I must confess to being astounded, perhaps jealous, at the number of conferences that many Christians in Australia are able to attend in order to be equipped to lead effectively. This is not the privilege of many leaders who serve within our overseas partner churches. By Rob Lutton, Community Relationship Manager

In the last few days of February this year I had the opportunity to interview a group of leaders attending a ministry training course called Onwards in Ministry in Dili, East Timor. The story of all participants humbled me, but that of Alexio Pinto, from Lospalos, left me in stunned silence.

In 1975 at just 11 years of age, Alexio joined the Fretlin movement and went onto to fi ght on the front line in the resistance against Indonesia. I can only imagine the many horrors he experienced but also the amazing courage he would have displayed.

In 1979 on return to his home area he met an evangelist and became a Christian. With the support of a commander in the army he gained a basic understanding of the Bible. Then with so many waiting to hear the gospel message he began to preach.

In his area 3000 people joined the church and he was sent to take care of the people in his language group. With no training this is what he has done since the early 1980s.

“I was very young when I was called to be an evangelist and I have had little chance to study and so that is why I need this course”, he said. Walking away I concluded that this is a leader worth supporting.

The course is the only training he and other course participants will receive, and it is crucial for them to be equipped for effective ministry. Which is why I’m grateful for the many friends of UnitingWorld who are supporting our current Onwards in Ministry appeal. Through your support, UnitingWorld will help equip leaders like Alexio for the full scope of ministry.