Mid-Autumn Celebration

by Flor Esteban

My family has been in Penang for more than 3 years now, and have witnessed countless local celebrations from different cultures - Chinese, Malay and Indian. Last Sunday night, we were able to take active part in the Mid Autumn Festival (a.k.a. Lantern Festival, Moon Cake Festival) sponsored by the Community at Heart ministry. What a great experience!

We got to church shortly after six; our spiritual family and friends were milling around waiting for the program to start. Danzity opened the “show” with a dazzling performance by Shaun (the choreographer) and company. Next, Grace who celebrated her birthday the day before was presented with a birthday cake. Pastor GP told everyone just before dinner that the winners of the “Best Dressed” competition will be announced later.

Then, it was time for makan. It was another "potbless" gathering, so people came with food – all sorts of dishes and the traditional food, mooncake. While people were enjoying the “feast” at the back, the photo shoot (mostly with kids) was also going on near the stage

After feeding the body, came the feeding of the soul by hearing God’s word through Pastor Charles Curtis. He came to Penang with his wife, Jane, and the Every Nation Church Singapore (ENCS) Mission Team. He talked about Psalm 119:105 where it says, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.” No matter how small our light is, it can shine brightly in the dark and bring comfort (to the weary travelers).  And if I may add, let’s always take with us the light-giving word wherever we go so we don’t slip with our feet. Pastor Charles also spoke about people as salt of the earth and the many uses of salt (e.g. heals, preserves). He also said something that struck me, “Salt does not draw attention to itself but to the food or thing that it enhances.” I can still remember Pastor Charles’s moving story about the boastful donkey that Jesus rode into Jerusalem. It was a good reminder to us all - to draw people to Jesus not to us.

Hmmm, what happened next? Oh, yes, Pastor Jojo and Ida who were celebrating their 24^th wedding anniversary were also surprised with a cake. We sang Happy Anniversary to the tune of Happy Birthday for lack of appropriate song to sing haha. How creative can you get!

And the winners of the Best Dressed of the night are shown below. 

 

Finally, the Lantern Walk! Each one was given a colorful paper lantern  and a candle. Then with the lighted lanterns, we walked to the waterfront opposite Queensbay Mall to admire the beautiful seaside view, the Penang Bridge and, of course, the bright moon.