Speaking from his decade-long experience in the ministry to the Orang Asli (OA) Mah Meri tribe, the recently-appointed chairman of the NECF Malaysia Orang Asli Commission observed that some pastors of OA churches, particularly those attached with the mainline denominations, are reluctant to work with other churches.

"Perhaps they are too busy with their ministry within their own denominations that they have no time to mingle with those outside of their circles. Maybe they are self-sufficient and do not need help from others. So they keep their churches and their members to themselves."

However, the good news is that there are not too many pastors like this, he said, adding that he hopes the NECF OA Commission will be able to influence those stand-alone OA pastors into adopting a unity mindset.

He believes that when the OA pastors – and therefore their churches – are united, they can better demonstrate their sincerity in wanting to help the OA community.

Sharing Pr Bakar’s view (that pastors play a key role in unity) is Rev. Victor Wong, a pastor who had been actively mobilising his congregation to participate in the Love Cheras movement involving 19 churches in the Cheras region of Kuala Lumpur.

Together, the pastors of these churches have had retreats, games and monthly prayer meetings, and organised combined-church Christmas gatherings, rallies and seminars. The pastors also exchanged pulpits regularly, and even refer their members who need counselling to the other churches who have the expertise to help.

"Last Christmas, my church (Agape Touch Community) combined with a nearby Anglican church (All Saints Cheras) for a midnight Christmas service. It was so hilarious to see my own members fumbling through the Anglican style of worship but they enjoyed it so much," Rev. Wong recalled.

"Another AOG church, Glory AOG, used my church premise for their own Christmas service. The members are encouraged when they see their senior pastors coming together for fellowship and fun time."

This bonding among the pastors involved in the Love Cheras movement has ‘moved’ their wives to come together regularly for fellowship. "I am predicting a strong pastors’ wives ministry to come forth soon," Rev. Wong believed.

Bearing a vision of the Church of Malaysia rising and being a blessing to the nation, he urged pastors to "come together and start praying together for ourselves and for the land. We can have different styles and anointing, but nothing is better than coming together to seek the face of God."