Day 31

FEBRUARY | 2023

East Timor

PRAYER FOR THIS COUNTRY

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).

MORE ABOUT THIS COUNTRY

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.

CHIEF OF STATE
President Francisco Guterres
HEAD OF GOV.
PM José Maria Vasconcelos
POPULATION
1,231,000
CHRISTIANS
88.1%
EVANGLICAL CHRISTIANS
2.2%
DOMINANT RELIGION
Christianity
PERSECUTION RANKING
Not Ranked
REFUGEES
6
LIFE EXPECTANCY
69.22 yrs
LITERACY RATE
58.6%
POPULATION BELOW POVERTY LINE
41%