In the crowded, fast-paced neighbourhoods of Malaysia’s cities, the Seventh-day Adventist Church is finding new ways to connect with urban residents through grassroots fellowship and practical wellness programs. Adventist urban ministries strive to create safe and welcoming spaces where people can gather, share stories of personal transformation, and take concrete steps toward spiritual growth — all while addressing the everyday needs of city life.
At the beginning of the year, a team of volunteers spearheaded by Pr. Howard Henny, Malaysia Union Mission Chaplain and Mission to the Cities Coordinator, got together to brainstorm initiatives that could be used to reach the local community in Seremban 2. As a result, the ministry collaborated with the health department to develop a year-long wellness program for the local community.
The initiative was strategically curated to meet the needs of urban community members in Seremban 2 through the message of holistic health – encompassing spiritual, physical, and mental aspects. The proposed program would unfold in different phases, allowing for a structured and focused approach to meaningful engagement.
Phase 1 – Initial Preparation
At this stage, volunteers were recruited, and a core team was formed to oversee the project’s direction and coordination. Volunteers also participated in prayer sessions, care groups, and ministry training, while intentionally seeking ways to build friendships with community members.
On March 2, the Festival of Health was launched, marking the beginning of the Mission to the Cities initiative. With its missional approach aimed at reaching the urban community, sharing Christ by meeting their needs, and prayerfully offering opportunities for soul-winning, the project took off, and the program, along with the volunteers, was dedicated.
Present at the launching were MAUM officers and directors, PEM officers, Seremban church leaders, and volunteers. Also present at the launch was special guest Pr. RJ Gamboa, General Conference Coordinator for Sidewalk Evangelism, shared some tips on reaching urban communities through his personal testimonies and experiences from the field. The event ended with a dedicatory prayer for the volunteers who committed themselves to the ministry for the entire year.
Part of the preparation involved setting up a community health and wellness team. Shape Up – Seremban Hub was established as an association where local community members could be involved. As a health and wellness hub, Shape Up Hub integrates Physical, mental, and emotional well-being into its programs. The volunteers used this banner as a means of outreach. Shape Up – Seremban Hub organised hiking and exercise programs for the community.
This preparatory phase laid the essential foundation for the entire project, ensuring clear direction, spiritual focus, and operational readiness.
Phase 2 – Health Expo
The second phase took place in June. Volunteers continued to participate in training to equip them with the best practices for health outreach, while resources and speakers were being finalised.
On June 14th, a commitment service was held to dedicate the first event, the Health Expo. In collaboration with Penang Adventist Hospital and the Health Department under the banner of Eight Treasures, Shape Up Hub spearheaded a Health Expo at a local shopping mall in Seremban. During the Expo, health advocates and volunteers from Korea and Kuala Lumpur served the community by providing health screenings and consultations, lifestyle and nutrition workshops, exercise and fitness programs, and support for mental and emotional well-being, while engaging with attendees and inviting them to join the Six Weeks to Wellness program.
Phase 3 – Six Weeks to Wellness
Launched as a follow-up to local health expos and community screenings, the Six Weeks to Wellness is a focused program conducted over intervals of six weeks, combining seminars, health education, and practical sessions. The sessions covered topics on nutrition, physical activity, and stress management, while cultivating friendships that eventually led to spiritual conversations. By addressing tangible health concerns first, the program prepared fertile ground for the gospel to be shared in a context of trust and care.
The first session took place on July 6, with Dr. Pang Chu Yen, a medical doctor by profession and a Preventive Health Specialist. She spoke on the topic of cancer, sharing statistics, practices, and simple steps to reduce risk whilst improving overall health.
Session two, presented by Clinical Physiotherapist Tommy Tan, entitled What Happens If I Don’t Exercise took place on July 20. His practical session attracted many participants who happily participated in the exercises that he shared.
On the third session, on August 3, the attendees were privileged to learn about diet. Penang Adventist Hospital’s Senior Clinical Dietitian, Madam Helen Wong-Chin, presented The 10X Wiser Diet, elaborating on food choices for optimal health and wellness.
On August 17, the fourth session, a group of singing missionaries entertained the participants with a Mental Health Musical Concert. This became an opportunity for friendship and leisure. The attendees later expressed gratitude for the program, which was not only entertaining but also a blessing due to the testimonies shared by the singing missionaries.
The fifth session unfolded on September 7. This session was tweaked to meet the needs of the participants who had shared struggles and challenges in mental health. Dr. Jane Yap, MAUM Health and Adventist Possibility Ministries Director, presented “Are You Doing Well?” Allowing participants to reflect on their personal wellness while engaging in interactive group dynamics. This session was filled with tears, hugs, and laughter as each participant came to a realisation of their wellness.
And finally, the last session, which was also adjusted and modified to meet the needs of participants, focused on mental health. This session was also postponed, accommodating more participants for a presentation entitled, The Power of the Mind by Dr. Jane Yap.
At this point, friendships have been made. Notably, with Uncle Jacob and Uncle Alan, who subsequently became instrumental in the next phase of the project.
Phase 4 – Community Fellowship
Building on this positive experience, the team launched the Community Worship initiative on October 10, 2025, which was designed to provide spiritual support within the community. This gathering provided a safe space to highlight real-life issues faced by the elderly and to offer encouragement through faith.
The program was simple. It started with a praise session, followed by a testimony, and then an interactive group discussion for the participants to engage in sharing spiritual experiences. It concluded with prayer, fostering a deeper connection and mutual care.
Uncle Jacob, a local community member and a Christian of a different denomination, shared his testimony about how God had healed him, drawing on John 16:33 in his sharing. Meanwhile, Uncle Alan shared a testimony of how he found peace in the midst of worry.
Other community members, including Aunty Esther and Aunty Christina, expressed appreciation for the program, as they now have something to look forward to and experience a sense of belonging within their newfound community.
Community Fellowship is a Friday evening program for worship, sharing, and holistic care. So far, the sessions have drawn an average of 20 attendees from the community, creating an atmosphere of warmth, reflection, and hope. The next session will be a special Christmas program that will be held at the MAUM auditorium on Friday, 12 December.
Ultimately, Adventist urban ministries in Malaysia are about more than events; they’re about relationships that transform. By offering safe fellowship spaces, sharing personal transformation stories, facilitating honest spiritual conversations, and connecting practical wellness programs to deeper faith formation, these ministries help urban residents discover a pathway to holistic well-being and a life shaped by the Gospel.
For many city dwellers, that pathway begins with a friendly invitation to a health talk or a six-week wellness course — and grows into a community where faith and everyday life flourish together.
Reported by Pr. Howard Henny, MAUM Urban Ministries Coordinator, and Hazel Wanda Ginajil-Gara, MAUM Communication Department
18, November 2025, Tuesday.