By Jane Moh
SIBU (Dec 14) — Over 10,000 people gathered for the Association of Churches in Sarawak (ACS) Sibu Christmas Parade 2024 tonight, marking a joyous and festive celebration of the season.
The atmosphere was vibrant as members of the public began assembling at Dataran Tun Tuanku Bujang Phase 1 as early as 5pm, eager to partake in the annual event.
Organised by the ACS Sibu branch with the Methodist Church as the hosting church, the parade commenced with an opening prayer by ACS Sibu chairman and St John’s Anglican Church vicar, Reverend Jose Jol.
The programme followed by hymns, scripture readings from various churches, and a Christmas message delivered by the organising chairman, Reverend Wong Tuong Toh of the Methodist Church.
In his message, he said the theme ‘Jesus is the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6)’ was chosen this year to promote peace.
“In this world, there is no peace and safety. We in Sibu may not feel it as we all live in peace and we thank God for this.
“But, there are wars in some parts of the world. Sometimes we also have conflicts with people and family members and sometimes, we fall into bad habits that affect our relationship with our family, so we need peace,” he said.
A poignant testimony followed from Simon Siew Yong Ee, 27, a former drug addict who shared how he rediscovered peace through faith.
He said out of curiosity, he started smoking at the age of nine, and then at age 10-years-old he started taking drugs, before stopped going to church and got married at age 17.
“Due to drugs, my relationship with my family members was broken. Then I got to know Jesus and my life changed.
“I was able to find forgiveness and peace. I stopped taking drugs and my relationship with God and my family members are good now,” he said.
Siew now dedicates his life to helping others struggling with addiction, assisting them in rebuilding their lives and mending family ties.
The event continued with an opening ceremony, a benediction, and a grand procession at 7pm.
The parade showcased 11 marching bands and 11 dazzling Christmas-themed floats, delighting the crowd.
Among those present were Sibu MP Oscar Ling, Bukit Assek assemblyman Joseph Chieng, Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) chairman Clarence Ting, Catholic Bishop of Sibu Right Reverend Bishop Joseph Hii, and Sarawak Iban Annual Conference president Reverend Bonnie Sedau.
 Sibu Christmas Parade 2024 tonight, marking a joyous and ...){kind=link}