(tee-more LESS-tay) – Timor-Leste has a very small population of evangelicals, around 2% of the population. Most Timorese people are Catholics, although they are also very tied to traditional animistic beliefs. Many of them live out their faith as a hybrid of Catholicism and traditional Timorese animism, which includes worshiping ancestors and appeasing spirits they fear. Christmas is a very festive time in Timor. There are Christmas-themed decorations in the streets, neighborhoods, and Western-type shops. In smaller towns, communities often set up elaborate, life-sized nativity scenes. Fireworks are relatively cheap, so many people set off fireworks on Christmas Eve and Christmas night. Evangelical churches, continue striving to faithfully testify to the gospel of God’s grace, found in Jesus Christ alone. Praise God for such gospel faithfulness among evangelical believers. Please pray many Timorese who are not yet personally trusting in Jesus will prepare room for Him this Christmas and respond in true faith to the great news of His gospel.