KUCHING: The Association of Churches In Sarawak (ACS) is holding a “National Day Prayer Service 2017” at the Christian Ecumenical Worship Centre (CEWC), Jalan Stamping here this evening.
Members of the various Christian denominations are welcome to attend.
This year’s event is hosted the Seventh Day Adventist Church.
Organising Chairman Pastor Jacob Tupek of the Seventh Day Adventist Church expects 2,000 people to attend the service which will start at 7.30 pm.
The theme for this year’s event is “For Your Great Name’s Sake” inspired by Daniel 9:19.
The order of the service will feature different themes of scripture readings and prayers.
“The recitation of the Holy Scripture will be in English, Bahasa Malaysia, Kayan, Bidayuh Bukar-Sadong, Iban, Bidayuh Salako and Mandarin to signify that Churches are made up of different ethnic groups but united in one belief and one God.
“Prior to the readings of scriptures and prayers, the hoisting of Jalur Gemilang and State flag will be conducted by Deputy Chief Minister, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Anak Embas and Minister of Education, Science and Technological Research, Dato Sri Michael Manyin Anak Jawong, respectively,”said ACS Secretary General, Elder Ambrose Linang during press conference in CEWC at Jalan Stampin, yesterday.
During the service, representatives from the various churches will offer prayers for our King, leaders and country.
“We pray for our lawmakers and leaders in Malaysia and in Sarawak, that they will continue to work harmoniously in upholding our religious freedom now and in the future.
“We pray for strength and grace to forgive, accept and love one another as Jesus Christ has loved us and forgave us and accepted us. We pray for God’s healing and reconciliation power to help us to build a better nation and teach us to care for our land.
“We pray God’s Holy Spirit to empower our leaders with wisdom so that they shall administer our country to ensure there will always be peace and prosperity. There will be prayers for peace of the world including unity and harmony among all races and religions. The reflection would be shared by Pastor Denney Nebor of the Seventh Day Adventist Church,” Ambrose added.
A combined choir comprising members of different churches will lead the service. The benediction by heads of churches will be led by Rev. Dr. Lau Hui Ming representing Rev.Dr. Ting King Tai, President of Sarawak Chinese Methodist Church.
Ambrose said invitations have been extended to Christian members of the State Legislative Assembly and Parliament, heads of government departments and agencies. Invitations have also been extended to other faith groups such as Buddhist, Hindu, Sikh and Bahai.
“ACS calls upon all Christians in Kuching City to join in this prayer service to symbolise unity in our Lord. It is time again to pray for our beloved Sarawak and Malaysia for the spirit of goodwill to reclaim centre stage among all races of different beliefs and cultures,
“Let us not allow racial polarisation and religious extremism to destroy the fabric of our society which has been the main engine that has prospered Malaysia,” he said.
At the Commencement of the Service, members of the pathfinders would usher the Heads of Churches, Ministers and readers into the Main Hall and to assist in the hoisting of the Malaysia and Sarawak flags.
All ACS branches throughout the state would hold similar National Day Prayer Service at their respective branches.
