Stanley Lee catches up with ACA’s lay pastor, Stephen Gendang, on the new ACA premise in Jalan Pahang.
Where are ACA’s old and new premises? When will ACA move?
ACA is currently located in a shophouse in Pandan Prima Ampang, next to TESCO Ampang. The new premises are located at Jalan Pahang and we plan to move in April or May 2016.
Why is ACA moving to the new premises?
For long-term growth, we are looking for a permanent and a bigger place of worship for the Iban speaking congregation and a place with a lower rent. ACA’s new premises were recently purchased by the Diocese to be used in the future as the East Malaysia Anglican Centre (EMAC). Our rental costs for the new premises will be based on the frequency of usage compared to the present rented place in Ampang where we pay a fixed fee per month.
What are the features of the new premises?
ACA’s new premises occupy two shop lots and are four storeys high. The ground and second floor will be used as a temporary Diocesan office. The chapel on the first floor has a seating capacity of 200. The hostel rooms are on the fourth floor. Renovation work at these new premises is ongoing and is expected to be completed by the end of February 2016.
The Iban Congregation
What are the preparations being made?
We are liaising closely with the Diocesan Property and Land Committee through the Iban Board to ensure that the building is ready and operational by April 2016. Reusable fixtures, musical instruments and electrical appliances at ACA will be relocated to the new premises. ACA will form an interim committee in January 2016 to facilitate the move. In terms of pastoral support, Rev. John Layang Obeng will lead the congregation and I will be supporting him as a lay pastor.
What are the challenges faced?
We thank God that no major challenges have been encountered so far, as all the renovation work is being handled and financed by the Diocese. The only challenge we foresee is in travelling arrangements for some of our present members who stay far away from the new premises.
New premises prior to renovation
How would moving to the new premises benefit the congregation and further God’s
work?
Unlike the present ACA location, the new premises are close to public transportation and within walking distance from a monorail and LRT station. This should help students and those who don’t drive to church. The present Iban congregation comprises primarily those who are working in the military and their families. Travelling to church will also be convenient for them as the new premises are within a 3km radius from 4 army camps.
Furthermore, one of the objectives of establishing EMAC in ACA's new premises, as envisioned by Archbishop Ng Moon Hing, is to provide affordable accommodation for Sarawakians and Sabahans who are visiting KL for medical treatment or sending their children for further studies. Hence, the building in Jalan Pahang was chosen because it is close to Hospital Kuala Lumpur and Pusat Jantung Negara. The close proximity to these medical facilities will enable ACA to provide pastoral support to the sick and their families. In addition, ACA will also have the opportunity to reach out to the workers at these two major medical centres.