“I have heard about your faith” (Ephesians 1:15)
By Ivy Chai
KUCHING — The Association of Churches in Sarawak (ACS) comprising the Roman Catholic, Anglican, Seventh Day Adventist, Salvation Army, Borneo Evangelical (SIB), and associate member Baptist Church, organised a World Day of Prayer (WDP) on 3 March 2023.
This year the Service, held at the Mater Domini Auditorium, ACCPC Kuching, was hosted by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Kuching Ladies Guild.
The annual event is important to the women as they are from different race, culture and traditions coming together to pledge the purpose of WDP:
- It affirms our faith
World Day of Prayer affirms our belief and faith in Christ and humanity. It is a day to remind us that good things happen when people come together for a cause. - Encourages us to be of service
World Day of Prayer makes us aware of our goodness. It encourages us to serve humanity and help those in need. - It creates a sense of belonging
Praying together, especially on World Day of Prayer makes us feel like we are a part of a community. It instils a sense of belonging.
The World Day of Prayer was graced by ACS Chairman Catholic Archbishop Dr Simon Poh.
Light refreshment was served before the Service commenced with a Welcome Speech by Puan Alau Buaye, ACS Women’s Chairperson. This was followed by an opening hymn, interspersed with commitment prayers and meaningful hymns.
Fr Galvin Richard Ngumbang, in his reflection after a reading from the Letter of St Paul to the Ephesians (1:15-19), called on the women to “tell the stories of faith that transform lives,” and to make that a mission.
The Commissioning prayer preceded the handing over to next year’s organiser, the Seventh Day Adventist by Margaret Francis, chairlady of the Catholic Archdiocese of Kuching Ladies Guild.
After the presentation of mementos, closing Benediction by Fr Mark Bonchol and a final hymn, Archbishop Simon Poh concluded the World Day of Prayer 2023 by giving the final blessings to the women present at WDP.
