THE Church of Malaysia is about to create history in the evangelical world when it hosts a double international event in Kuala Lumpur next May¾the 11th World Evangelical Fellowship (WEF) General Assembly and WEF’s 50th anniversary.
WEF will add significance to the event by honouring two key evangelical figures¾Dr John Stott and Dr Billy Graham¾for their contribution to the evangelical movement.
At least 600 overseas participants from 116 countries worldwide are expected to attend the conference co-organised by WEF and NECF Malaysia in partnership with local churches. Locally, NECF Malaysia hopes to register several hundred Christian leaders for the conference to be held from May 4 to 10, 2001. Prospective speakers are internationally renown figures such as Clive Calver of UK, Valdir Stumagel of Latin America, George Verwer of OM, Chris Wright of All Nations UK, Miroslav Volf from Eastern Europe and John Haggai.
The theme¾Serving Churches Worldwide¾will encourage churches to serve one another to advance God’s Kingdom on earth. “We need to encourage each other, re-affirm one another, and commit ourselves to work together within the framework of a common vision and strategy in ministry…to work as one body to reach every person with the gospel of the Kingdom,” said Dr Jun Vencer, WEF International Director.
He added: “It was churches that gave birth to WEF in order that it may be their handmaiden to equip and mobilise them through their regional and national fellowships to disciple their communities and countries for Jesus Christ. And WEF has been persistent in its task of empowering churches to transform lives and societies.”
Meanwhile, NECF Malaysia Secretary-General Rev. Wong Kim Kong described the opportunity to host the conference, held once every four years, as a blessing as a rare privilege and honour. “Malaysia, despite being a small country, has been chosen to host this momentous double event. The opportunity is a blessing to our local leaders. It will strengthen our involvement globally through the networking of key world leaders and give the Malaysian Church the scope to develop its potential in reaching out to the other parts of the world,” he commented. “Let us count it a privilege and prove that Malaysian Church boleh,” he urged.
The task of planning the double event is immense and NECF is calling churches to be partners in the organising work. Churches can participate by:
· Helping directly in organising the conference;
· Contributing financially;
· Praying for the conference; and
· Sending participants to the conference.
For more information, please contact NECF Malaysia at tel: 03-7727 8227; fax 03-7729 1139; e-mail: enquiries@po.jaring.my |
