The recent 12th General Elections have resulted in a seismic shift in the political landscape of our beloved nation. The ruling Barisan Nasional's loss of the five states, and the two-third majority in the Parliament to a loose coalition of opposition parties will certainly bring about a monumental makeover in the administration of Malaysia.

While political analysts, both professional and those in the streets, have suggested a smorgasbord of reasons that contributed to this political upheaval, yet probably there is one word which best encapsulate all the reasons suggested – CHANGE. In fact, during the run-up to the polls, the opposition parties have used this concept of 'change' in their parties' slogans and manifestos. (e.g. 'Jom Tukar!' or 'Vote for Change!') In the aftermath of the astonishing election results, we, as part of God's Church in Malaysia, must continue to pray that our elected representatives will indeed bring forth positive changes to our country and her people.

Similarly, if there is one word to best describe the effect of the Resurrection, it must be that same word - CHANGE. Easter is the time to remind ourselves that our Christian faith is a faith in the rising of Jesus Christ from a seemingly hopeless situation – death – in His living and glorified body. Consequently, Christ's resurrection also altered the way we live. "For once you were in darkness, but now in the Lord you are light." (Ephesians 5:8) The resurrection also changed the final destiny of mankind. "If the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Jesus from the dead will give life to you mortal bodies…" (Romans 8:11)

As you celebrate Easter this year, have you experienced the change which the resurrection promised? It is not what we do to bring about the change, but what God has done for us through the death and the resurrection of our Redeemer. All we need to have is a simple, childlike trust that only Jesus can make us whole in every aspect of our lives. He is the Life-changer.

Together with my family and the Executive Council, I wish you and your families a 'Blessed Easter." May the Lord richly bless you and our Church with all good gifts on this Sunday of the Resurrection.

Bishop Philip Lok
Easter 2008

政治分柝家無論是專業的或是來致大眾的，提出許多關於此次政治大變動的原因，但可能只有一個字能涵蓋所有的原因 －  改變。在大選之前，反對黨在他們的口號及宣言中使用了"改變"的觀念（例："讓我們改變！"或"為改變而投票！"）在此次驚人的大選結果後，作為在馬來西亞屬上帝的教會，我們應該持續為當選的代表禱告，盼望他們能帶給國家及人民正面的改變。

相同的，如果要以一個最妥當的字來形容復活的效果，應當也能以相同的字－改變。復活節提醒我們，基督徒的信仰中心是在於耶穌基督從死裏復活的真理，看似在絕望的情況下，但耶穌基督卻復活而得榮耀的身體。因此，基督的復活改變我們生活的方式，"從前你們是暗昧的，但如今在主裏面是光明的。"（弗5：8）復活也改變了人的結局，"然而，叫耶穌從死裏復活者的靈若住在你們心裏，那叫基督耶穌從死裏復活的，也必藉著住在你們心裏的聖靈，使你們必死的身體又活過來。"（羅8：11）。

當您慶祝今年的復活節時，您是否已經歷復活應許的改變？不是因為我們的作為，而是因為上帝為我們藉著救世主的死而復生帶來改變，我們只須以簡單、單純的心相信，只有耶穌能在生命的各個層面使我們完全，祂是生命改變的原動力。

本人連同家人及全體執行委員們願祝大家"復活節蒙恩"，願主在復活主日裏大大地祝福您及您的堂會。

陸愛平會督
2008年復活節