A thanksgiving service was held
on Sept 6, 2003 in the recently enlarged church sanctuary, with
the Rev Koo Tiong Ling, President of the Malaysian Chinese Methodist
Annual Conference, as preacher. Kampar Chinese MC donates anniversary funds to local schools
STORY AND PICTURE
BY GEORGE MARTZEN
THE joyful singing of former
members of Kampar Chinese Methodist Church was but one demonstration
of the multiplication of ministry in this 100-year-old congregation.
A thanksgiving service was held
on Sept 6, 2003 in the recently enlarged church sanctuary, with
the Rev Koo Tiong Ling, President of the Malaysian Chinese Methodist
Annual Conference, as preacher.
The service was followed by a charity dinner in the evening at
the Chung Huah Chinese Primary School. More than 800 people attended.
In fact, the community response was so great that many church
members had to give up their seats to those from the community.
The members of Kampar CMC, in Perak, Malaysia, decided to use
its 100th anniversary celebration on Sept 6 as an opportunity
for community service.
Former members of Kampar Chinese Methodist
Church raising their voices in praise of God.
Funds received at the dinner were donated to the local
schools, including the ACS Secondary (M$3,556.50, or about S$1,700)
and ACS Primary (M$3,586.50, or about S$1,733). The ACS, along
with all other schools in Malaysia, are government run. However,
local communities contribute to the upkeep of the facilities.
The Guest-of-Honour was the Malaysian Member of Parliament for
Kampar, Tan Sri Dato' Hew See Dong, JP.
The church donated more than M$53,000 (about S$26,000) to eight
local schools, including the local primary and secondary campuses
of the Anglo-Chinese School, which began the same year as the
Methodist congregation.
The church was formed in 1903, 200 years after the birth of John
Wesley. One of Wesley's main concerns was the quality education
of young people.
Throughout its 100 years the Kampar church has nurtured and sent
many into ministry. In recent decades 18 have gone on to theological
schools, including Trinity Theological College in Singapore, and
entered full or part-time ministry.
The Rev George Martzen is Minister Attached to the Bishop's Office.