D A V I D

As I reflect on my three trips to East Timor and in particular the village of Bahareduk, and what has taken place over these past two years, and is now starting to take shape, then I can only conclude ‘It is good’.In July 2015 the first Working Party Mission Trip took place to Bahareduk. The building regarded by team members as ‘the base’ was still in the throes of construction. Facilities were basic as team members slept in tents, prepared and ate meals in Chief Tomas’s kitchen which basically comprised bottled gas stove, dirt floor and bring your own chair. Lighting by way of candle or torch and to get back to ones’ tent involved a hike back up the hill. This took place three times a day with chicken and rice the main items on the menu  helped with some chilli to add flavour.

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Village houses had just started construction, water flowed with little/no control, and discussion around agriculture was not on the radar. Over these past two years, one can only sit back in amazement at the transformation that has and is taking place. I am told that even the government of East Timor have taken note of the changes. The church family of Westbourne Park with broader community support should take great joy in what they have been privileged to be a part of. By no means is the work finished but it is breathtaking to see nonetheless.