A significant milestone was achieved for the Adventist Church in Northern Sabah on 11 May 2025, as a groundbreaking ceremony marked the official commencement of construction for its new headquarters. Held at a dedicated site along Jalan Lotong in Kota Marudu, the event signifies a pivotal moment for the mission, establishing a permanent and dedicated administrative and spiritual hub. This foundational step represents more than just the start of a building project; it underscores a profound, long-term commitment and strategic vision for the mission’s enduring presence and future expansion within the region. The establishment of this central facility is poised to streamline operations, enhance outreach, and further cultivate a stronger sense of community among its members and the wider public.
A New Chapter for Northern Sabah Mission
The new headquarters is envisioned as a central point for all mission activities, signifying a major leap forward in its growth and dedicated service to Northern Sabah. This strategic development will centralize operations, fostering greater efficiency and coordination across various programs and initiatives. The careful selection of the land in Jalan Lotong, Kota Marudu, as the site was a deliberate decision, primarily driven by its accessibility. This location ensures that members from across the diverse geographical expanse of the region can easily reach the new hub, maximizing participation and engagement.
Call for Unity: Echoes of Nehemiah
The ceremony was officiated by Pastor Abel Bana, the esteemed President of the Malaysia Union Mission, who delivered a powerful and inspiring keynote address. During his remarks, Pastor Bana drew a profound parallel by quoting from the biblical book of Nehemiah, specifically referencing the arduous yet triumphant rebuilding of Jerusalem’s wall. This historical narrative symbolizes perseverance, collective effort, and divine guidance in overcoming formidable challenges.
Pastor Bana passionately urged the church members of the Northern Sabah Mission to embrace unity, emphasizing the critical importance of a shared vision and collective endeavor for the mission’s future. His message resonated deeply, likening the task ahead to the concerted efforts of the people of God during Nehemiah’s time, who together rebuilt their city’s defenses. The specific invocation of Nehemiah, a story of rebuilding amidst adversity and opposition, suggests that the mission leadership understands the scale of the undertaking and the significant collective effort required for this project. This was a strategic leadership move designed to foster deep cohesion and unwavering commitment among members, transforming the physical construction into a shared spiritual endeavor. The call for unity serves as a proactive measure to ensure the community remains aligned and resilient, setting a precedent for how future challenges will be approached collectively through faith and perseverance.
A Vision for the Future: Facilities and Phased Development
The future headquarters is meticulously designed to be a functional, modern, and welcoming space that will serve a multifaceted role within the community. Beyond administrative offices, the building will feature spacious meeting halls, comprehensive training facilities, and dedicated community outreach centers. These diverse features are intended to support an expansive range of activities and programs, enabling the mission to significantly broaden its services for the community.
The detailed inclusion of meeting halls, training facilities, and community outreach centers alongside standard administrative offices indicates that the new headquarters is envisioned as a comprehensive community hub, extending far beyond a mere administrative building. This signifies a strategic expansion of the mission’s role, moving beyond traditional spiritual guidance to encompass broader social and educational services. The project will proceed in systematic phases, beginning with an estimated three months allocated for essential earthwork. Following this, another six months will be dedicated to meticulously preparing the land, laying the groundwork for the main headquarters building. The whole headquarters building is projected to be completed in December 2026.
Distinguished Presence and Widespread Support
The groundbreaking ceremony was graced by the presence of several distinguished guests, underscoring the profound significance and widespread support for the project. Among the notable figures present were the officers of the Sabah Mission, Pastor Jibil Simbah, Pastor Kozel Watts Malim, and Elder Daven Tanggau. Their attendance, alongside the President of the Malaysia Union Mission, signifies a high level of institutional support and regional importance for this undertaking. The collective presence of leaders from various echelons of the church hierarchy demonstrates a unified front and strong backing, signaling to the community that this is a serious and well-supported endeavor.
The groundbreaking ceremony for the Northern Sabah Mission Headquarters marks a truly momentous occasion for both the mission and the wider community it serves. It represents a tangible and significant step towards realizing a comprehensive vision of expanded service and strengthened community ties. This ambitious project, built on a foundation of unity and shared purpose, is poised to become a vital hub for spiritual growth, community development, and social welfare in the years to come. The headquarters is more than just a building; it embodies the mission’s evolving role as a central community pillar, extending its influence beyond traditional religious services into broader societal contributions.
Reported by Pr. Earie Madius, Executive Secretary, Northern Sabah Mission
23, May 2025, Friday.