“All decisions were made in a spirit of unity because we prayed over every name that was brought forward.” These were the words of the Malaysia Union Mission, President, Pr. Abel Bana, as he described his experience during the 2026 Peninsular Malaysia Mission (PEM) Constituency Meeting, held at Ibis Styles Sepang KLIA from 25 to 27 January.
The meeting was attended by 126 delegates and invitees representing 54 churches across the PEM territory. The constituency oversaw the proceedings for new departmental leaders and members of the Executive Committee for the 2026–2030 term. Former PEM President, who was recently elected as the MAUM Ministerial Association Secretary and Stewardship Ministries Director, Pastor Tan Meng Cheng, opened the session with a keynote address and welcoming remarks, followed by the adoption of several agenda items.
Later in the afternoon, the session continued with caucus group meetings, uniquely organised into four main language groups: Bahasa Malaysia, Chinese, Tamil, and English. At the close of the first day, the caucus groups submitted names for the Organising Committee. That evening, the Organising Committee convened under the chairmanship of Pr. Abel Bana, together with Pr. Nelson G. Bendah, MAUM Executive Secretary, and Elder Joshua Chee, MAUM Treasurer, to nominate members of the Nominating Committee. The first day concluded with prayer following the announcement and presentation of the Nominating Committee.
On the second day, Pr. Abel Bana delivered a compelling message, calling all churches to unite in harmonious action. He urged the churches to press together, emphasising that strength is found in unity. Following this, Pr. Tan Meng Cheng presided over the plans committee session, during which delegates listened to departmental reports and the strategic plans of the General Conference, the Division, and the Union. MAUM Children’s and Women’s Ministries Director Madam Faridah Lausin shared the four pillars of the “I Will Go” initiative, followed by MAUM Youth and Communication Director Elder Farrel Gara, who presented on the SSD REAPS programmes.
Meanwhile, the Nominating Committee—once again led by Pr. Abel Bana together with fellow MAUM officers—assembled to elect the new Departmental Directors and members of the Executive Committee. The much-anticipated announcement of the newly elected leaders was made in the late afternoon and was described as taking place in a smooth, Spirit-led atmosphere. The results reflected a mix of new appointments, portfolio adjustments, and continuity of service. Delegates unanimously voted to accept the election outcome.
The following are newly appointed leaders for the Peninsular Malaysia Mission (PEM).
1. Robert Januvaris Agustin – Ministerial Association Secretary, Field Secretary – NDR-IEL
2. Jocob Jesudason Tulukan @ John – Stewardship Ministries
3. Maclan Jim Matthew Bandan – Education
4. Lorna Tang Pueh Mae – Women & Children’s Ministries, Ministerial Spouses Association
5. Christine Tan Thiam Yun – Health Ministries, Adventist Possibility Ministries & Adventist Community Services
6. Ainy Evelyn Stephen – Publishing Ministries & Spirit of Prophecy
7. Tan Weoi Siong – Sabbath School & Personal Ministries
8. Cheng Zi Xian – Youth Ministries
9. Renie Ubara – Adventist Mission
10. Rosalind Chan Kam Foong – Family Ministries (Honorary)
11. Donny Tan – Communication (Honorary)
The second day concluded with a dedicatory prayer offered by Union leaders, in which they committed and dedicated the newly elected Directors and Executive members to the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
On the final day of the meeting, as the tension and anxiety of the election eased, morning greetings and warm fellowship filled the meeting hall. The session resumed with a meaningful devotional presented by Pr. Nelson G. Bendah, who reminded delegates of the importance of remaining grounded in the Bible and focused on the mission. He stated, “God is calling His people to stay rooted in God’s Word,” highlighting its central role in evangelistic work.
Delegates then witnessed the historic transfer of responsibility from the outgoing administrators and directors to the newly elected leaders, along with acknowledgements and special recognition for those who had faithfully served within PEM. In his closing remarks, prior to the Commitment Service, Pr. Dennis Ng, the newly elected President of PEM, shared a heartfelt testimony of his prayers to the Lord—asking not for positions, but for meaningful conversion—and appealed for constructive feedback to further strengthen the Mission’s work in the territory.
The session concluded with an encouraging message from Madam Faridah Lausin during the Commitment Service. She shared, “Regardless of position, if the burden for the salvation of souls is alive in your heart, you are already positioned for mission.” Pr. Abel Bana then led the commitment prayer, inviting all delegates to form a circle around the newly elected Officers and Departmental Directors. The service ended with the hymn “We Have This Hope,” reminding all present that our blessed hope lies in the second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is our prayer that every meeting draws us closer to that day; until then, we continue faithfully serving the Lord.
Reported by Farrel Millard Gara, MAUM Director, Communication and Youth
28, January 2025, Wednesday.