With exactly a month to go, the Adventist Church in Malaysia (MAUM) buckles up for the very first event of its kind, “Hope for Malaysia.”
As the country climbs out of the pandemic rut, there is a blaring silent cry for help, healing, restoration, and recovery. In efforts to rebuild, MAUM leaders respond by launching an outreach series, “Hope for Malaysia,” to bring people together in united worship with the theme “Revelation of Hope.” Pastor Abel Bana, MAUM President, shared, “The ‘Revelation of Hope’ is an urgent and impactful initiative to prepare people for the second coming of Christ. The time is short. So let us be very intentional with our actions, for they may have eternal consequences.”
With fifteen speakers at thirteen locations across the country, the series kicks off on August 18 to 26 with nightly sessions within the three missions of Malaysia. The initiative is a collaborative effort with the Southern Asia-Pacific Division (SSD) and Adventist World Radio (AWR). Speakers from the North American Division (NAD) and SSD will be coming in. SSD president Pastor Roger Caderma is expected to speak at Kuching, Sarawak.
“Hope for Malaysia” is spearheaded by the Ministerial Association and the NDR-IEL (Nurture, Discipleship, Reclamation, Integrated Evangelism Lifestyle) ministry. When asked about the groundwork and preparation for the event, Pastor Francis Amer, MAUM Ministerial Director, reported that training programs and seminars were conducted in many churches around Malaysia earlier this year. Local churches established care groups and prayer circles or prayer bands who came together, praying for the plans, preparations, and the leading and guidance of the Holy Spirit to intervene as people are reached. He continued, “The truth still makes an impact, but the greatest challenge is to get people to ‘want’ a change because people are comfortable. They feel they do not need to change their beliefs.”
Hundreds of people are expected to attend the meetings. Pastor Nelson Bendah, MAUM Executive Secretary, said, “It is our hope that more souls are brought to Christ and that the Advent message will reach all corners of the nation.” Malaysia has a population of more than 33 million and a total of 61,302 baptised members. The ratio of baptized Adventist members to its population estimated 1 out of every 538 people. “It is not easy. But with God on our side and with prayers, the work will move forward,” he concluded.
Pray with us for the “Hope for Malaysia” evangelism.
Hazel Wanda Ginajil-Gara, MAUM Communication Department