Long-awaited event
to be a blessing to Hakkas

By ALVIN HOI

MARK your calendars. The long-awaited Hakka Blessings event is going to be held at Hakka Methodist Church in Evelyn Road, off Newton Road, on Aug 26 from 5 pm to 7.30 pm.


For years, Gospel rallies in various dialects have been held, except in Hakka.


A combined effort by different churches from the Chinese Annual Conference (CAC), and churches from other denominations, the event is set to bring the Gospel to the Hakka-speaking community in their own language.


It will begin with praise and worship, to be followed by a message by the Rev Wen Yong Shen, a Hakka preacher from Taiwan.


After that, everyone will proceed to the church's multi-purpose hall where Hakka food will be served. There will be some programmes and games as well. A Hakka choir has been specially formed to sing for the occasion.


Preparations for this Gospel Rally began in January 2006 with a committee comprising CAC pastors, a Trinity Annual Conference (TRAC) pastor, Hakka Methodist Church members, Bukit Panjang Methodist Church members, a Women's Society of Christian Service representative, a Trinity Theological College lecturer, Baptist Church pastors and Newton Life Church representatives. This was the nucleus of the Hakka Ministry.


A common vision of the committee is to share the good news of Jesus Christ to unchurched Hakka friends and relatives.


Expecting to see at least 300 people, the committee hopes that all brothers and sisters-in-Christ will grasp this opportunity to bring their Hakka friends and relatives to the Hakka Blessings event.


Those interested in attending can call Hakka Methodist Church at tel: 6256-2225 to register. Registration and a dinner coupon will cost $5.


The Rev Chin Yan Chong, Assistant Pastor of Hakka Methodist Church, said: "We have faith that God is going to bless the Hakkas in Singapore in a special way."

Alvin Hoi is a member of Kum Yan Methodist Church.