KUCHING, Apr 24: The Methodist Crisis Relief and Development Agency of the Chinese Annual Conference (CAC) Malaysia has been spearheading the generous contributions from its members to assist those in need and the front liners throughout the country, said head of the Methodist Church in Malaysia Bishop Rev Dr Ong Hwai Teik.
“This has resulted in at least a total of RM1.2 mln worth of food, medical supplies and personal protection equipment have been distributed so far. The recipients are the poor that includes the migrants and the Orang Asli community, and multiple hospitals in Semenanjung, Sabah and Sarawak,” Rev Ong said in a statement here today.
Besides that, other initiatives of the Methodist Church include joining the efforts of the Council of Churches Malaysia in food distribution to the needy, at times in collaboration with a few MPs.
“We are thankful too that the prolonged Movement Control Order (MCO) has compelled us to a greater entry and usage of digital technology in the life and ministry of our churches. The Christian message of the alive, one true Almighty God we worship has never been more broadcasted and made accessible to various groups and segments of people,” he said.
Bishop Ong also acknowledged the sincere and diligent efforts by their pastors and church leaders in such endeavours and in having to carry out pastoral care and administration differently.
“Permission to celebrate the Holy Communion on line by authorised ministers and pastors had been granted recently; this must be done with reverence and orderliness as per the instructions of the officiating minister or pastor, in line with our Biblical and Wesleyan tradition.
“This will only be a temporary measure until we can meet again when social life returns to normal, and mass gatherings allowed. Our Annual Conferences will continue to suspend mass gatherings/Services in church for the month of May, until further notice,” he said.
Bishop Ong also urged the people to remain resolute and united, hopeful, calm and expectant and confidently trust the Good Shepherd through the “Covid-19 valley of the shadow of death”.
He also urged the people to continue giving their full support and cooperation for the frontliners in fighting the pandemic.
“Our hearts continue to esteem the sacrificial contributions of the frontline care givers and service providers from both the public and private sectors. We see this challenging season eliciting caring, compassionate and generous responses from Malaysians as we meet the needs of “the last, the least and the lost”.
“Together, we do not let our guard down, but press in for the victory that is for all of us,” added Bishop Ong.—DayakDaily
