Our mission trip to Timor-Leste, from 20–27 September 2026, is a story of God’s grace. It reminds me of what the Lord told Paul when he pleaded three times for the thorn in his flesh to be removed:

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9).

By His grace, we stepped out of our comfort zones - relief teaching, sharing devotions during morning assemblies and Praise Time, supervising students in the Youth Drop-In programme, and praying individually with students.

Indeed, it was only by His sufficient grace that we could accomplish what we did.

These are testimonies from the members of our mission team:

Abbie Chang:

This is my second visit to Timor-Leste, and Isaiah 41:10 reassured me of God's constant presence, strength and support during times of fear and uncertainty. "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand". The verse reminded me that when He calls us to step out, He is already there ahead of us, ready to uphold us.

This trip helped me to gain the confidence to serve, sharing study tips, and praying for students in the hostel. Although I have prayed for others before, while serving in the Youth Ministry, doing so overseas felt more daunting to me.

Mr David Chan, Principal of St Paul Methodist School (SPMS), mentioned something that really stuck with me - Faith has Feet. To me, this phrase encapsulates the idea that faith isn’t only something that one believes in, but it shows up in the way we act and obey, even when we may not see the whole picture yet.

One evening as we were ministering to the hostelites, I was very moved when they offered to pray for us in turn, and I really felt the Holy Spirit working through us that evening.

Carol Ho:

This being my first mission trip, I was prepared to be God’s hands and feet for the medical and school programmes, to plug any gaps where needed. The verse that God had impressed upon me for the trip was Galatians 6:2, “Bear one another’s burdens and so fulfil the law of Christ.”

Before the trip, I had volunteered, with much trepidation, to share the school devotion, even though Thomas was the clear choice. However, when we arrived and discovered that SPMS needed two persons per session to share concurrently, I marvelled at God’s foreknowledge in giving me time to prepare. Truly when God calls, He enables.

At the Youth Drop-in, we were expecting an average of six students per session. But only two turned up one morning. I guess God sensed my disappointment, because He sent seventeen students that afternoon!

The trip made me realise the many things we take for granted in Singapore. While we complain about the haze, Timorese live in a dusty environment every day, and their gravel roads are bumpy and full of potholes. The A&E room in the Metinaro Medical Centre only had a rusty bed and was not even equipped with an Automated External Defibrillator.

There are barely any viable businesses in Timor Leste that could provide vocations for the graduating students. Many of the students’ prayers were for their future and families - some had fathers and siblings who had to find work overseas. We were moved to pray with them and encourage them to seek and trust God’s good plans for them.

Gan Yuan Ying:

Most of us were hesitant about conducting school programmes due to our lack of experience. But 2 Corinthians 12:9, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness”, was a reminder not to look inwards at our own fears and anxieties, but to turn our eyes upwards, acknowledging that God will provide, and it is He who touches lives and transforms souls.

I am also thankful for the opportunity to serve in the health checks for staff members. It was a lovely experience being able to worship alongside the students and staff of SPMS, witnessing how God is moving in their lives.

Samuel Wang:

Initially, I worried that I had little to offer when I volunteered to cover relief teaching for the science classes. Never having taught in a classroom before and being rather soft-spoken, I wasn't sure how I would manage it.

Thankfully, with the advice of the missionaries there and help from the class monitors, it went well. Seeing the students’ fascination as magnetic field lines appeared before their eyes during a demonstration, I was glad to share a little of the beauty and wonder of God’s creation with them.

I’m reminded that God calls each of us in different ways, often through things we feel unqualified for. Our part is simply to say “yes”!

I’m thankful to my fellow mission trippers, who each brought their own gifts, personalities and experiences to make the trip lighter and joyful. Special thanks to David and missionary, Ms Jane, for hosting us so generously, and for their team’s inspiring work among the people of Timor-Leste. Seeing it up close, I came away encouraged and challenged.

And just when you thought that a mission trip to Timor Leste is all work and no play …