It was an exciting evening from beginning to end! About 150 CEOs, heads of organizations and friends of FGBMF came together at the Hilton Hotel Kuala Lumpur. The reason – to hear the inspiring story of the special guest of the evening, Dato’ Sri Idris Jala, Managing Director of Malaysia Airlines.

This was the first of a series of “CEO Banquets” that will be planned by FGBMF Central Region. The aim of organizing the CEO Banquet is to reach out to business and corporate leaders for Christ in a non-threatening and friendly environment. Many of the evening’s tables were generously sponsored by friends of FGBMF – businessmen and politicians who invited their own friends and colleagues to hear testimonies from their peers.

Dato’ Sri Idris Jala

It was also a night to be proud of, as we, the newly formed FGBMF Young Men committee, was tasked to organize and manage the event. The success in seeing many blessed that night was indeed an encouragement to the Young Men team to host more of such events in future for the advancement of His Kingdom!

The evening was orchestrated by our very own Master of Ceremony, the ever eloquent Brother Wong Hong Meng. His humorous and engaging style set the mood for the night’s program, which was accompanied by a delectable 10 course Chinese dinner.

Brother Tan Tek Seng, our charismatic National President warmly welcomed the guests and reinforced the vision of FGBMF. True to form, he gave a hilarious straight talk about the joys of being a ‘happy man’ in Christ.

The dinner opened with a worship dedication by the Tenors for Christ, comprising the talented trio of Victor Chua, Tom Tan and Joshua Lee. Intertwining world class opera style worship with their heartfelt personal testimonies, they prepared the spiritual atmosphere and positioned the hearts of everyone present to hear the good news of Jesus Christ.

Recounting the Lord’s grace and faithfulness over his life, Dato Chua Jui Meng, our former Minister of Health and now friend and brother of FGBMF, shared how God delivered him from evil spirits and healed him of his sicknesses. We were reminded that we serve a faithful and miracle working God!

Dato’ Sri and the Organizing Committee members

The attentive audience (Photo Credit - Kid Chan Studio)

The attentive audience (Photo Credit - Kid Chan Studio)

Then came the “spiritual main course” of the evening which certainly did not disappoint. Brother Idris Jala surprised us all by sharing his faith and testimony from a very fresh and unique perspective – how he helped turn around Malaysia Airlines in his role at the helm of the company. We believe our non Christian business FGBMF CEO Banquet on 4th May 2009 friends must have been doubly blessed as they probably came expecting to hear preaching, but rather received an inspiring lesson in corporate restructuring and turnaround! Of greater value was the fact that Brother Idris attributed his success story to our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ!

Brother Idris told how it all came together because he drew strength from the Word of God and his intimate and dependent relationship with the Holy Spirit. The Question and Answer Session at the end of his message drew more gems from his life. Not many knew that, as a young student, he was instrumental in being used of God to bring the outpouring of the Holy Spirit to his home village in Sarawak many years ago in what is now famously known as the Bario Revival!

As the night drew to a close, the best was saved for the last. We were honoured to have Ps. Daniel Ho shared the message of the Gospel in a simple yet powerful way, especially focusing on the hearts and minds of the business and corporate guests present. In the closing prayer, he led many to accept Jesus into their lives.

Many stayed back till the end of the night. Over scrumptious desserts, we could see friends in Christ sharing and encouraging our non Christian brothers and sisters, reinforcing the goodness and love of our Lord Jesus and recapping the night’s many blessed testimonies.