UNITED: Leaders from various churches in Sibu praying together for the country.
SIBU: For the first time here, about 200 Christians participated in a Malaysia Day combined prayer service at St Mary’s of Divine Mercy church yesterday.
The service organised by the Association of Churches of Sarawak (ACS), Sibu Branch was celebrated with the theme ‘1Malaysia – Rising Above The Storm’.
Hosted by the Roman Catholic Church, the prayer meeting was attended by church leaders and parishioners from various churches including the Anglican church, Methodist church and the Borneo Evangelical Mission.
The service commenced with the singing of national and state anthem followed by the opening address and prayer by the chairman of the ACS and organising chairman, Reverend Father Ferdinand Vergeer from the Catholic Church.
The Convenant Community and St Mary’s Youth Choir then led the congregation with songs of praise and worship.
The representative from the Anglican church read Scripture in Iban, the Methodist in Chinese, Catholic in English and BEM in Bahasa Malaysia.
Fransiscan Friar Father John Anandan from the Catholic church delivered the Malaysia Day message.
In his address, he said every leader, regardless of race or religion was sent and tasked by God to lead the country and maintain peace and harmony among its people.
He emphasised on the importance of unity and honesty by both citizens and leaders of the country in doing their everyday task.
He also said as citizens, the people had the obligation to question the leaders if they failed in their task.
However, he said that Christians ought to be sensitive and cooperative towards the efforts of the government in serving the well being of its people.
He pointed out that as Christian they were to love other people as well.
After the address, the service was followed by prayers for various items including forgiveness, the nation and its leaders, the development of Sarawak and specifically Sibu, schools, youth, unity of the churches and church leaders and the needs of the world and world leaders.
Present at the meeting was also the Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) Deputy Chairman, Daniel Ngieng.
SIBU: For the first time here, about 200 Christians participated in a Malaysia Day combined prayer service at St Mary’s of Divine Mercy Church yesterday.
The service organised by the Association of Churches of Sarawak (ACS), Sibu Branch was celebrated with the theme ‘1Malaysia – Rising Above The Storm’.
Hosted by the Roman Catholic Church, the prayer meeting was attended by church leaders and parishioners from various churches including the Anglican Church, Methodist Church and the Borneo Evangelical Mission.
The service commenced with the singing of national and state anthem followed by the opening address and prayer by the chairman of the ACS and organising chairman, Reverend Father Ferdinand Vergeer from the Catholic Church.
The Convenant Community and St Mary’s Youth Choir then led the congregation with songs of praise and worship.
The representative from the Anglican Church read Scripture in Iban, the Methodist in Chinese, Catholic in English and BEM in Bahasa Malaysia.
Fransiscan Friar Father John Anandan from the Catholic Church delivered the Malaysia Day message.
In his address, he said every leader, regardless of race or religion was sent and tasked by God to lead the country and maintain peace and harmony among its people.
He emphasised on the importance of unity and honesty by both citizens and leaders of the country in doing their everyday task.
He also said as citizens, the people had the obligation to question the leaders if they failed in their task.
However, he said that Christians ought to be sensitive and cooperative towards the efforts of the government in serving the well being of its people.
He pointed out that as Christian they were to love other people as well.
After the address, the service was followed by prayers for various items including forgiveness, the nation and its leaders, the development of Sarawak and specifically Sibu, schools, youth, unity of the churches and church leaders and the needs of the world and world leaders.
Present at the meeting was also the Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) deputy chairman Daniel Ngieng.