KUCHING, Sept 18: One by one, they fell and lay on the floor after receiving the anointing of the Holy Spirit.
They were the church leaders from the different denominations who had been invited by Pastor Philip Mantofa to join him on stage at the second day of the Pentecostal Night on Sunday at the Jubilee Ground.
It was a rejuvenating and humbling experience for them.
Using his own handkerchief, the Surabaya-based pastor wiped the feet of the church leaders, from the archbishop to senior clergymen and pastors of local protestant churches, before they were slain by the Holy Spirit.
The practice of washing of feet was a sign and example of humility and love that has been observed by most mainline denominations on Maundy Thursday during the Holy Week leading to Easter.
Among the church leaders who received the anointing of the Holy Spirit were Archbishop Simon Poh of the Roman Catholic Church, Anglican Bishop Danald Jute and senior clergymen and pastors from the Methodist, Baptist, SIB and other local protestant churches.
Soon after getting up, they went down on their knees with their hands stretching out to glorify the Almighty, and many among them were in tears, in full view of the crowd.
Encouraged by the anointing of their respective church leaders and their act of humility, the 50,000-strong crowd raised their hands and sang in loud proclamation “Holy Spirit, my best friend”.
Christian unity won the day and the Holy Spirit was the unassailable power that brought the denominations together.— DayakDaily
