Outreach for migrant workers, homeless folk

Visitors and churchgoers at the food fair held during the anniversary celebration at St Mark’s Church Butterworth. — Photos: CHAN BOON KAI/The Star

MARKING its 130th anniversary, St Mark’s Church in Butterworth, Penang, is launching a new chapter by expanding its outreach to the migrant worker community.

The Anglican Bishop of the Diocese of West Malaysia Rev Canon Dr D. Steven Abbarow said the church aimed to provide support to those feeling lonely or struggling with mental health issues.

He said that by caring for migrant workers, the community could help the workers avoid “destructive paths” like crime and instead feel supported and valued.

“We hope St Mark’s can open a space for them at their convenience, so that we can meet their emotional and spiritual needs,” he said.

One of the activities held during the 130th anniversary celebration at the Butterworth church.

To meet these goals, the church is rolling out several initiatives with volunteers distributing meals to the homeless and migrants during weekly Friday food drives.

Recognising that many migrant workers have to work on Sundays, the church is planning to open its doors late at night – around 11pm or midnight – to offer a “spiritual space to rest, connect with others and receive emotional and spiritual support.”

Other plans include a care ministry for the elderly.

The anniversary celebration drew hundreds of congregants and community members, along with several local leaders.

Bagan MP Lim Guan Eng and Bagan Dalam assemblyman K. Kumaran both praised the church’s enduring legacy.

Performances by youths during the anniversary event.

Kumaran, who attended Sunday school there, called St Mark’s a “beacon of hope”.

Lim presented a RM34,000 cheque for the church’s maintenance.

The event itself was a testament to the church’s commitment to community welfare, offering free medical screenings, dental check-ups and a blood donation drive.

Founded in 1893, the church began as a small wooden chapel and moved to its current location in 1929.

Today, it is part of the “street of harmony” standing alongside Hindu and Buddhist temples and a gurdwara, a fitting reflection of Butterworth’s interfaith heritage.