ALOR STAR: It was a colourful and vibrant Christmas celebration at the Trinity Baptist Church here today, as congregants from diverse backgrounds, including international students, came together in unity.
The event welcomed not just Baptists but also other denominations such as Protestants, Pentecostals, and even members of different faiths from the local community.
The church's pastor Daniel Kuilan said this year's celebration was enriched by the presence of international students from Albukhary International University (AIU) nearby.
"At 10am, we began with worship songs, Christmas carols, Bible readings, baptisms, and a sermon. After that, we shared a meal together.
"The students, hailing from countries like Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Uganda, Congo, and Timor-Leste, brought so much joy to our gathering. There were 12 of them, and their presence made the occasion even more festive.
"I believe our unity stems from our faith. During Christmas, this unity is celebrated globally, and we hope the students felt a sense of home while experiencing the diversity here," he said when met at the church today.
Kuilan added that over 400 congregants benefited from cross-cultural exchanges, fostering understanding and appreciation for each other's similarities and differences in faith.
Emmanuel Grace Makanga, a 25-year-old international student from Congo, said while it was not quite home, celebrating Christmas in Malaysia was equally meaningful due to the strong sense of community.
"I enjoy both experiences, in Congo and Malaysia, because of the fellowship here. In Malaysia, Christmas is about serving and giving back to the community. Fellowship with others is important, and this experience has been wonderful," said Makanga, who has been studying at AIU for three years.
He also praised the unity in Malaysia, particularly among different races and religions, which reflects tolerance and understanding.
Dr Leela Vathi, a computer science lecturer at AIU from India, described the Christmas celebrations in Alor Star as vibrant and full of charm.
"I'm very impressed with the celebrations here. They are much merrier than in India. What stands out is how Christians from different sects join together to celebrate—it's unique and heartwarming to see," she said.
Meanwhile, church committee member Jessica Lim, 35, expressed delight in seeing Christmas resonate with the younger generation.
"The church now has more young people, including students. It's no longer viewed as old-fashioned but as a celebration of Christ's message. We're seeing participation from all ages, which is wonderful," said Lim, who travelled from Bayan Lepas, Penang, for the occasion.