An Invitation We Never Expected

Just beyond Timor-Leste’s capital city, there are mountain villages that remain remarkably “unreached” with the Gospel to this day.

No roads reach Mota-Ulun. Yet, our team makes the journey across rivers, hiking steep mountain trails, and carrying supplies on their shoulders, heads and backs.

WHY? Because children and families are waiting... like Carla.
Can you imagine in this present day and age that this precious young woman of 16 has never attended school?
Life in a remote mountain community has kept formal education beyond her reach.

Yet whenever our team arrives, she eagerly joins the lessons.
Through Bible stories, English instruction, and basic computer training, Carla is learning skills she never imagined possible.
More importantly, she is discovering that she is seen, valued, and loved by God.

Today, more than 40 children regularly participate in our programs in Mota-Ulun and Mota-Ki’ik. Many families in these communities live by subsistence farming. Water is gathered rather than piped. Access to services is limited. Educational opportunities are few.

Yet what we have found is not despair.
We have found openness.
We have found hospitality.
We have found families eager to learn.
We have found children hungry for opportunity.
And we have discovered communities welcoming the love of Christ.

In fact, the people of Mota-Ulun have become so encouraged by these regular visits that they are offering and preparing land where a simple meeting center could be built—a place for learning, community gatherings, and ongoing ministry.

For us, this is more than a building opportunity.
It is a sign of trust.
It is an invitation!

It is evidence that relationships are being formed and that lives are being met by God’s love working through our hands and feet fueled by Christ and your prayers and giving.

This is why Serving Our World was founded in 2003.
This is why the TULUN Foundation was established in 2024.
And this is why our team continues to climb the mountain.

In the coming weeks, we look forward to introducing you to more of the children and families whose lives are being impacted through this ministry.

Thank you for walking alongside us as hope continues to reach people where the road ends—but God’s love does not.