationships without being able to speak the language. Liz
The trip has impacted me… To be more focused on the things that are truly important in life. Steve In so many ways, but mostly it has given me a hunger to do more for God. Emma By making me realised I have the freedom in Australia to believe what I believe without being persecuted. Also, that I attend a church that receives sound teaching of God’s word. Liz By helping me see things differently and making me realise that you don’t need much in life: Jesus is all we need! Jessica
My Involvement in Overseas Missions… Has forever changed me and hopefully my participation will increase. Chichi Will absolutely continue. Moses Will continue in whatever doors God will open. Roan
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December 2015
Overseas Missions Department - UPCA
TIMOR LESTEReporting from the Field By Bro and Sis Perry During the week of preparing this article, news was unfolded regarding terror attacks in Beirut and Paris. It caused us to appreciate more and more the promises and assurances in God’s word… Ps 91:5 You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day. Regardless and throughout all that is occurring at this time, the Lord is faithfully at work. Let us continue to pray for those affected by such atrocities for opportunities, creativity and courage to tell others of our hope in God, and that in the terror of night He can be their refuge as well as our own. Ps 91:2 I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”
Field Updates It is a time to rejoice for all that the LORD is doing in East Timor. 2015 has been a year of milestones in the work there, for which we give God all the glory. Some examples follow:
The first women’s ministry event hosted by the ladies of Baucau occurred in February, at which Sr. Nancy Grandquist and Sr. Susanne Downs ministered powerfully The first of the funds so generously given in January 2012 by the people of Australia accomplished the construction of a Dili bible school and education facility adjoining the church in that city; the facility was dedicated by Br. Downs & Br. Butcher in May A first national youth camp was attended by youth from four municipalities around the nation of East Timor in August. Br. Sam Rainima from the Pentecostals of Sydney church, and Br. Jyrome & Sr. Julie Wetere from Liverpool church, ably ministered at the camp. Timorese young people drew closer to God, and there were a number baptisms in water and the Holy Spirit during the camp
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December 2015
Overseas Missions Department - UPCA
Field Updates Inaugural leadership workshop visits were made in early September and late October to a relatively new field within East Timor – the enclave of Oe-Cusse. This new ministry area opened up last December through the East Timor mission’s early literacy, Christian Storytime outreach program The East Timor mission this year ushered in the 5-year anniversary of having Australia missionaries on the field Another joyful event was a bible school graduation of both diploma and certificate level students from various parts of East Timor.
Through the help and guidance of the LORD, your ongoing prayers and support, and partnership with our Timorese brethren, a foundation has now been laid which we can celebrate together. Upon this foundation, further work can now be undertaken. This will have a strongly focus on building leadership and ministerial capacity, as well as other activities aimed at strengthening the precious people and church of God in East Timor.
Two members of the ministry team in Dili (Sr. Olinda Soares Guterres & Sr. Lidia Lawu Lokku Malana) will be present at the upcoming UPCA General Conference in Canberra. A special focus during their visit will be on Sunday School methods. We know you will look forward to welcoming them at the various Conference services, banquets and breakfasts that they will attend.
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December 2015
Overseas Missions Department - UPCA
God bless you and our heartfelt thanks for your ongoing support and prayers for us and for the work of God in East Timor.
Many baptisms In 2015 9
December 2015
Overseas Missions Department - UPCA
OVERSEAS MISSIONS: OUR PURPOSE The Overseas Missions Department of the United Pentecostal Church of Australia has touched many nations with the Gospel of Jesus Christ since its inception in 1973. The purpose of the Overseas Missions is to:
YOUR GIVING IS HELPING SPREAD THE GOSPEL IN OUR REGION!
preach the whole gospel of Jesus Christ to the whole world; to establish new churches; to send forth missionaries; to endeavor to perform any other duties connected with religious work; to help in any way possible to meet the needs of local churches; to translate, publish and distribute religious literature.
The success of the Overseas Missions Department of the UPCA is a direct result of a co-operative effort between local assemblies, missionaries and this Department. We sincerely appreciate the involvement of the many churches and individuals throughout Australia.
OVERSEAS MISSIONS DEPARTMENT DIRECTOR:
OFFICE:
Rev. Simon Butcher PO Box 2216 Malaga 6944 WA AUSTRALIA p: +61 421 699 549
e: simon.butcher@upca.org.au
PO Box 199 Hampton Park 3976 VIC AUSTRALIA
Please forward all cheques to the OSM office
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