Gerawat (fifth left) and Andy (on his right) touch a crystal ball to symbolically launch the Christmas for All at Borneo Evangelical Mission (BEM) On the Rock church last Sunday (Nov 19) while other distinguished guests look on.
Energetic dance performance by the youths of BEM On the Rock.
BEM On the Rock church members depict the tale of the birth of Jesus Christ and the significance of Christmas.
Cooks ready to serve the guests with various mouth-watering delicacies during the CFA Open House.
MIRI: It was a joyous celebration in the spirit of Christmas at ‘Christmas for All’ (CFA2017) organised by Borneo Evangelical Mission (BEM) On the Rock church here last weekend.
The two-day annual pre-Christmas event themed ‘O Come, Let Us Adore Him’ featured various exciting programmes with the highlight being the Christmas open house on Sunday afternoon.
The 9th CFA was officiated by State Legislative Assembly Deputy Speaker Datuk Gerawat Gala.
Gerawat expressed his joy and commended the organising committee for bringing together people from all walks of life, especially the younger generation.
“Christmas for All serves as a great platform to spread the gospel message of salvation in Jesus Christ. It is a way for us to reach to the community around us and at the same time promote peace and goodwill,” the Mulu assemblyman said.
Gerawat shared that this year the state government has allocated RM15 million for the newly established Unit for Other Religions (Unifor) to help various non-Islamic religious bodies statewide in funding buildings and repairs.
The needs of BEM On the Rock include the building of the church’s preschool which will be forwarded to Unifor soon, he said.
“The preschool project is something that is very important as we want to educate and safeguard our children’s virtues both in the material and spiritual aspects.”
The proposed project is estimated to cost some RM80,000 and during the event, Gerawat announced an allocation of RM35,000 from his MRP fund for the project.
Meanwhile, BEM On the Rock senior pastor Andy Anyi said the event provided an opportunity for the church members here to celebrate the festive season together before the school holidays when most would go back to their villages.
“It is hoped that this event would further strengthen ties among the Christian community here and helps foster racial and religious harmony in our community,” he said.
At the event, Andy presented financial aid from the church to the Miri Association of Parents with Special Children (Pibakis).
The activities held during the two-day event include a Christmas concert with dancing, acting and singing by the faithful.
Pibakis Miri chairman Yeao Kian Yong, Telang Usan Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Youth wing chairman Cr Dominic Nyurang were among those present.