“A meeting that ended on a positive note,” remarked Pastor Abel Bana, President of the Malaysia Union Mission, who chaired the Malaysia Union’s Midyear Executive Committee (EXCO) meeting on May 13, 2026. He presided over the meeting alongside the union’s executive secretary, Pastor Nelson Bendah, and treasurer, Elder Joshua Chee.
The session commenced with an inspirational worship experience led by the Loud Voice singing group, followed by a powerful message from Pr. Johnny Wong about trusting the Lord as He leads beyond the ordinary. Pr. Johnny Wong is the invited speaker for the MAUM Spiritual Emphasis Week, intended to help the union prepare spiritually for the meeting.
The business meeting began with a reaffirmation of the mission statement, the Holy Bible, the Spirit of Prophecy, and the 28 fundamental beliefs. The union departmental directors and mission officers from the Peninsular Malaysia Mission, Sarawak Mission, Sabah Mission, and Northern Sabah Mission, as well as the CEO of Penang Adventist Hospital, were in attendance. During the meeting, the union executive committee voted on several important matters, including amendments to the working policies, the appointment of various councils and committees, and the approval of funds for Lay Disciple Maker and church-building projects in the four missions under the MAUM territory.
Elder Joshua presented the union’s financial statement and the treasurer’s report, both of which showed a healthy financial position. Following the momentum of an upward growth trend, Pr. Nelson reported an increase in the number of members in the MAUM territory, resulting from the dedication and energetic evangelistic efforts of our local leaders, pastors, and members.
The present EXCO members recognized and acknowledged the importance of preparation and clarity in all initiatives, as the meeting was dominated by agenda items related to the OneVoice27 initiatives and media entities’ realignment. On a lighter note, a few leaders from the local missions stepped forward to offer positive remarks and support for advancing the Gospel work in their respective missions, despite the challenges posed by the current economic situation. The meeting culminated with a commitment service with another encouraging reminder from Pr. Johnny Wong, followed by a dedicatory prayer for all the present leaders of the MAUM territory.
A few present members of the local mission express their approval of the meeting’s outcome. Pr. Abel further emphasized the need to align and integrate the Spiritual Emphasis Week with the Midyear Meeting, underscoring the importance of a spirit-led discussion. “We praise the Lord for a smooth, spirit-led meeting that ended on a high note and reassertion of MAUM’s collective stand and commitment to be Grounded in the Bible, Focused on the Mission.”
Reported by Farrel Gara, MAUM Communication Director
15, May 2025, Friday.