The Malaysia Union Mission (MAUM) successfully hosted its first Chaplaincy Convention, themed “Journey to Wholeness,” from September 26 to 28, 2024, in Penang, Malaysia. The event gathered over 60 chaplains, pastors, ministers, ministerial spouses, and church leaders from across the region, marking a huge step forward in spiritual care and leadership.
The convention was attended by participants from various Malaysian missions and institutions, including Sabah, Sarawak, Peninsular Malaysia, Asia-Pacific International University, Sunny Hill School, Sabah Adventist Secondary School, Adventist College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Penang Adventist Hospital, Bandung Adventist Hospital, Hong Kong Adventist Hospital, and Mount Miriam Cancer Hospital. Despite the diversity of countries, races, and religions, they engaged in in-depth discussions on chaplaincy practices, spiritual growth, and emotional well-being through several focused sessions over three days.
The event started on September 26 with an opening ceremony at Penang Adventist Hospital. Pr Rudi Situmorang’s message sets the tone for the conference by emphasizing the need for spiritual leadership in healthcare settings. Distinguished individuals such as Pr Reynaldo G. Salo, Executive Director of Clinical Pastoral Education & Care at Manila Adventist College, and Ms Annie Wong, President of the Asia Pacific Council for Pastoral Supervision and Psychotherapy, led the following sessions, which covered a variety of themes.
On September 28, the convention relocated to the Berjaya Hotel Auditorium, where the Sabbath Divine Service was a big feature. Through worship, praise, and teachings, participants focused on their roles as spiritual carers. Later that day, participants pledged their continuous passion and commitment to providing comprehensive, faith-based care in holistic ministry, culminating in an impactful message on “Journey to Wholeness in Discipleship.”
The event included practical training, interactive learning, and personal networking. It fostered a strong sense of camaraderie among participants. Pr Francis Amer, MAUM’s Chaplaincy Director, stated, “This convention directed a more focused effort to support our chaplains, ministers, and even leaders in different areas to ensure that they are well equipped to guide their communities towards spiritual and emotional wholeness.”
Pr Sunny Tan, the head chaplain of Penang Adventist Hospital, expressed a strong wish to see the chaplaincy work in Malaysia flourish as a result of the empowerment and learning provided by this conference.
As the program closed, the MAUM Chaplaincy Department expressed deep gratitude to Penang Adventist Hospital for their significant assistance in hosting this convention. Their commitment to promote holistic health and spiritual care has helped make this event a success.
Reported by Jiayi Gan, MAUM Communication Department
18, October 2024, Friday.