The Southern Asia-Pacific Division (SSD) approved the reorganization of the Sabah Mission during the recent Year-End Meeting on Thursday, 14 November at Life Hope Center, Silang Cavite, Philippines.
Along with the current officers of the Sabah Mission, MAUM officers stood united as MAUM president, Pr. Abel Bana presented the motion during the SSD Year-End Meeting. He reiterated, “The reorganization of the Sabah Mission to establish a new local mission will strengthen community outreach and enhance mission support across the region. Thus, this decision will expand and extend the presence of the Adventist church in Sabah.”
The new mission, Northern Sabah Mission (NSM) will consist of the districts of Kudat, Kota Marudu, and Pitas, and the northern part of Beluran District. The headquarters will be at Goshen, adjacent to the secondary school (GASS). While the current mission, (SAB) will serve the remaining districts. The headquarters will remain the same, sharing the secondary school campus in Tamparuli.
The Rationale
The idea of splitting up the mission has been considered for some time. The discussion has been on the table for a couple years due to the need for further growth the work of the Adventist Church in Sabah.
Sabah is the second largest state in Malaysia with a population of 3.74 million. It is known for its diverse population and vibrant cultural landscape. The state is resource-rich primarily in exporting oil, gas, timber and palm oil. Therefore, as urbanisation increases, church leaders realise the expanding needs for the church to reach out and make a meaningful impact.
As of the third quarter this year, the church has 33,327 baptised members. Due to the vastness of territory and through this bifurcation, Sabah Mission hopes to effectively reach every district, spreading the gospel.
Organisational and Structural Planning
All eyes will be on Sabah this December as a new set of officers and directors for both missions will be elected. The nomination committee will meet on the 3rd of December, during the yearend session at the Malaysia Union Mission Headquarters in Seremban.
The inauguration of the new mission is scheduled for the 14th of December along with a celebration to commemorate the achievements and milestones of the Sabah Mission the last 115 years (1909-2024). The first Constituency Meeting for the new mission, Northern Sabah Mission will begin on the evening of the 14th and continue through the 15th. Additional leaderships responsibilities will be revealed then.
The reorganisation will take effect on 1 January 2025. This action not only demonstrates the Church’s continuous dedication to effective and localised mission work, but also welcomes a new era for the Adventist community in Sabah.
Reported by Hazel Wanda Ginajil-Gara, MAUM Communication Department
28, November 2024, Thursday.