Timor-Leste Mission Trip

Dates How many Location Price
Depart November 10 to arrive in Dili November 13 –
December 2, 2024
40 Timor-Leste $1500
Flight and Visa(s) not included

Trip Overview

Join Pastor Royce Snyman, retired minister and administrator, and Pastor Chris Anderson, Timor-Leste Mission president, for a once in a lifetime mission trip to one of the newest countries in the world. This country gained its independence from Indonesia on May 20, 2002, becoming the first sovereign state of the 21st century. The Seventh-day Adventist church is itsself in its first generation, and though off to a slow start, is beginning to grow rapidly. This mission trip will be focusing especially on evangelistic outreach events in several locations in the capital city of Dili, and neighboring cities, and other locations as resources allow (up to 6 sites). These evangelistic meetings will combine with Vacation Bible School style children’s program coordinated by Dr. Rachel Nelson, MD, who is also owner of the My Bible First children’s materials.

We will also conduct dental and medical outreach activities in a country where dental care is almost non-existent, and medical care is very limited. An optical clinic is possible, if we are able to find an optemetrist or ophthalmologist to go with us. There is also a building project for a training center that will be included as part of the trip, for those who would like to participate in this way.

Speakers, dental and medical professionals, experienced construction personnel, and support staff are encouraged to be a part of this unusual opportunity to make a significant impact for the everlasting gospel in this part of the world where the Three Angel’s Messages are just beginning to gain a major foothold. You will be able to share Jesus in a variety of ways, and there is something for everyone to contribute. We will work with the local Mission leadership, pastors, and members to bring hope and healing to this area.

Arrival

November 13, 2024
NOTE: medical and health professionals see the Note to Medical and Health professionals under Travel Information

Departure

December 2, 2024

Travel Information

Volunteers are responsible for purchasing their own airline tickets to and from Dili Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport (DIL).

NOTE: Travel to Dili must be through Bali, Indonesia or Darwin, Australia. Before booking travel please contact [email protected] or 423-362-5822 for more information and instructions.

NOTE to Medical and Health professionals:
If you are a medical or health professional, arrival dates are flexible, please contact us.

Since travel to Timor Leste can be complicated, we are suggesting you contact Butler Travel to make all of your arrangements.

All dates exclude air travel time and any additional excursions taken. You may need to purchase airline tickets a day or two before arrival date due to the time difference. If you choose to arrive earlier than the arrival date or depart after the departure date mentioned above, you will be responsible for payments and arranging any additional nights at the hotel as well as transportation to and from the airport. It Is Written representatives will meet all volunteers upon arrival at the airport. Once your airline ticket has been purchased, email a copy of your itinerary to [email protected] for us to make all airport pick-up arrangements.

Accommodation Details

Accommodations will be at a local hotel or Airbnb and possibly members’ homes.

It Is Written seeks to provide the very best accommodations for reasonable pricing. The mission field will require flexibility and sacrifice. Still, we strive to maintain safety and a comfortable and restful experience.

Participants will have a roommate unless you elect to cover the extra cost of your own room. Which you can pay for upon arrival.

Local transportation is provided to and from the airport and all trip destinations.

Three vegetarian meals are provided each day. Due to local limitations, vegan meals are not always an option, although some selections within a meal may be available.

We are unable to accommodate gluten-free or other similar needs. You are welcome to bring any food items you need (but it is your responsibility to be aware of country entry restrictions on food you bring). Any food purchases outside of the three meals are the participant’s responsibility.

If you plan to arrive early or stay longer you are responsible for making all of your hotel and transportation arrangements.

 

Excursions

To be announced. (All excursions, if any, will be an additional cost.)


Timor-Leste Facts & Figures

Country Overview
Timor-Leste is part of the islands of Indonesia (of which there are 17,000 islands). Timor-Leste (also known as East Timor is the eastern half of the island of Timor, and the western half is Timor, a part of Indonesia.

Capital
Dili

Population
Timor-Leste: 1,380,535
Dili: 282,078

Language
Portuguese and Tetum are the official languages, and some English and Indonesian is spoken.

Religion
97.6% of the populations is Catholic (the most densely Catholic country outside of the Vatican.

Climate
Timor-Leste lies just south of the equator and has a hot tropical climate, with a dry season from May to November, and a wet season from December to April. Temperatures average 75 to 95 degrees F. It is hot and humid. Mountain areas are cooler.

Currency
When in Indonesia the currency is the Indonesian rupiah as of June 26, 2024 (rates change daily) is 1USD=16,400 rupiah.
In Timor-Leste the currency is the U.S. Dollar.

Power
If coming from the United States, Indonesia and Timor-Leste use outlet adapter types C & F (you can google this to identify the plugs you need). Power is 230V. You will need an adapter, and if your device cannot use 230V, a converter will also be needed.

Time Zone
Timor-Leste is UTC+9. It is 13 hours ahead of the Eastern Daylight Savings in the U.S. (Example: 6:00p.m. June 26, is 7:00 a.m. June 27, in Timor-Leste. During the time of the mission trip the U.S. will be observing Standard Time, meaning Timor-Leste will be 14 hours ahead.

Water
Drink only unopened bottled water or other drinks unless you confirm that it is purified. Unopened water bottles are always safe.


Entry Requirements

  1. US Passport not expiring within 6 months of arrival
  2. Visa on Arrival in Bali purchased in the airport. $35/person. Keep in mind that you will enter Bali twice, once coming FROM the U.S., and once coming FROM Dili, Timor-Leste.
  3. Visa on Arrival (VOA) in Dili, Timor-Leste. Cost $30/person.
  4. Printed Hotel Information
  5. Letter of invitation from the Conference (We will provide)

Covid vaccines or testing are not required to enter or exit Bali, Indonesia or Dili, Timor-Leste.


Medical Requirements

Check online for the recommended vaccines and medicine list and consider visiting your doctor 4-6 weeks before the trip for any further medical advice you need.

The CDC can provide helpful information and recommendations. Each recommendation is a personal choice at the discretion of the individual. Participants should consult with their physicians and make responsible decisions. It Is Written is not responsible for the results of any personal medical decisions.


Registration Information

Register Online

Payment Options

Full Payment Due Date: October 20, 2024

Pay online
 

Over the phone
Call 423-362-5822 to make a payment by debit/credit card

Mail a check to
It Is Written, Attn: Timor-Leste Mission Trip, P.O. Box 6, Chattanooga, TN, 37401