Women from many churches across the Malaysia Union Mission (MAUM), came together to celebrate the International Women’s Day of Prayer in March and April 2024. The General Conference scheduled March 2, 2024, as the special Sabbath for observing the day of prayer worldwide. Churches unable to celebrate on that day chose alternative Sabbaths around the designated date.
This year’s resources were authored by Dr. Linda Mei Koh, who served as the Children’s Ministries Director for the General Conference for eighteen years until her retirement in 2022. Dr. Koh’s insightful contributions set the tone for the special Sabbath, with her sermon titled “Ignite Your Prayer Life” and seminar on the “Five Benefits of Prayer.”
Dr. Koh’s sermon emphasizes how consistent prayer has the power to ignite positive change, hope, unity, and forgiveness in both individual lives and within the church community. The accompanying seminar delves into the manifold benefits of prayer, including drawing closer to God, resisting temptations, improving mental health, enhancing gratitude, and developing a more Christlike character.
Mrs. Faridah Lausin, the Women’s Ministries director of MAUM, had the privilege of sharing the sermon at the Rangalau Seventh-day Adventist church in Sabah after a Women of the Bible Prayer Walk program in the morning. In the afternoon, Mrs. Linda Lagason, the Women’s Ministries director of Sabah Adventist Mission (SAB), facilitated the seminar by guiding participants through thought-provoking discussions related to each benefit of prayer. The interactive seminar provided a platform for the women to share personal experiences and to encourage each other to re-ignite their prayer life.
At the Seremban Seventh-day Adventist church, Mrs. Christine Tan, the Women’s Ministries Director of Peninsular Malaysia Mission (PEM), shared the sermon with church members, among whom were women who stood out not only in their vibrant attires representing different ethnic backgrounds but also in their dedication to serving and praying more. The Sabbath concluded with a prayer workshop in the afternoon.
Under the leadership of Mrs. Yvonne Jabeng, the Women’s Ministries director of Sarawak Adventist Mission (SAK), the women from the Southern region innovatively celebrated the special day. On March 16, 2024, approximately five hundred women gathered at the Kg. Semaba Multipurpose Hall listened attentively to various speakers who shared insights on the benefits of prayer. The woman speakers wove personal experiences into their presentations, making them relatable and impactful. The atmosphere buzzed with enthusiasm, inspiring women to a prayerful living.
The essence of the International Women’s Day of Prayer is beautifully encapsulated by the words of Ellen White, who aptly states, “Prayer is the opening of the heart to God as to a friend. Not that it is necessary in order to make known to God what we are, but in order to enable us to receive Him. Prayer does not bring God down to us, but brings us up to Him. (Steps to Christ, 8)
Every year, the International Women’s Day of Prayer serves as a reminder of the power and significance of prayer in our lives. It is our collective aspiration that every woman in MAUM, wherever she is in her prayer life, decides to ignite or re-ignite her prayer life and navigate life’s journey with unwavering trust in God, the One who answers prayers.
Reported by Mrs. Faridah Lausin, MAUM Director of Women’s Ministries
02, May 2024, Thursday.