Tuesday August 30, 2005
Christians hold prayer session
BY FREDERICK FERNANDEZ
KUALA LUMPUR: About 1,500 Christians from 300 evangelical churches and Christian organisations in the country gathered for a special session to pray for the continued peace, harmony and prosperity of Malaysia and for its people.
The Merdeka Prayer Rally began with the singing of the Negaraku, followed by a procession of flag-bearers carrying the Malaysian flag and the flags of the 13 states and the Federal Territory.
The event, organised by the National Evangelical Christian Fellowship Malaysia (NECF), was held at Dewan Wawasan in Menara PGRM on Sunday night.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Dr Maximus Ongkili, who was picked by the Cabinet to represent the Government at the function, said it was encouraging to see religious organisations holding special prayer sessions in conjunction with National Day.
“Apart from thanking God for the many blessings we have enjoyed, we must pray for the continued growth of the country and for the people to always live in peace and harmony,” Dr Ongkili said.
He also thanked the children, youths and adults who fasted and prayed for 40 days for Malaysia to be blessed with leaders who would propel the country to greater heights.
Dr Ongkili said the Government understood the sensitivities of the various races and religions in the country and that was why Cabinet decisions were made based on consensus.
”The Government appreciates the role played by the NECF in holding this special prayer session for Christians to pray together for the county, its leaders and its people in conjunction with our 48th Independence Day this year,” he said.
NECF secretary-general Rev Wong Kim Kong said the rally this time was extra special as 90,000 Christians in the country were involved in praise and worship sessions for 24 hours throughout the 40 days leading to Aug 31.
Wong said the sessions also included special prayers for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, and for the speedy recovery of his wife Datin Seri Endon Mahmood, currently undergoing breast cancer treatment in the United States.
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