SIBU: More than 100 Christian faithfuls from various churches here attended the Easter Service, organised by the Association of Churches Sarawak (ACS) Sibu Branch at St John’s Anglican Church, Jalan Tun Abang Haji Openg, here on Monday (April 28).
This year’s service, themed ‘I Have Seen the Lord’, was hosted by St John’s Anglican Church, and featured participation from the Sarawak Iban Annual Conference Methodist, Sarawak Chinese Annual Conference Methodist, Roman Catholic, Anglican and Borneo Evangelical Mission (BEM) denominations.
The service was marked by scripture readings delivered by representatives of the participating churches, as well as the singing of sacred songs and praise.
It was conducted in four languages – English, Bahasa Malaysia, Iban and Chinese – to reflect the diversity of the Christian community here.
ACS Sibu Chairman, Venerable Archdeacon Jose Jol Endru, in his Easter message noted that the resurrection of Jesus Christ was fundamental to the Christian faith and the symbol of God’s victory over sin and death.
“It reminds us that Easter is not just a festival, but a way of life – a Christian-centred life, hope, forgiveness, love and spiritual reform,” he said in his speech read by his representative, Subdeacon Obed George Gomes, who is also the St John’s Anglican Church treasurer.
Archdeacon Jose Jol said Christians were also invited to reflect on the extraordinary love of God, to live their faith with real actions, and to continue to believe in the power of the resurrection despite the challenges of life such as suffering, doubt and moral collapse.
“The awakening of Christ gives meaning to suffering, paves the way for eternal life, and invites us to live in true joy and hope,” he added.
He added that the conclusion of Easter reminded Christians that Jesus lived, and therefore, they will also live and are called to be a witness to the light and love of God in a world of darkness.
The event ended with a banquet celebration.
