19 Feb 2014 by Donna Uning CM-
After the successful runs of the previous Gempuru Besai in the state, Sri Aman will be hosting the first Gempuru Besai Gerija Anglika at St Luke’s Church on March 28-29, 2014.
The speakers for the event will be the Archbishop of the Anglican Province of South East Asia and the Bishop of Kuching, the Most Reverend Datuk Bolly Lapok and Assistant Bishop of Kuching, the Right Reverend Aeries Sumping Jingan.
The theme of the inaugural gathering of Iban-speaking Anglicans is taken from Matthew 11:28, “Come to Me.”
According to the chairmen’s message, the Gempuru Besai Gerija Anglika is organized by Archdeaconry Lower South Sarawak and Central Sarawak. The chairmen are the Venerable Canon Chimbi Bunsie and Venerable Canon Nelson Ugas. This event covers the entire state of Sarawak and Brunei Darussalam.
“Previously, there had been other gempuru besai organized,” they stated. “And many of us have participated in these events.”
“In addition to this, things that have happened in our country now may have shaken our faith but with this gathering, the committee hoped to strengthen the faith of the people. We need to know the truth about things that are happening and things to come.”
Last year, the gempuru besai at the Borneo Convention Centre saw thousands of Christians from various Gempuru Besai zones including Kuching-Samarahan, Sri Aman-Betong, Sarikei, Sibu, Bintulu and Miri. Christians from all over the world also joined the gathering including those from Australia, China, Mongolia, Solomon Islands, Thailand, Indonesia, Korea, Taiwan, Philippines, Canada, and Singapore.
The year 2013 was the 16th meeting since it was first held at the Pan Borneo Convention, Sibu. The gathering is aimed to bring different levels of impact to the Iban-speaking community. Ps Greman Ujang Slat, Ps Tunggi Balan and other leaders founded the event with a vision to bring all the Iban-speaking people together and worship the King of Kings. The gempuru besai is an inter-denominational event with a mission to reach, touch and change the lives of the people and nation.
The organizers for the next event in Sri Aman are praying for the support from all parishes including the Diocese of Kuching, Sarawak and Brunei Darussalam. The gathering is conducted in Bahasa Iban.
For more information about accommodation and registration, please contact St Luke’s church, Sri Aman at tel/fax 083-320622 or email stluke_sa@yahoo.com. Registration is RM10 to be paid before February 28, 2014.
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