On 5 November 2004, Rev. Barry McCroskery, B.Sc., B.D. who came to Harmony Hill in September 2002 was ordained, commissioned and inducted for missionary service in Indonesia. We pray God's blessing on Barry, Elsye and Rebecca as they seek to serve God in Elsie's homeland.

Prayer Letter - November 2006

Dear friends,

Hello again from Kupang. It’s been an eventful few months for us recently. At the end of June we returned to Belfast for our mid-term break. We were a little unsure whether to go or not because of the health of Elsye’s mother, but after her condition seemed to improve somewhat, we decided to go ahead. Upon our returning to Kupang, however, at the end of August, Elsye’s mother’s condition took a sudden turn for the worse. Finally after a short time in hospital she passed away on the 20th September. Elsye has 4 brothers and two sisters, but Ibu (Mrs.) Niap was also an adoptive mother for many other children who grew up in the Niap home. All greatly loved her and respected her, and gathered at the home to say their farewells over the days that followed. We very much appreciate your prayers as the family come to terms with their loss. Elsye is very much missing her mum but coping well and has now returned to her teaching.

Despite our concerns at the time we appreciated the rest and the opportunity to catch up with family in July and August, as well as some great weather over the month of July. I presided at the marriage of my youngest brother Ian on the 12th August. Rebecca picked up a fair bit of English when we were there and now knows why her daddy looks so different. She had no bother at all with her asthma and is still in good health now we’re back in Kupang. We’re really thankful for that and for the fact that our journey went so smoothly in spite of all the increased security at the airports at the end of August.

I’m settled well back into work again. Recently I’ve been out and about a lot taking services in various places and taking part in workshops and seminars on various issues of concern in GMIT congregations. Leading my first communion service at the end of October was a very special and memorable experience. The service was held outdoors under the shade of a pine forest near a remote village in South Central Timor. Among other things at the moment I’m running a child sponsorship program to fund the education of the children of deceased GMIT ministers. I’m also maintaining contact with partner organisations and churches. This coming year will be the last in this current 4 year leadership period before the General Assembly on the island of Alor, Sept 2007, when a new Synod Council will be elected.

You may be wondering what we do in our spare time here when we have some. Well outside of work commitments much time in Timor is spent attending weddings, engagements, funerals, and thanksgiving services for a graduation, or someone who has recovered from an illness, or a birthday etc. These are always big occasions in Timor with lots of people invited, plenty of food prepared and much chewing of betel nut. Apart from that we’re not too far from the beach and a favourite past-time is to go late afternoon to enjoy barbecued corn on the cob, drink from freshly cut green coconut, and watch the sun go down.

Hunger, however, is once more making the headlines in East Nusa Tenggara (the province which includes the island of Timor. GMIT’s congregations are spread throughout this province as well as part of Sumbawa in West Nusa Tenggara.) as we are at the height of the dry season. Although this annual problem is not new, changing climate patterns and successive failed harvests in recent years are making it more severely felt.

Please pray:
-For all the family as they grieve the loss of ‘Mama Niap’
-Give thanks for a good journey back from Belfast and for the refreshing time that Barry, Elsye and Rebecca had while on mid-term break.
-For God’s clear guidance and blessing for GMIT as they enter a new year of church programs and in the election process for a new Synod Team next year.
-For those suffering the effects of climate change and crop failure, especially the very young and the elderly.
That better ways might be found to ensure all people in Timor get the basic nourishment and water resources they need.