By Alleyhandra Celio anak Anis, Media Volunteer Sarawak Mission
Wednesday, 24 December 2025
This gathering brought together delegates from churches across Sarawak.
The 3rd Quinquennial Session of the Seventh-day Adventist Mission of Sarawak was held from December 14 to 16, 2025, at the Batu Kawa Seventh-day Adventist Church in Kuching. This significant gathering brought together delegates from churches across Sarawak for reflection, reporting, and prayerful planning. The session provided an important opportunity to review the work of the past five years, strengthen administrative processes, and prepare the church for the next phase of its mission.
Day One and Day Two of the session focused largely on departmental reporting and evaluation, beginning with the President’s Report, followed by reports from the Executive Secretary and Treasurer. These reports highlighted the progress, challenges, and achievements of the mission over the past five years, offering a comprehensive overview of the administrative, financial, and spiritual growth of the Seventh-day Adventist Mission of Sarawak. In addition, detailed reports were presented by various departments, including ASI, Youth, Chaplaincy, Center of Influence, Communication, Women’s and Children Ministries, Health Ministries, NDR-IEL Department, Publishing, Sabbath School, and Ministerial Spouses Ministry. These presentations reflected the wide scope of ministry carried out across Sarawak and emphasized the importance of collaboration, innovation, and faithfulness in reaching communities and strengthening the church.
A key highlight of the session was the election of leaders and departmental officers who will serve for the new five-year term, from 2025 to 2030. The election process was conducted in an orderly, transparent, and prayerful manner, in accordance with church policies. Through this process, the church reaffirmed its commitment to strong leadership, accountability, and faithful stewardship in carrying out God’s work.The following leaders were prayerfully elected to serve the Seventh-day Adventist Mission of Sarawak for the 2025–2030 term: Pr Semilee Tajau as President, Pr Brian Scott Padam as Executive Secretary, and Mr Dave Keith Mina as Treasurer.
Mdm Molly Lepi was elected as Director of the Women and Children’s Ministries Department, while Pr Chan Tin Loi was elected as Director of Youth and Communication Ministries. Pr Andrew Ganya was elected as NDR-IEL Field Secretary and Ministerial Association leader, and Pr Ladin Suja as Director of the Health Ministries Department and Adventist Possibilities Ministry. Further appointments include Mdm Yvonne Jabeng as Director of the Publishing and Spirit of Prophecy Department, Pr Joggery Gelu as Director of Family Ministry and Adventist Mission, and Pr Delkenz David as Director of the Stewardship Department. Mr Randy Jabeng was appointed Head of Industries, with Miss Clare Kiu Han Ing serving as Industries Manager and Mr Macklin Maylin Peter as Industries Branch Manager. Mdm Lina Francis was recognized as Ministerial Spouses Association (Honorary), and Pr Terry Valten Simon was elected to oversee Sabbath School, Education, and Personal Ministries.
In his address, the President of the Seventh-day Adventist Mission of Sarawak, Pr Semilee Tajau, reminded the church of its calling and responsibility. He shared the guiding reminder to “think globally, act locally, and reach out more,” encouraging churches to remain connected to the global mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church while actively serving their local communities with compassion, unity, and purpose.
The session was further enriched by the presence and support of leaders from the Malaysian Union Mission. Among those present were Pr Abel Bana, President of the Malaysian Union Mission; Pr Nelson Bendah, Executive Secretary of the Malaysian Union Mission; and Mr Joshua Chee, Treasurer of the Malaysian Union Mission. Also in attendance were Pr Jim Gabu, President of the Sabah Mission, accompanied by his wife Mrs Toisah; Pr Justin Ginsud, Vice President of NDR-IEL, with his wife Mrs Rozelene Gulon; Mr Golden Gadoh, Education Director, with his wife Mrs Faridah Lausin; Dr Jane Yap, Health Director of the Malaysian Union Mission; and Elder Farrel Gara, Youth Director of the Malaysian Union Mission. Their presence reflected unity, encouragement, and strong partnership within the wider church family.
During the session, Pr Abel Bana, President of the Malaysian Union Mission, delivered a powerful sermon and charge to the delegates, urging the church to remain focused on its mission. Drawing inspiration from the writings of Ellen G. White, he highlighted the urgency and dedication required in God’s work, quoting, “We have no time, no words to spend in controversy. There is need of sanctified energy. The armies of heaven are on the move, and where is the human agent to cooperate with God?” His message served as a reminder for all present, particularly the newly elected leaders and departmental officers, to work together with purpose, spiritual commitment, and wholehearted cooperation with God in fulfilling the church’s mission locally and globally.
The program continued with the singing of the session’s theme song, “The Mission,” reinforcing the church’s calling and shared purpose. The church extends its heartfelt congratulations to all newly elected leaders and departmental officers and offers prayers that they will serve the Lord with humility, faithfulness, and wisdom. As the Seventh-day Adventist Mission of Sarawak moves forward, it does so with renewed dedication, seeking God’s guidance while continuing to think globally, act locally, and reach out more in fulfilling His mission throughout Sarawak. The session concluded with a Closing Prayer led by Pr Nelson Bendah, Executive Secretary of the Malaysian Union Mission.
Seventh-day Adventist Sarawak Mission
