Penang Chinese Methodist Church (Madras Lane) Translation from the Chinese version

Thanks be to our gracious God for His guidance on the Penang Chinese Methodist Church for 120 years, since 1895 to this day.

This year, our church is celebrating her 120th anniversary, with the theme “Inheriting our faith, building lives, and sharing the gospel.” In conjunction with the celebration, we specially arranged a series of discipleship courses that focused on Christians’ spiritual growth. On 31st of January, we invited Pastor Hong Nan Ming to give us a talk on ‘Personal Evangelical Training’; on 14th of March, we have Dr. Lai Po Wah as our speaker on ‘Spiritual Training’; on 17th and 18th of April, a talk on ‘Elderly, Healthy Living Spiritually and physically’ by Dr. Liang Wei Zheng; on 23rd of May, we have Bro. Ku Hock Sing to give us a talk on ‘Living our faith, and testifying Christ’; on 25th of July, we invited Dr. Wendy Huang from the United States to give us a talk on ‘Turn teenage crisis into fantastic teenage years’.

We celebrated our 120th Anniversary Thanksgiving Holy Communion on 3rd May 2015. Early in the Morning, some of the brothers and sisters of the Penang Chinese Methodist Church wearing our 120th anniversary T-shirt, attended the thanksgiving service with joyful heart. We are indeed honoured to have the Bishop of The Methodist Church in Malaysia, Rev. Dr. Ong Hwai Teik to give us a sermon titled ‘The God Unwavering’ during our 8.45am English and Mandarin Service; and for the 11am Hokkien Service, we are honoured to have the President of the Chinese Annual Conference of The Methodist Church in Malaysia, Rev. Boh Che Suan to give us a sermon titled ‘Renew our vision, and bravely strive forward’. Our church Children Choir presented a song during the service, the atmosphere was merry.

In the Evening at 7.30pm, we had our 120th Anniversary Thanksgiving banquet at Stonebay Restaurant. A total of 105 tables were taken up. The VIPs who attended the banquet were Bishop of The Methodist Church in Malaysia, Rev. Dr. Ong Hwai Teik, President of the Chinese Annual Conference of The Methodist Church in Malaysia, Rev. Boh Che Suan, Chinese Annual Conference Lay leader, Bro. Lee Choo Kok, Chinese Annual Conference Northern District Vice Lay leader, Bro. Hu Chun Sui and the President of Malaysia Baptist Theological Seminary, Rev. Dr. John Ong. Before the thanksgiving banquet proceeded, we sang hymns of praise and worship to our God. The venue was being filled with joyful songs to the Lord, bringing all glory and praises to our Almighty God.

In Rev. Boh Che Suan’s speech, he pointed out that the Penang Chinese Methodist Church is one of the earliest Methodist churches which was established in 1895. From then until 2014, the Chinese Annual Conference has established 186 churches and chapels and preaching points. He also estimated that the number will reach 196 by year end. Our church’s Lay leader, Bro. Goh Tuan Yeow was invited to share with us his testimony. He even sang a song that he used to sing during his youthful years ‘We welcome you’.

Our church also donated RM300,000 to various charity organisations and missionary works. Charity organisations include Eden Handicap Service Centre, The Salvation Army, Penang Home for the Infirm and Aged, Charis Hospice and Home, Seminari Theoloji Malaysia, Malaysia Baptist Theological Seminary, the Bridge Publication, and North Malaysia Church Music.

Later, Rev. Ng Geok Hooi led all the Local Church Executive Committees for a cake cutting ceremony, giving thanks to God for all the blessings that He has given to the Penang Chinese Methodist Church, and prayed to God for His continuous protection. The anniversary cake that night was specially shaped like our church exterior. Brothers and sisters were given time for some photo session with the cake. The adorable and energetic children of our Church Sunday School Primary department presented a song named ‘Open Heaven’. And some zealous youngsters on the spur sang two songs, ‘The path of grace’ and ‘Your love’ with a group named ‘Just because of You’.

As the banquet came to the end, the anniversary’s souvenir, a thermos bottle was given out to every guest. The Bishop of the Methodist Church in Malaysia, Rev. Dr. Ong Hwai Teik ended the banquet with the benediction. He encouraged brothers and sisters to continue to love God, to obey God, to be willingly, used by God, and to become an instrument pleasing to God. After the benediction, the banquet ended warmly.

May God continue to bless the Penang Chinese Methodist Church in the years to come. May our brothers and sisters follow the footsteps of our pioneers, zealously sharing the gospel, to allow more people to come back to the Lord.