By Alleyhandra Celio anak Anis, Media Volunteer Sarawak Mission
Wednesday, 30 October 2024
The groundbreaking ceremony for the Lambir Seventh-day Adventist Church led by Pastors Semilee Tajau (middle), alongside Mr. Raymond Terang, Representative to Miri Parliament and Elder Ambrose Linang (Second from the Right), who represents Yang Berbahagia Dato Geoginia, Director of the Other Religion Unit (UNIFOR). [Photo courtesy of the Sarawak Mission Communication Department]
The groundbreaking ceremony for the Lambir Seventh-day Adventist Church in Miri is scheduled for September 1, 2024, from 8.00am to 12.00pm. Distinguished dignitaries, such as Elder Ambrose Linang, who represents Yang Berbahagia Dato Geoginia, Director of the Other Religion Unit (UNIFOR), will be in attendance. Pastors Semilee Tajau, Joggery Gelu, and Dave Keith Mina Ngali of the Seventh-day Adventist Mission of Sarawak, along with Pastor Walter Suni and members of the church, were present alongside Mr. Raymond Terang, Representative to Miri Parliament, and others.
With an initial membership of thirty-five individuals from twelve different families, the Lambir Seventh-day Adventist Church (formerly Taman Tunku Seventh-day Adventist Church) was founded in January 1999. More than 30 kilometers away, at Krokop Seventh-day Adventist Church, Pastor Sim Nueng and his leadership spearheaded this ambitious project. At the close of 1998, preparations were initiated in response to the pressing need for a new congregation in the vicinity.
This endeavor was sanctioned by the Seventh-day Adventist Mission of Sarawak, which allowed the rental of the ground floor of a Taman Tunku shop lot for Sabbath worship services. The members were entrusted with the care and guidance of Pastor Brian Scott Padam, who was appointed to pioneer the work. Three months later, in an effort to make the space more suitable for meetings, the worship service was relocated to the second level.
In 2003, the church decided to buy an adjacent business lot and use it for years of services; the Mission endorsed and supported this choice. A separate church structure was clearly desired as the membership grew fast. In close collaboration with the State Government’s Unit for Other Religion (UNIFOR), the Mission vigorously searched the area for potential parcels of land.
After much searching, a suitable plot of land was acquired in 2024, and on September 1st of that year, the groundbreaking ceremony took place. Many in the congregation are looking forward to the start and finish of construction on their new church facility. Give thanks to God for all of His favor and providence.
The construction of the House of God, the Lambir Seventh-day Adventist Church, has been an arduous but ultimately rewarding journey. On September 1, 2024, after much anticipation, the actual groundbreaking ceremony will take place. “Let us do this work of breaking ground today with hearts full of thankfulness and faith,” President Pr. Semilee said, sharing his views. This house of worship is not only for our use but also for the use of future generations and everyone else who seeks God. Let this house of worship be a haven for those in need, a manifestation of Christ’s love, and a beacon of His glory. The kind contributors contributed RM3.8 million towards the construction of the church, and the SDA Lambir Church is deeply grateful to them.
Several organizations and individuals have generously contributed to the Lambir Seventh-day Adventist Church. These include the Malaysia Union Mission (MAUM), the Seventh-day Adventist Mission of Sarawak, UNIFOR of the Sarawak state government, the Lambir Seventh-day Adventist Church itself, RM140,000.00, and RM5,700.00 from others. The great devotion and faith of our community is truly evident in the total amount of RM 1,045,700.00 donated.Even though this sum doesn’t cover the entire cost of the project, the Church and the Mission are confident that God will lead them to finish the temple that will honor His Name. Approximately three to four years is the projected duration of the construction.
The pioneering families whose unwavering commitment and faith established our community’s foundation are honored by the Lambir Seventh-day Adventist Church. The following families are included in this list: those of Mr. Alfred Nihas, Mr. Lo, Mdm. Alice Neb, Mr. Umboh, Mr. Charlie Manjat, Mr. Rawlin Sija, Mr. David Jupong, Mr. Ador Garang, Mr. Julias Leman, Mr. Tommy, Ms. Shiahozaiman (the name of her father is unknown), Dr. Veronica Lugah, Ms. Ellen Liah, Mrs. Corrina’s family, Mrs. Muris Litai, Mrs. Injan Ulat, and the family of Mr. Robert Dugas.