Timor-Leste Christian Community Holds A Historic International Conference TTL’26

DILI, www.news-viptv.com – For the first time during the era of independence, the Christian Community of Timor-Leste held the International Conference Transform Timor-Leste 2026, led by the Church of Pentecost Global in collaboration with the business communities and the government. The theme was Transforming Society Through the Gospel and the Power of the Holy Spirit. The event was held from 27-28 March 2026, at the Ginacio Desporto de Dili. More than 500 participants joined the conference in-person from Indonesia, Brazil, U.S.A, Singapore and India.

“The objective of this international conference as determined by leadership is to empower church leadership, business people and educators as well as the youth to bring about social transformation through the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit in their professional and social contexts,” said the President of the Organizing Committee, Antonio Carvalho de Oliveira, Pastor of the church of Igreja Missão de Cristo Timor-Leste.

The international conference was officially opened by the Minister of Justice, Dr. Sergio Hornai who represented the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister Coordinator of Social Affairs, Eng. Mariano Assanami Sabino. In his speech, Dr. Sergio Hornai said, the general theme of the Transform Timor-Leste conference is in accordance with universal principles and national development objectives.

“We all know that the church is not only a place to pray, but also a school that teaches us to help each other. The Gospel of Jesus Christ says that you love one another, as I have loved you,” said the Minister of Justice, adding that in Timor-Leste, these words are not only spoken, but also a fact that we see every day in community’s Catholic faith.

With the presence of church leaders, educators, business sector and youth, the conference encouraged everyone, including the professions that attended the conference to become transformative agents in their respective areas.

“I appeal to church leaders; your spiritual leadership is a moral light for many communities. I hope that this event will further strengthen your capacity to be agents of peace and local development. prosperity for all, with transparency and honesty,” said Dr. Sergio Hornai.

Transform Timor-Leste, he said, is not just a campaign, but a call to your determination. The Gospel of Jesus Christ teaches people that true leadership is leadership that serves, not leadership that seeks only seat or power.

“The country needs your talent, but it needs your character. A leader who is close to God and close to the people is the leader who will bring about the transformation we dream of. You are todays and tomorrows. If you choose the right path, Timor-Leste’s future will be bright,” said Dr. Sergio.

Transform Timor-Leste, he said, is not just a campaign, but a call to your determination. The Gospel of Jesus Christ teaches people that true leadership is leadership that serves, not leadership that seeks only seat or power.

“The country needs your talent, but it needs your character. A leader who is close to God and close to the people is the leader who will bring about the transformation we dream of. You are todays and tomorrows. If you choose the right path, Timor-Leste’s future will be bright,” said Dr. Sergio.

The Government Minister added that the Ministry of Justice will continue to ensure that the right to faith and its public manifestation will be respected, because we believe that a society that fosters spirituality is a society that is more united and far from conflict. “I wish everyone in this conference a productive life. That the discussions in these two days can bring concrete results that would help transform our beloved country Timor-Leste into a more just, prosperous and peaceful nation,” he said. In presenting the keynote address on behalf of the Chairman of the Church of Pentecost, Aps. James Raj shared his greetings and said that the best days of Timor Leste did lay ahead. He noted that the Chairman, Aps. Eric Nyamekye has prayed that the world would soon see Timor Leste shine as it continues to embrace the principles of God’s kingdom.

Apostle Dr. George Mike Portuphy, Coordinator of Regional Missions for the South and Central Asian Bloc who is the convener and also a speaker at the Conference, said that the faith Community needs to stand together, behind the government united to fight the ills of society so that national reconciliation and restoration can become the norm for this great country.

“You are not a nation defined only by its past struggles but you are positioned for prophetic significance, with a future where righteous leadership thrives, God’s presence is honored publicly and powerfully,” Dr. Portuphy declared to the packed audience.

Aps. Dr. Karl Badu, the National Head for the Church of Pentecost in India highlighted the need for the clergy to be empowered by the Holy Spirit to fulfil their calling as transformers in the nation. The conference also highlighted a need to build solid marriages and homes to sustain the future of the nation. Dr. Cynthia Adom-Portuphy, a marriage counselor from the USA who was also a speaker at the conference, during her session said that the transformation of the country must start from home. She noted that “even Jesus was raised in a home before He began his ministry. Likewise, the godly home is the space where true transformation begins.” Many lives were touched, healed and empowered in the atmosphere filled with authentic heartfelt worship and prayers. It was indeed a truly liberating experience that left participants asking for more.

The Organizing Committee, led by Pastor Antonio Antonio Carvalho de Oliveira and the Secretary Evangelisto Gantry dos Santos Meilana of the  Dili City Church said, Dili City Church expressed their gratitude to the entire Christian churches in Timor-Leste who contributed to jointly host this international conference.

“The mission of Christ is not limited to a single church, or an organization, therefore Transform Timor-Leste sought to bring together agents of Christ to work together to transform Timor-Leste.”

During the conference, Elder Gantry Dos Santos, on behalf of the organizing committee expressed his gratitude for the support of the Government through the Ministry of Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture who provided the venue. He also thanked the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister Coordinator of Social Affairs, Eng. Mariano Assanami Sabino who has given his representation to the Minister of Justice, Dr. Sergio Hornai to officially open the international conference with very positive words for the spiritual growth of the Christian community in Timor-Leste.

“On behalf of the chairman of the planning committee, I would also like to thank the servants of God from various church denominations, the public and Christians. Especially, our gratitude goes to Aps. Dr. Eric Nyamekye, Chairman of COP worldwide who intended to attend the conference along with the Missions Director, Apostle Emmanuel Agyemang- Bekoe, but due to reasons beyond their control could not make it. The Church of Pentecost graciously financed this international conference. He also expressed gratitude to  Aps. Dr. George Mike Portuphy who together with his wife, Mrs. Dr. Cynthia Adom-Portuphy raised the need for Transform Timor Leste 2026 and led the charge to make it a reality,” said Elder Gantry.

Pastor Julio Kuka of Vision Cristo Church Baucau, asked the organizing committee to continue this international conference in the future and to continue representing the voice of the Christian community in Timor-Leste.