Just a few months after its establishment, the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Northern Sabah reached an important milestone on May 11, 2025, by holding a groundbreaking ceremony for its new mission headquarters along Jalan Lotong in Kota Marudu.
The ceremony signaled the official start of construction for the administrative and spiritual hub of the Northern Sabah Mission. Leaders said the new headquarters aims to centralize operations, enhance community outreach, and strengthen support for local churches across the region.
Pastor Abel Bana, president of the Malaysia Union Mission (MAUM), led the ceremony and delivered a keynote address emphasizing the value of unity and shared purpose. Drawing inspiration from the biblical story of Nehemiah, Pastor Bana called on members to remain united as they embark on this long-term development project.
“This is not just a building,” Bana said. “This is a symbol of our collective faith, effort, and mission to serve the people of Northern Sabah.”
Church leaders selected the site along Jalan Lotong for its accessibility to members across the region’s diverse geography. Once completed, the facility will serve as a central location for mission activities, training programs, and community outreach initiatives.
The building project will proceed in phases, beginning with three months of earthwork followed by six months of land preparation. Leaders anticipate completing the headquarters by December 2026.
The groundbreaking ceremony was graced by the presence of several distinguished guests, underscoring the profound significance and widespread support for the project. Among the leaders who were present were the officers of the Sabah Mission: Pastor Jibil Simbah, Pastor Kozel Watts Malim, and Elder Daven Tanggau. Pastor Kozel Watts Malim, district pastor, also joined the event, underscoring strong support from across the mission.
Leaders expressed hope that the headquarters would serve administrative functions and act as a center for spiritual growth and public service, reflecting the Adventist Church’s ongoing mission in the region.
The original article was published on the Malaysia Union Mission news site.