- The Sabbath Year and Jubilee Year of the Nation:A crucial period
Background:
Malaya achieved independence on 31 August 1957 while Malaysia was formed on 16 September 1963. God has blessed our country with two jubilee celebrations: the first occurred in 2007, the second is due to take place in 2013.
The Jubilee Year of Malaysia begins on 16 September 2012 and ends on 15 September 2013. According to the calculation of the Jewish calendar, the Day of Atonement for Malaysia falls on 26 September 2012. As pastors and church leaders pray together with believers and confess all the sins the nation has committed over the past 49 years, God will pardon the nation and remember her sins no more. According to Leviticus 25, the Jubilee begins with the sounding of the trumpet. Both the land and the people will experience all kinds of freedom and release associated with the jubilee as they enter a new beginning.
The Sabbath year is the foundation of the Jubilee year. During this critical period, how do we enter the pre-destined will of the Father? How should the Malaysian Church prepare herself so that the glory God manifests at this time will be greater than that of the past?
Prayer:
▪ As we search the history of Malaysia to find out what and how we as a nation have sinned against the Lord, let us earnestly pray to confess and repent of the sins. This is so that we and our descendants can be prepared to enter the blessings God has predestined for our country.
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Updated/revised: September 2012
- General election of Malaysia:the 13th General Election
Background:
The 13th General Election is just round the corner, this election encompasses the House of Representatives and the thirteen state assemblies, there are altogether 222 parliamentary seats. Registered voters aged 21 years and above are eligible to vote, the candidates with the majority votes of the constituency they stand for will win a parliamentary seat. The political party that secures two-thirds or more parliamentary seats will be the ruling party. The Parliament is authorised to pass and amend laws and statutes, inspect national policies and authorise national expenditure and collect revenues.
Prayer:
▪ Please pray for a fair and peaceful election.
▪ Ask God to raise up those who please Him to assume key leadership positions in the government, to ensure justice, fairness, godliness and mutual respect for all in national policies and court decisions.
Updated September 2012
- Ecological and environmental issues in Malaysia: the Lynas factory and its repercussions
Background:
Our government’s approval for Lynas Corporation, an Australian firm, to set up a rare earth plant in Kuantan, Pahang has generated a great deal of controversies and international attention. Since the processing of rare earth produces radio-active wastes, the health of the residents nearby the plant is likely to be affected. The New York Times reported in 2011 that in view of the high price of rare earth in the market, the plant is estimated to bring in revenue of about RM500 million per year, which comprises 1% of Malaysia’s economic growth. However, several thousand tonnes of low radio-active wastes will be produced at the same time. The tragedy of Bukit MerahAsian Rare Earth Plant in the 1980’s, which has stirred up fears among Malaysians, serves as a warning to us.
Prayer:
▪ Please for the ecological and environmental conservation of Malaysia as well as the safety of the people.
▪ Pray that the government will consider the people’s welfare and the land in its long-term planning, and make wise decisions.
Updated September 2012
- Social issues: preserving Chinese cultural heritage in Jalan Sultan, Kuala Lumpur
Background:
There are many old streets, old shops, and associations rich in Chinese cultural characteristics and historical value around Jalan Sultan, inclusive of the China Town of Jalan Petaling and the Kuala Lumpur Baptist Church, the first Chinese church planted by Brethren missionaries in 1889 in this city.
Beginning from August 2011, newspapers have reported that to facilitate the development of Kuala Lumpur City and the mobility of land transports, the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) Corporation planned to build an underground line below Jalan Sultan. However, this plan will have grave and extensive repercussions, impacting the perpetuation of Chinese cultural heritage, livelihood of the vendors nearby and tourist industry. During this period, many concerned groups and organisations expressed a desire to dialogue with the government to explore solutions for the issues faced. However, the stand adopted by the government, the assurance of the MRT Corporation and the actions of the Land Office contradict each other. They seem bent on destroying the century old historical site, which has caused much anxiety to the people.
Prayer:
▪ Pray for a sense of cultural awareness and sincerity on the part of the government and the MRT Corporation.
▪ Pray for harmony and mutual respect to prevail within the democratic society of Malaysia, that there may be effective and peaceful resolutions.
Updated September 2012
- Issues related to the church: Freedom of religion
Background:
The Constitution of Malaysia guarantees religious freedom and rights to the people. This includes freedom of worship, freedom and right to read and obtain the Bible in any language. In April 2011, the government dealt with the issue of the Malay Bible in response to the Church. At the same time, the government admitted that further dialogue with Christian organisations is needed in order to resolve other outstanding issues. To date, we still face restrictions with regard to the construction of religious building and choice of words for religious use, which are yet to be resolved.
Prayer:
▪ Pray that we will be able to fully enjoy our constitutional right and freedom in religion soon.
▪ Continue to pray for the religious issues that are still unresolved. Pray for every dialogue and interaction between the government and church leaders, that the government will continue to listen to the collective voice of the Church and respond with due respect and sincerity.
Updated September 2012