October 2012: Hope in God’s Plan

October 2012 Bulletin Insert Format [PDF]
Octubre 2012 en español

Surely there is a future and your hope will not be cut off. Proverbs 23:18

For most people in East Timor, the eastern half of an island southeast of Indonesia, educational and career opportunities are few. But Amena Cristovao, a 24-year-old woman from the rural village of Lospalos, is about to embark on the opportunity of a lifetime. Through a sponsorship from Global Ministries, St Paul’s UCC in Duluth, MN and generous members, Amena is hoping to complete the medical laboratory technician program at Lake Superior College in Duluth, Minn. With this associate’s degree, Amena will be one of the most valuable medical lab technicians in all of East Timor. 

Tom and Monica Liddle, Global Ministries missionaries, helped facilitate Amena’s sponsorship. Monica, a doctor, worked with Amena in Clinic Imanuel in Lospalos. It was clear to her that “Amena had a passion for health care and a desire to learn. She specialized in tuberculosis and malaria testing, two prominent diseases in East Timor. She was also very interested in learning. She spoke a little English and I would help her learn more as we went along.”

There are still a few hurdles for Amena to get through before she can begin her training. First, she will be required to take a four-month English intensive course in order to keep up in an American classroom setting. Then she will have to take a year of prerequisite math and science courses prior to beginning the three-year medical program. Amena has committed to return to East Timor once she completes her studies. In exchange for the sponsorship, Amena has agreed to fulfill a three-year contract at Clinic Imanuel.

O God, it seems everything is in place, and we trust in your plan for Amena. We pray for safekeeping, support for Amena and inspiration for each person Amena touches

Monica and Tom Liddle, served the Protestant Church of East Timor (IPTL). Monica is a Naturopathic Doctor (ND) and worked in Immanuel Clinic Lospalos, which is run by the FUSONA, the relief and development wing of the IPTL. Monica’s appointment was supported by One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS). Tom served as an English teacher and facilitator in strengthening congregations and the continuing education of pastors.