Additionally, participants at the nationwide rallies were also burdened to pray for ‘pastor unity’ – that pastors of different churches in the same localities will desire to work together to reach out to their communities. The unity theme was extended when participants prayed for a stronger bond between pastors and their congregations. Arising from these prayers on unity was a sense of hope and expectation that God will move the hearts of His people in this direction.
The rallies, a yearly prayer event organised by NECF Malaysia in partnership with local churches, were simultaneously held in 18 towns across 13 states following the 40-day nationwide Fast and Prayer.
In KUALA LUMPUR, about 2,000 Christians opened the rally at Menara PGRM with the national anthem Negara Ku followed by a time of praise and worship led by Praise City Church.
The night’s message was delivered by Dr Dick Eastman, founder of Every Home for Christ. He shared on the role of prayer in accelerating the preaching of the Gospel globally. In recent years, prayer evangelism has helped to usher multitudes into the Kingdom as intercessors work alongside evangelists in proclaiming the Gospel.
Dr Eastman quoted places such as Monggolia and Russia where explosive church growth was recorded following intense intercession.
NECF Malaysia Secretary-General Rev. Wong Kim Kong then led the crowd in a prayer of repentance.
Just before midnight, the lights were switched off and suddenly, coloured glowsticks sparkled like fireflies throughout the darkened hall.
Instantly charged with youthful zest, the crowd sang and danced joyfully in rising excitement as the digits reflecting the time on the front screen rolled closer to midnight. At 12.00, cheers broke out, followed by unrestrained shouts of "Merdeka" 14 times for the 14 states.
The prayer rally ended at 12.30am.
In IPOH, about 400 people from about 20 churches started the rally in worship after waiting for 45 minutes in the heat and darkness due to the power failure, reported Lai Moo Him. After singing a few lines of "Jesus, we enthrone You", the lights suddenly came on and "light up" the atmosphere. Prayers were focussed on tearing down strongholds of vice and idolatry, and for inter-church harmony and cooperation.
In KUANTAN, about 450 people from 12 churches and six denominations gathered at Vistana Hotel for the rally. Pr Richard Ong, the coordinator, reported a greater sense unity and fervency in prayer.
In KOTA KINABALU, some 1,800 people from 60 churches representing 10 denominations filled the entire Pacific Sutera Hotel ballroom and beyond, according to Dr Philip Lyn. "The turnout was unbelievable," he said and attributed it partly to the 40-day Fast and Prayer, which had generated excitement towards prayer. The rally was a festive celebration of God’s faithfulness. At midnight, the participants shouted, blew whistles and lit flare sticks and torches, creating a joyful din. Earlier, various church leaders prayed for the authorities, continuing harmony and peace and revival in Malaysia.
Over at JOHOR BAHRU, Pr Tay Wah Seng said 950 people from about 30 churches met at Full Gospel Church and prayed throughout the night, particularly for open doors for ministry in schools and the current youth problems. There was no message because "everyone felt that’s how a prayer rally should be," Pr Tay said.
TAWAU churches decided to hold the rally at three different places to cater to the three languages. The BM service was held at SIB, English at St Patrick Church and the Chinese at Calvary Charismatic Church. Altogether, about 800 attended the three services. The Lord’s presence was keenly felt by all throughout the night, reported Pr Sim Siew Kee and Pr Teh Bun Hui.
In ALOR STAR, there was a great sense of excitement, breakthrough and freedom for the 200 people gathered at Full Gospel Church, said Pr Leonard Lim. Representing five churches, the participants prayed particularly for the political situation in Kedah and the current black metal issue. "It was really good to come as one. There is something special that you do not normally experience when praying alone as a single church," Pr Lim shared.
SEREMBAN was the only place which conducted the rally in all the four languages. It also recorded the largest turnout – about 500 attendees from 15 churches – since the first rally was held 10 years ago, according to Pr Voon Yuen Woh. Though the rally was a short one – it ended at 10pm – the attendees had a solid time of intercession at the Agape Gospel Assembly. They prayed especially for more development in the state, which will lead to better job opportunities, so that more Negri Sembilan Christians will remain in the state. They also prayed for more land to build churches and more Christians to answer the call of full-time ministry.
Bernard Yogaraj reported that in TELUK INTAN, more than 70 members from the English, Chinese and Tamil congregations gathered at separate places to pray especially for the social problems in Hilir Perak and for a burial land for the Christian community.
In KANGAR, about 55 people from three churches were engaged in fervent intercession at Kangar Baptist Church, said Pr Heng Kwang Tiang. There was a special burden to pray for strong Christian families as a witness to the community.
