Morning praise: Parishioners from the Wesley Methodist Church and Kuala Lumpur Chinese Methodist Church gathering to herald Easter morning. — FAIHAN GHANI/The Star
Diverse worshippers gather, offering prayers in multiple languages for faith, rebirth
KUALA LUMPUR: As the first light of dawn broke over the city, parishioners from the Wesley Methodist Church Kuala Lumpur and Kuala Lumpur Chinese Methodist Church gathered and heralded Easter morning with a sunrise service.
The congregation got together, eager to witness the symbolic renewal of hope and light. Against the silhouette of the Merdeka 118 tower, hymns filled the air as the choir sang, their harmonious voices rising with the sun.
Prayers were offered in English, Mandarin and Bahasa Malaysia, reflecting the cultural diversity of the worshippers.
Rev Ronald Yap, the pastor-in-charge at Wesley Methodist Church Kuala Lumpur, spoke in his sermon about the enduring meaning of Easter.
“Many of us have loved ones enduring their own valleys of shadow. We face uncertainties in our world today – financial crises, wars and the spread of disease. We do not know what the future holds.
“As Jesus’ resurrection brings about a spiritual awakening, we are called to confront our own spiritual darkness and deadness,” he said.
“We must rise above despair, look beyond the deadness surrounding us, and remember there is light beyond the darkness.
“In the midst of it all, God remains sovereign and will guide us through.”
Rev Yap also highlighted the significance of the Easter sunrise service, a cherished tradition of the Methodist churches, which had been paused during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“It was only last year that we were able to bring it back, and we are glad to see people gathering for this meaningful observation,” he said.
He spoke of the lessons and hope found in faith:
“There is much to learn from and look forward to in God, both now and forever.
“As we celebrate Easter, let us live for Christ so that His love may dwell within us and guide our lives.”
Easter Sunday celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, symbolising renewal and hope.
Over at the Damansara Utama Methodist Church (DUMC), worshippers came for the Easter service, which kicked off with a rousing performance of hymns by the church’s live band and choir.
Its senior pastor, Chris Kam, said there’s always a special significance to Easter.
“Many people can’t miss the celebration because it reminds us that, through Christ, we are offered life beyond death. In today’s chaotic world, this promise of life in Christ makes a world of difference,” he said.
DUMC pastor in charge Ann Wan Kuan said Easter transcends a simple date, becoming an immersive spiritual experience.
“Our theme, ‘Heaven Has Come’, reflects Easter’s essence – God’s nearness through salvation, love, hope, and life.”
Ann said the church hallway featured vibrant visual installations with cascading fabrics in symbolic colours: green for Palm Sunday, red for Good Friday, grey for Holy Saturday, and yellow and orange for Resurrection Sunday.
“These visuals illustrate heaven’s touch upon our lives,” he said, adding that they wanted to help everyone focus on the real reason for Easter.
To engage younger members, Ann said Easter is presented not just as history but as a living truth relevant to their daily struggles.
“Easter shows that death isn’t the end; there’s always hope for the break of dawn,” he said.
