In April 2021, Cyclone Seroja struck Timor Island, resulting in tragic loss of life and widespread homelessness. The cyclone caused extensive damage, destroying bridges, roads, houses, and entire communities.

In response, we are partnering once again with TMC Indonesia to launch a bold initiative called Homes of Love. Beyond immediate relief, we are committed to providing ongoing support, ensuring these families have safe and secure homes. Our goal is to rehabilitate damaged houses and build new ones, aiming to assist over 80 families.  

Through Project 57 we are rehabilitating 10 houses in Toineke and Pusu villages through local leaders and construction businesses. For just $1,500 you can help rebuild a families home! 

Join us in making a difference, helping these families rebuild their homes, hearts, and hope. 

Through Project 57 we are rehabilitating 10 houses in Toineke and Pusu villages through local leaders and construction businesses. In April 2021, Cyclone Seroja struck Indonesia, resulting in tragic loss of life and widespread homelessness. The cyclone caused extensive damage, destroying bridges, roads, houses, and entire communities.

















Teas, Timor Indonesia

TMC Indonesia

Homes of Love - Toineke & Pusu, Indonesia

Imanuel Tse's life changed forever when Cyclone Seroja struck. He recounts when the storm hit and the experience of rebuilding his family's life: "When the cyclone hit, my family and I were very scared of the strong winds and our house collapsing. At that time, my family and I did not evacuate because we didn't want to leave our home. During this time many thieves took advantage of the situation and robbed homes when people left.  

Our house was damaged but did not collapse; only our fields were destroyed by the storm. We didn't receive any help from the government, and we still don't know why. I praise God we still had the blessing of a small kiosk where I sold items to buy food for my family. We are so grateful that our family was included in the list of people who received housing assistance from Mite! We are excited to build a new home."

Rebuilding with Resilience - Imanuel Tse's Story

Did you know Indonesia is one of the world's largest producers and exporters of rubber, coffee, cocoa, palm oil, rice, and spices? 
It's truly incredible for a country 5 times smaller than the US! But there's a hidden story behind these thriving industries that we learned when visiting the families impacted by Cyclone Seroja. 

Life for these farmers takes an unpredictable turn when tropical storms sweep through their lands. The devastation is heart-wrenching — homes demolished, plantations wiped out, and livelihoods hanging by a thread. They found themselves at a crossroads, torn between rebuilding their lives and preserving their means of survival.

Our team and partners took this delicate situation to heart during the reconstruction program because each family actively participates in building their new home. This meant that at certain times construction work halted for a brief time, extending the timeline as the farmers needed to focus on getting their crops up and running again. 

Despite this situation, the program has moved forward. Today, farmers can fully concentrate on their livelihood, knowing their homes and families are cared for.

Farmers' Journey Through Challenges in Indonesia

The Mite giving community rebuilt a new home of love for Yediton and his family:

My wife and I work as church pastors at one of the local churches. We have two children, and our income comes from pastoral work and cultivating vegetables from seasonal crops like asem and kemiri (candle nuts).

When Cyclone Seroja struck, it filled my family with great fear. We were terrified that our home might collapse due to its precarious state. During the cyclone, we sought refuge at the nearby church. Thankfully, we only stayed at the church for a few days, and our house, by God's grace, didn't collapse entirely. 

I am grateful for the help we received from Mite, which finally enabled us to build a new  home. We also received assistance from the government and the church, which helped us to cope and clean up our fields to prepare for planting again.

I am grateful that we also received support to build a water well so we can access clean water easily. Despite the terrifying experience during the cyclone, the aid and support we received have been crucial in helping us endure and rebuild our lives.

Meet Pastor Yediton Lakapu

My wife and I are church workers at one of the GMIT churches. We have two children, and our income comes from our work as Kosters. In addition, I also earn some seasonal income from small crops.

When Cyclone Seroja struck, we were terrified because of the precarious state of our home. During the cyclone, we sought refuge at the nearby church since our house was close to it. Thankfully, we only stayed at the church for a few days, and our house, by God's grace, didn't collapse entirely. 

I am grateful for the help we received from Mite, which enabled us to finally build a new and more suitable home. Our old house was in dire condition before this blessing. We also received assistance from the government and the church, which helped us to cope with the situation. With their help, we were able to endured and clean up our fields to prepare for planting again. Despite the terrifying experience during the cyclone, the aid and support we received have been crucial in helping us to endure and rebuild our lives.

Yediton Lakapu’s story

Thanks to your incredible support, the Homes of Love project is making remarkable progress, with new homes going up ahead of schedule. This is an exciting development as it means the villagers of Toineke & Pusu will soon be settling into their new homes, replacing the makeshift shacks they've been living in since the disaster.

Take 59-year-old widow Kacina Tenis, for instance. She was actually living in a leaf hut. Marginalized by society and scared to meet people, Kacina has been struggling with her mental health for several years. But recently, she received her new house from Mite, and her mental health has done a complete 180. She feels safe and proud in her home and has become much more sociable and less depressed. Stories like this keep us motivated to share the joy of safety, belonging, and happiness.  

We’re building with lightning speed ⚡ 

Meet Sandy — beyond being a loyal husband, devoted father, and respected pastor, he is a dedicated community leader and champion for helping your neighbor. 

Our team recently met Sandy during their infield visit, and unanimously agreed he is the smiliest and most positive person they've ever crossed paths with. 

Soe, Indonesia, isn't just a place for Sandy; it's his home, and he has played a pivotal role in bringing about significant changes within the community.  One standout accomplishment?  His hands-on involvement in rebuilding homes for our Homes of Love program. With over two years of collaboration with Mite, Sandy has been the driving force behind the success of all our home rebuilding projects.

Here's to Sandy—the man who not only talks the talk but walks the walk! 

Meet Sandy: The Man Who Gets Things Done!

In 2022, we called on you and began our largest undertaking yet by rebuilding 90 families' homes. We are thrilled to share that, after two years of dedication, our Homes of Love program is an incredible success. 

Ninety families now have a place to call home, a sanctuary where they are rebuilding their lives once more because of your generosity, our partners' perseverance, and God’s goodness.

We believe our partner put it best when they stated that home is a place of safety and peace — a symbol for miracles. Let’s celebrate what we accomplished together through building Homes of Love! 

Project 57: Homes of Love - Toineke & Pusu, Indonesia

Project 57: Homes of Love - Toineke & Pusu, Indonesia