By Jason Santos
KOTA KINABALU — The Walk for Jesus, a biannual event jointly organised by the Prisons Fellowship of Sabah and the Sabah Council of Churches, saw a turnout of approximately 3,000 faithful congregants who gathered in unity to offer prayers for the nation.
The event, which had been on a two-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic, made a triumphant return.
Organisers orchestrated simultaneous events across 23 districts in Sabah, all under the banner of “Maranatha.”
They anticipated the participation of roughly 24,000 individuals from diverse regions within the state.
Archbishop Datuk Melter Jiki Tais, President of the Sabah Council of Churches, said that the Walk for Jesus aimed to inspire Christian communities in Sabah to collectively pray for the unity and welfare of their city, state and Malaysia.
“I believe this is our moral duty,” he said.
“It is heartening to witness Christians from various denominations come together in prayer for our city, state and country,” he added.
Also present was Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister Datuk Abidin Madingkir, representing the chief minister, during the walk.
Originating in 1999, the Walk for Jesus has steadily gained popularity among congregations, evolving into a biennial tradition.
For participant Steve Johnny, the walk transcends religious boundaries and is also seen as an ideal family-oriented program.
It offers respite from the digital world – a rare opportunity to detach from the allure of gadgets and the internet, he said.
“After two years of the pandemic, this is a wonderful chance for children to join their parents, stepping away from the constant distractions of our modern age.”
He further stated that this event had the power to unite Christian communities, fostering a sense of togetherness that transcended denominational lines.
The walk started from Padang Merdeka, with the participants taking a 4-km walk around the Kota Kinabalu central business area and ending back at Padang Merdeka.
