Robert (third right) officiates at the launch of the ‘5 Program Utama Gereja Yang Sihat’ at BEM Glory Permy yesterday, accompanied by Rosmaida (second left) and Justin (left) and other dignitaries.
MIRI: State Legislative Assembly Deputy Speaker Datuk Gerawat Gala yesterday launched the ‘5 Program Utama Gereja Yang Sihat’, a book that enlists the five functions of a healthy church.
The 189-page book in Bahasa Malysia published by Pustaka Putera Kenyalang this year was authored by Pastor Rosmaida Sianigar and husband Rev Datuk Dr Justin Wan, who is the president of Borneo Evangelical Mission (BEM) and chairman of Association of Churches Sarawak (ACS).
“It enlists and describes the five functions of a healthy church – evangelism, discipleship, fellowship, ministry and worship. It also aims at encouraging the faithful to get actively involved in church activities and programmes and reminds them of their responsibilities as Christians,” Rosmaida told The Borneo Post at the launching ceremony held at BEM Glory Permy near Bandar Baru Permyjaya here yesterday).
Rosmaida, who has been serving in local BEM-SIB churches since 2000 until now, revealed that this was her third Christ-centred book. Her other books titled ‘Wanita Terpuji’ and ‘Lelaki Terpuji’ were published in 2012 and 2014 respectively.
“I am looking at publishing one book in every two or three years,” said Rosmaida, adding that she sells her books to churches around Sarawak and Sabah.
Due to the increasing cost of publishing, Rosmaida hopes that more individuals will come and assist in turning her dream into reality.
She also requested Gerawat to offer monetary aid of about RM10,000 for that purpose.
Gerawat commended the couple for their persistence and success in writing and publishing the book.
“In this book, the couple has shared with us the five important programmes that should be recognised and practised by churches and church leaders if we want our church to progress and develop physically and spiritually,” the Mulu assemblyman said.
Gerawat believes that church leaders and members will benefit greatly by reading the book.
“The couple deserves our appreciation for documenting the revelation they gained through God’s word and their years of experience serving God as pastors and church leaders so that all of us can read the book and be inspired and learn from their experience.
“I trust that through this book many churches will be blessed and transformed to become salt and light to the communities around them,” he added.
Gerawat bought 50 copies of the book as a sign of support to the couple.
He was represented by political secretary to the chief minister Datuk Robert Laing at the event.