Robert (fifth left) joins Thomas on his left and other YMCA Sibu members in lighting the candle to mark the start of the event.
SIBU: The Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) Sibu is ready to help the Christians from the rural areas, who are working or staying in the urban centres.
YMCA Sibu vice president Robert Lau Hui Yew observes that there are many Christians who have moved out of their rural homes to work and stay in the town.
“These are the people whom our society has, in a way, left out. Many of them are our local native friends from the longhouses. They are our brothers and sisters in Christ. The Christian faith is instilled in them when they’re in the longhouses but upon coming to town, I think a lot of them have gotten ‘lost’ – unsure of where to go and who to associate with,” he spoke during the ‘Carolling by Candlelight’ event run by YMCA Sibu at the Chuang Corridor here on Sunday.
Robert, who is also Sibu Rural District Council (SRDC)’s deputy chairman, said the urban Christians should reach out to these ‘brethren from the rural areas, and welcome them’.
“Only then can we live up to our true principle of living a Christian life,” he said.
According to Robert, YMCA Sibu is ‘non-denominational’ – meaning it is not associated with any particular Christian denomination.
“We are open to all Christians – regardless of denomination. In fact, some of our activities have attracted non-Christians as well,” he added.
YMCA Sibu vice-president Kapitan Datuk Janet Lau was also present at the function. Activities held included a Christmas message delivered by Rev Thomas Lau and stage performances by the children from Yakin Diri Kindergarten and members of various churches.