NECF Malaysia Secretary-General Rev.Wong Kim Kong was bestowed the High Award (Darjah Kebesaran) which carries the title Johan Mangku Negara (J.M.N.) in conjunction with the 75th birthday of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah on June 2.
Rev. Wong said he received the award on behalf of the evangelical community in Malaysia for its contribution to nation-building.
“This award is really a tribute to the Christians in Malaysia, particularly the evangelicals, for their effort towards nation-building. I give thanks to God for the privilege to receive the award on behalf of the Christian community,” Rev. Wong said.
He added he was motivated to work harder for the enlargement of the Kingdom and the transformation of the nation. Rev. Wong also thanked the many people who have partnered him in serving the Kingdom. He urged Christian leaders to continue to work together, focussing on building God’s Kingdom rather than individual churches.
First Malaysian Elected to WEF International Council
Earlier on during the WEF 11th General Assembly, Rev. Wong became the first Malaysian to be elected a member of the WEF International Council, which is the decision making body of WEF.
With his election, the Malaysian evangelical community has come of age and is now recognised as a leader in the worldwide evangelical community , he commented. He added: “Malaysian evangelicals now have the opportunity to directly participate in worldwide policy-making decisions concerning the religious practice of our Christian faith.”
On a personal level, Rev. Wong described the election as a recognition of his contribution towards the Body of Christ.
“It will be a challenge for me in terms of providing input to the restructuring of the WEF leadership team and helping the team to strategise the new direction for WEF to take at this critical time of WEF’s history,” he said.
He also expressed excitement that NECF Malaysia now has greater opportunity to
share its views and experience in nation-building with fellow members in WEF.
(NECF Malaysia is considered one of the most viable and visible national fellowships
in WEF, according to recently-retired WEF International Director Jun Vencer.)
“On the other hand, we look forward to learning from the other fellowships to enhance NECF Malaysia’s ministry,” Rev. Wong added.
The other members in the Council, which will serve for four years, are: Sam Emery (South Pacific), David Detert (North America), Godfrey Yogarajah (Asia), Rudolph Westerheide and Derek Copley (Europe), John Smith (Caribbean), and Sam Olsen and Key Yuasa (Latin America). In addition, two members-at-large were elected: Eva Sanderson from Zambia and Margaret Jacobs from Australia. The Africa Evangelical Alliance will nominate its two representatives in December. |
