Sabah Mission Reorganization Paves Way for Northern Sabah Mission

The Malaysia Union Mission (MAUM) officially approved the reorganization of the Sabah Mission, leading to the creation of the Northern Sabah Mission (NSM), in a historic decision during their year-end meetings on December 3-4, 2024. This milestone marks the establishment of NSM as the fourth mission operating under MAUM, joining Sabah Mission, Sarawak Mission, and Peninsular Malaysia Mission.

Pastor Abel Bana, the president of MAUM, strongly supported and endorsed the Sabah Mission's proposal for reorganization to the Southern Asia-Pacific Division. “This development reflects our commitment to better serve the growing Adventist membership in Sabah,” said Pastor Bana. “The Northern Sabah Mission will enable us to strengthen our administrative operations and focus more effectively on mission work in the region.”

Leaders and directors from the Southern Asia-Pacific Division (SSD), including SSD President Pastor Roger Caderma, attended the year-end meetings. Reflecting on this new milestone, Pastor Caderma said, “The creation of the Northern Sabah Mission is a testament to the growth and vitality of the Adventist Church in Malaysia. It is our prayer that this new mission will serve as a beacon of hope and light in Northern Sabah.”

During the meetings, three executive officers were elected to serve as the pioneering leaders of the Northern Sabah Mission:

1. Feldinand Sawanai, President

2. Earie Madius, Executive Secretary

3. Heljony Morudin, Treasurer

Following their election, the following fill the Sabah Mission vacuum:

1. Jibil Simbah will serve as the president. He comes from SSD as the Stewardship Ministries director.

2. Kozel Watts Enggang, former Stewardship Ministries director of MAUM, will serve as Executive Secretary.

3. Daven Lemam, current treasurer of the Sabah Mission.

Justin Ginsud takes over as the stewardship director at MAUM following the vacancy. Rozelene Gulon, his wife, was also elected for the position of Family Ministries director. They both come from Sabah Mission.

These officers will guide the mission during its initial stages, laying a strong foundation for growth and development. Next week, at the mission's proposed headquarters in Kota Marudu, the inaugural constituency meeting will also elect the department directors.

Speaking about the upcoming constituency meeting, Pastor Bana added, “This gathering will be a defining moment for the Northern Sabah Mission. The team of leaders elected during this session will play a crucial role in shaping the mission’s vision and operations as we move forward.”

SSD leaders in attendance expressed strong support for the reorganization, emphasizing its importance in advancing the church’s mission. Pastor Nelson Paulo, the director of SSD PARL, expressed that the Northern Sabah Mission is a response to numerous prayers. “It represents not just administrative restructuring but a renewed focus on evangelism and community engagement.”

The reorganization reflects the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s commitment to adapting its administrative strategies to meet the needs of its growing membership. The prayers and support of members position the new mission to create a lasting impact in its territory.

As this new chapter begins, the church calls on its members to continue praying for the leaders of the Northern Sabah Mission and for the success of its inaugural term. Pastor Bana concluded, “This is a time to celebrate God’s leading, and we look forward to witnessing the incredible work He will accomplish through the Northern Sabah Mission.”