Celebrating Lunar New Year in Diversity
In 2022, the Lunar New Year falls on February 1. In Canada, the lunar new year celebration was held in conjunction with the welcoming party for Indonesian Ambassador to Canada, Mr. Daniel Tumpal Simanjuntak. The joint celebration was initiated by Indonesian diaspora in Canada which is led by Mr. Tunggul Tobing. The event was the first of its kind for the Indonesian in Canada. It was attended by the Consulate General of Indonesia from Toronto and Vancouver, as well as 260 people who attended online via Zoom.
Acting as the emcee for the day was Mr. Husin Halim, a caregroup leader of IFGF. The message delivered during the celebration was unity and how it goes in line with the motto of Indonesia, unity in diversity. Adding to the festive mood, the Ambassador sang a popular old song by Theresia Teng to entertain the audience.
Ps. Henry Suhadi and wife, Mrs. Lydia encouraged the church members to take part in preparing for the event. The event was a successful one as the committees and participants came from different backgrounds; Moslem, Buddhist and Catholic. IFGF Toronto also has a close relationship with the Head of Nahdlatul Ulama (an Islamic organization in Indonesia) in Toronto.
Statistically, here are the committees and attendees of the event:
- 8 members of legislative assemblies. Due to the parliamentary system, some attendees are cabinet minister of BC
- 1 member of parliament who is also the House Leader of NDP
- 1 member of Indonesian DPR
- 1 ambassador
- 2 consulate generals
- More than 260 Zoom participants
- 19 organizations
- 72 singers and musicians, whose production was done online from their own homes.
We are grateful that although the preparation was done in less than a week, the event went well. Let us pray that through IFGF Toronto, more people in Canada will know Jesus and receive Him as their only God and savior.
Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads
-Roma 14:19-
to peace and to mutual edification.
Next: GOD’S WAITING ROOM
