Over 500 participate in Kuching ER2014

KUCHING – Over 500 kids, youths and working adults from all across Brunei and Malaysia (mainly Sarawak, Sabah, Kuala Lumpur, Melaka, and Penang) came together for 4 days of empowering and spirit-filled happening at the Easter Rally (ER2014), plus a powerful evening of Worship and Adoration on June 5-8  at the Archdiocesan Curia and Cathedral Pastoral Centre (ACCPC) in St Joseph’s Cathedral, Kuching.

The event was organized by the EMPOWERED Ministry (the parish youth ministry for St Joseph’s Cathedral), together with the Holy Trinity Church and Chapel of Mother Mary parish youth ministries, under the Archdiocese of Kuching.

This year’s theme “EMPOWERED” echoes Jesus’ instructions to his disciples to “RECEIVE THE HOLY SPIRIT” (John 20:22) before being commissioned to share the Good News to the ends of the earth. And with this ER2014 experience ending appropriately on Pentecost Sunday, the faithful gathered are reminded that we need the Holy Spirit’s empowerment to live and carry out God’s will in our everyday lives.

The ER2014 programme comprises of 3 unique conferences (for kids, youths and working adults); and also features an evening of Worship and Adoration before the Blessed Sacrament. The highlight of the conferences were the amazing and anointed speakers: Jude Antoine (Kuala Lumpur), Stephen and Leoreen Rodrigues (Penang),  Fr Felix Au and Fr Alvin Ng, SJ (Kuching). The speakers shared from the enormous wealth of their personal faith experiences, as well as from the Word of God, allowing the attendees to draw much spiritual insight and infilling from the Holy Spirit, actively at work in the lives of those who are gathered. Also present was the Archbishop of Kuching, His Grace John Ha, presiding over the ER2014 Concluding Family Mass.

Here are some personal sharing from ministers, and those who participated in ER2014:

“With this year’s theme “Empowered”, God has indeed fulfilled it by allowing me to see and feel His Holy Spirit moving, and to experience the magnitude of His power.” – Iain Bong, Kuching

“As ER2014 went on, I was blessed beyond anything to be part of God’s plan to heal and to bring hope to young people that came for the conference! But beyond that, as gently as the Spirit moves, He has given me the assurance and the comfort to continue to move on with Him.” – Anthony Voon, Kuching

“I’m glad I went for ER2014 as I ‘missed’ God. I encourage you to go for the next one. Do experience it for yourself because I just can’t explain how great it feels like. The mission begins … AMEN!” – Olivia Gomes, Kota Kinabalu

“I’ve learned that we have to let go of the past and let Jesus take control. Regardless of what happens in life, Jesus is always there standing next to us. All you need is to believe that Jesus is there for us!” – Dexter Yaw, Kapit

“Everybody is praising the Lord in the upper room! Thank you Jesus for the superduper healing!” – Christine Boniface, Dalat

“We looked like fools for the ‘fool’ who died for us while we were still sinners. What person would give their life for me, not even knowing if I would accept Him. Lord, I do accept and I need you!” – Christine Mary Kuan, Kuala Lumpur

“First ever Pentecost away from home.  A fulfilling 4-day event of backaches and headaches which would not stop me from dancing, jumping and screaming words of praise for Jesus. Thank you for organizing ER2014 to explore more of my faith and the Holy Spirit. HALLELUJAH!” – Alyssa Marie Peter, Brunei