KUCHING (May 31) — The Association of Churches in Sarawak (ACS) has extended its warmest and prayerful greetings to the Dayak community in conjunction with the Gawai Dayak celebration.
ACS chairman, the Rt Rev Datuk Danald Jute, said Gawai is, by nature, a thanksgiving celebration and a time to reflect on the blessings of the past year.
“We have countless blessings and manifold good favours to celebrate and to thank God for, including the rich harvests of the past year as well as God’s goodness that we can look forward to in the years ahead,” he said.
He added that Gawai is also a celebration of the nation’s rich and diverse cultures, which contribute strength to communities and vibrancy to the country.
While acknowledging the peace and harmony enjoyed in Sarawak, Danald reminded the public not to take such unity for granted.
“Gawai is an opportunity to further foster and strengthen mutual understanding, respect and acceptance.
“Hence, we encourage everyone to embrace and join in our unique tradition of ngabang or open house, so we can bolster and fortify our bonds of friendship,” he said.
As the community celebrates, Danald also urged moderation and mindfulness, warning against overspending and overindulgence.
“There is no need to overspend nor is there any profit in overindulgence, especially in alcohol.
“Instead, consider, for example, our children’s education as well as the needs of those less fortunate than ourselves,” he said.
Above all, Danald called for the celebration to be one of rededication to God.
“Let this Gawai be a time of rededication to our gracious and loving Heavenly Father, whose nature is always to have mercy and whose desire is for us to be reconciled to Him and to one another,” he added.
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