Bali's churches provide Christmas packages for the poor

Bali's churches provide Christmas packages for the poor

DENPASAR, Bali (Antara): A number of churches in Bali will deliver Christmas packages to needy children and poor widows as part of their Christmas programs.

The packages contain food, beverages and clothes for these unfortunate people.

Maranatha Protestant Church in Denpasar provided 212 packages valued at Rp 6 million from the church's congregation.

"This social activity is done regularly to celebrate Christmas," explained Deston Ndolu, head of the Maranatha Church, who was accompanied by Deaken Semmy Drotte.

He said that his church is located in the heart of the city of Denpasar side by side with the holy Hindu temple Pura Jagatnatha.

The Christmas program will start on Dec. 24 and continue on Dec. 25.

Christmas services will be attended by around 1,547 families living in Denpasar and neighboring areas. Hindu followers largely dominate Bali.

On Dec. 28, the Christian community in Bali will hold a joint Christmas Celebration at Praja Raksana Kepaon Sports Center. The event will be attended by chairman of the Protestant Church GPIB R.A. Waney. M.Th.

Meanwhile, Jemaat Kristus Kasih Church, one of the 65 churches on the island, will also deliver Christmas packages to the poor.

Christmas celebrations will be held at the Church as well as at three other locations in Denpasar.

Rev. Nengah Suama, MTh also said that the celebration will also be highlighted by Baptisan Kudus, baptism of children.