Barnabas (right) and Jebamani (second from right) sharing a light moment with some of the pastors at the dinner.
Certificates and gifts were presented to 52 pastors during the Penang Tamil Council of Churches’ (PTCC) appreciation and thanksgiving dinner.
The event, which was held during a Christmas gathering, also saw some 75 guests attending the dinner held at Mantra Indian Cuisine Restaurant at Bayview Hotel Georgetown in Penang.
The guest of honour was Bishop Joseph Jebamani from Singapore.
A prayer and worship session was held before the start of the night’s programme.
PTCC chairman Rev Dawid Barnabas said this was the second year the event was being held.
He said the recognition was given to the pastors from 11 churches in Penang.
“It is a timely recognition of the work the pastors do and their contributions to society at large,” he said in his speech.
During dinner, children from the Crystal Family Home choir group entertained guests with two Christmas songs.
Barnabas, who is also Crystal Family Home director, said despite the challenges faced by the pastors, they continued to serve God’s flock with dedication, diligence and hard work.
Children from the Crystal Family Home choir singing Christmas songs at the gathering.
He also urged pastors and church members to put aside their differences and to work together in unity to serve God and to create a good impact for Penang and the country.
Meanwhile the council held its annual open house in Bandar Baru Air Itam, where it is based.
It also has regular community outreach activities, such as donations of rice, schoolbags and clothing to the needy.
They are also involved with conferences, prayer rallies and other Christian events organised by the state.
