Overseas Missions

In the very beginning, when darkness covered the deep, God did not negotiate with the darkness—He spoke light into it. “And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.” From the opening words of Scripture, light is revealed as God’s answer to chaos, emptiness, and despair. Light is not merely illumination; it is the very presence and Word of

God moving into places where hope seems absent.

In 2026, the Overseas Missions Department of the United Pentecostal Church of Australia embraces the theme Light for the Nations. We live in a world much like Genesis 1. Confused, broken, and spiritually without form. Entire nations remain without the transforming truth of Jesus Christ. Yet God’s solution has not changed. Then, as now, He says, “You are the light of the world.”

Jesus spoke those words and entrusted His Church with a divine calling. Not to curse the darkness, but to carry His light into it. When the light of Jesus Christ shines through His people, lives are changed, communities are restored, and nations are reached.

Our focus remains especially on regions where the gospel light is still faint, such as Timor-Leste and Indonesia. These fields represent millions who have yet to encounter the full truth and power of the gospel of Jesus Christ. The growing darkness in our world is not evidence of defeat; it is the very reason the Church must shine brighter.

Light is a wave and is always moving. That is why the gospel begins with “Go”. Missions is not optional, it is the natural overflow of a Spirit-filled life. Through prayer, giving, and obedience, we become part of God’s ongoing answer to the world’s deepest need.

In 2026, we invite the entire church to participate in this calling. Through faithful prayer and sacrificial financial support, you can help ensure that the light of Jesus Christ continues to shine…. clearly, boldly, and powerfully…. for the nations.

STEP INTO THE MISSION
GIVE, PRAY, GO
Your Role in Reaching the Nations

Why Your Giving Matters

Every time you give to Overseas Missions through your local church, you are stepping into the mission with us. You are sending preachers. You are building churches. You are empowering local believers. You are reaching the lost.

And what an impact we are already making — together.

What Your Giving Is Doing

With your support and God’s grace, here are just a few ways your giving has made a difference:

In Timor-Leste, where we’ve laboured faithfully for 20 years, we’re seeing record numbers of baptisms and people filled with the Holy Spirit. Preaching points are growing. New leaders are being trained. The church is expanding!
We are building a residential Bible college in the village of Afolacai in Timor-Leste where a significant portion of land was donated to the church. This will become a central place to prepare future pastors and teachers to carry the Gospel to every corner of the nation.
We are recording Bible school material in Tetun, the heart language of Timor-Leste, helping believers grow deeper in the Word of God.
Teams of ministers are being sent regularly to preach, teach, and encourage the local churches in Timor-Leste, Indonesia and other areas of our region.
We have been able to assist in purchasing three churches (including land) on the island of Sumba in Indonesia. For the first time, the United Pentecostal Church of Indonesia now has a presence on this island, a powerful step forward for the Gospel in this region.
We continue to support the United Pentecostal Church of Indonesia in training and raising up leaders.
We provide compassionate aid to nations in our region during times of hardship.
And in Papua New Guinea, we celebrate the work of Brother and Sister Meijer, who spent 12 months supporting the Bible School and the national church while Missionary Richard Carver and his family were on deputation.

These victories are possible because you have given. And there is still more to do

How You Can Step Into the Mission

1. Give Faithfully Through Your Local Church

We encourage every member to set aside a regular offering for Overseas Missions. Whether it’s weekly, fortnightly, or monthly, your consistent giving makes a real and lasting difference. Talk to your pastor or local church leader about how to designate your giving. No amount is too small — every dollar is a seed sown into eternity. There is never a “down turn” in God’s economy!

2. Pray Without Ceasing

Revival begins in prayer. Pray for the nations, for our missionaries, and for the churches being planted. Lift up Timor-Leste, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea. Pray for protection, provision, and an outpouring of the Spirit.

3. Celebrate the Mission

When you hear mission reports in church — celebrate them! These are your victories too. Share them. Rejoice in them. And know that you are part of something eternal.

Will You Step Into the Mission?

Jesus said He came to “seek and save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10). That mission is now ours. We are His body on earth, and we are called to reach the unreached, love the unloved, and carry the Gospel to the ends of the earth.

Let us not watch from the sidelines. Let us give, pray, and, if called, go. Let us step into the mission — together.

You are blessed to be a blessing. Through your local church, your giving can touch nations.

Will you give faithfully to Overseas Missions in 2025?

Let’s be the beautiful feet that bring good news.

In Christ,

Jonathan Downs

Director of the Overseas Missions Department

United Pentecostal Church of Australia