AS East Timor prepares for full independence tomorrow (Monday), it is worth remembering that our new near neighbours will still need both material and prayerful assistance for many years to come.
The people whom Australians took into their hearts when East Timor voted to break away from Indonesian rule in 1999 are entering a new era which is fraught with hardships.
East Timor will be the poorest country in Asia, a sign of the difficult work ahead to create a viable independent future.
The advantage that the East Timorese have is that they are prepared to make something of themselves.
The opportunity for real change lies with the young people of East Timor. They are this fledgling nation’s future hope.
