Day 31
East Timor
This month, as we remember the Father’s heart for the people of the world, we remember that we love because He first loved us. Pray for the nation of East Timor to come to know His great love for them. Pray for this predominantly nominal Catholic country, to come alive in their relationship with Jesus Christ. Pray for miracles, signs, and wonders. Pray that Jesus followers will have many opportunities to share a testimony of His love for them, and how that inspires them to love others around them. May the Church be a great light in this nation this year (The Bible, 1 John 4:19).
The country, also known as Timor-Leste, had a bloody 24-year resistance against Indonesian occupiers, gaining independence officially in 2002. In stark contrast to this turbulent past, East Timor peacefully transferred power to a younger generation of leaders in the 2017 presidential elections. However, the nation has failed to form a secure, strong government since the 2018 parliamentary elections. The membership of the governing coalition changed again in 2020. Half of the country, with a population of only 1.3 million people, still lives in extreme poverty. High levels of youth unemployment fuel gang violence. With around 95% of its population being Roman Catholic, it is one of only two predominantly Christian nations in Southeast Asia. Churches face no persecution.
