2 April 2013 by Natasha Kim CM –
Easter is celebrated all over the world, though not everyone knows the story behind the joyous holiday. The past weekend, thousands of people from all walks of life headed over to the recently-completed Calvary Convention Centre (CCC) at Bukit Jalil. They wanted to have their first look at the interior and to experience the true meaning of Easter! I was one of those people who was privileged enough to experience their Easter musical called, Heaven & Earth Rejoice! Associate Pastor Christopher Lee shared, “It is our way of showing that we greatly value family-bonding, by providing wholesome entertainment for families.”
Calvary Church of Damansara Heights, Kuala Lumpur is a well-established church recognized for its contribution toward building a positive society in a multi-cultural and multi-racial country. For the past 27 years, Calvary Church has been presenting the city of Kuala Lumpur with musicals on Easter and Christmas. This time it was different because it was the very first time that they didn’t have to use a rented venue. In preparation for Heaven & Earth Rejoice!, and to raise awareness of the completion of the CCC to the surrounding neighbourhoods, Calvary held an event on the 16th of March, 2013 called Operation Saturation. The aim of this event was to distribute a musical handbill and a CCC leaflet to thousands of homes within 5km of the CCC in Bukit Jalil. Over 300 volunteers participated.
On this joyous day at the CCC, many enjoyed their meals at the cafeteria area while some others stood at the souvenir booths while waiting for the event to begin. When the doors finally opened up, visitors entered the vast Auditorium and took their seats. After the lively praise and worship session, the main lights dimmed and the spotlights shined as the musical began. ‘Heaven & Earth Rejoice!’ depicts the historical story of Jesus Christ and his life on earth from the majestic throne of heaven, to the manger in Bethlehem, to the streets of Jerusalem and to the cross on Golgotha. The musical showcased the perennial Easter story through impressive staging designs, heart-warming songs and captivating dances.
The musical featured songs packed with uplifting melodies such as ‘Go Change The World’, ‘Trust His Heart’ and ‘Glory Glory!’. The presentation was an adaptation of the original musicals “From Heaven’s Throne” and “Let All Heaven Rejoice” created by the renowned composer & arranger, David T. Clydesdale. The 270-strong cast of actors, singers and dancers brought the timeless story alive in the CCC’s 5,000-seater auditorium.
Before the musical finale, Rev. Tan Sri Prince Guneratnam, Senior Pastor of Calvary Church delivered a hope-filled message to help the audience understand how the Easter Story is relevant to us today. He was absolutely thrilled about their new facility! He shared that, “There would be no Good Friday or Easter if there was no Christmas and that’s why we began with a Christmas story.” It’s a puzzle to many who question “Why must he die if he is God’s son?” He did no wrong; he was sinless, righteous and helped everyone.
“Whenever Jesus tells a story, listen, there’s a meaning, there’s a moral lesson, a spiritual truth.” he said. Matthew Chapter 18 tells a story of mankind’s debt, that we all have a debt that we owe. The Bible says that Jesus came to pay that debt.
Romans 6:23 – For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
We have all sinned and made mistakes and there’s no other way to escape that’s why John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” This allows us to have a new start in life, a start that gives us all hope and a life with purpose. His sermon touched many people and reminded many of the true meaning of Easter. Many left with hope and smiles, more appreciative of the life they have because of Jesus who saved us all.
For those who missed it, you can still visit the CCC as they will be having services there every Sunday from 9.00 a.m. with simultaneous interpretation into Cantonese and Bahasa Malaysia. For now only a few rooms are open such as the children’s nursery, the baby room, and the Auditorium. Other parts of CCC are still yet to be completed as they are waiting for more furnishings to come in. Finally, for those who want to get there, the location is easily accessible through a network of highways and by STAR-LRT.
Footnote
– Calvary is actively involved in humanitarian causes, having provided support and financial assistance to 18 countries that have been affected by natural disasters, outbreak of diseases and wars. Their contributions to society include counselling services, visitations to the elderly and the disabled and feeding programs to the homeless. Recently they established a community welfare project called “Calvaryland” where the aged, orphaned and those marginalized by society will be cared for and housed in a 10-acre facility in Sepang.
For more information please visit http://www.calvary.org.my/
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