By Alleyhandra Celio anak Anis, Media Volunteer Sarawak Mission
Wednesday, 19 February 2025
The event drew the participation of 86 villagers, who seized the opportunity to evaluate their present health status and acquire insights into their prospective well-being.
Natural disasters often strike without warning, leaving communities devastated and in urgent need of assistance. This year, heavy rainfall during the Chinese New Year season led to severe flooding across Sarawak, affecting several regions, including Bintulu, Miri, Tatau, Sibu, Julau, Penrissen and Serian. The floodwaters rose rapidly, submerging low-lying areas to waist level and reaching three feet in some coastal areas. Many families were forced to evacuate their homes, seeking shelter with relatives or at temporary relief centers.
Among those affected were 127 Adventist families, many of whom lost their home appliances, furniture, food supplies, and other essential belongings. The floodwaters not only damaged homes but also destroyed crops and livestock, leaving many rural families without their primary sources of income. Schools, churches, and businesses were also impacted, disrupting daily life and economic activities in the affected areas. In response to this crisis, Adventist Community Services (ACS) swiftly organized a flood relief mission to provide immediate assistance to the affected communities.
Adventist Community Services (ACS) is a humanitarian organization dedicated to helping communities during times of natural disaster. Their mission extends beyond providing basic needs – they aim to offer emotional, spiritual, and practical support to those affected by crises. ACS has a long-standing commitment to serving people in need, responding to disasters such as floods, fires, and landslides across Malaysia. For this flood relief effort, Pastor Ham Diyon, (ACS Coordinator) and assisted by Pastor Henny Nilos led the ACS team, personally traveling to the affected areas to ensure help was delivered directly to the victims. The ACS team distributed food baskets containing rice, cooking oil, and other instant food and bottled water, as well as basic medication and first aid, and other necessities. Cash donations were also provided to families who had lost valuable belongings, allowing them to purchase essential supplies. The relief effort not only provided immediate aid but also gave victims a sense of hope and reassurance that they were not alone in this crisis.
The success of the ACS flood relief mission was made possible through the generosity of corporate sponsors, church communities, and individuals who came forward to support the cause. Several organizations and individuals made significant contributions to ensure the relief efforts reached those in need.
Among the key donors were:
- Sunny Hill Ice Cream, which contributed RM11,600.00
- Sarawak SDA Mission, which donated RM15,366.50
- MAUM (Malaysia Adventist Union Mission), which pledged RM30,000.00
Additionally, 15 Adventist churches and individual donors have contributed RM3,588.00, with more churches promising to extend their support. As of now, RM25,566.50 has been disbursed to assist affected families with food, essential supplies, and financial relief. Apart from financial contributions, volunteers from local churches ACS played a crucial role in distributing aid, packing food supplies, and coordinating logistics. The success of this relief mission highlights the power of community efforts in times of crisis.
The flood relief efforts are far from over. Many families are still struggling to rebuild their lives after losing their livestock and essential belongings. ACS remains committed to continuing their support and reaching more families in the affected areas. ACS is currently appealing for more donations and volunteers to sustain and expand the relief mission. Every contribution, big or small, plays a crucial role in helping families recover from this disaster.
In times of crisis, compassion and unity become the foundation of recovery. The ACS flood relief mission in Sarawak demonstrates how collective efforts from organizations, religious communities, and individuals can make a profound differences. With continued support and generosity, ACS remains dedicated to bringing hope, relief, and restoration to those affected by disasters. As the flood-affected families begin the long journey toward rebuilding their lives, the efforts of ACS, their volunteers, and their supporters serve as a reminder that no one is alone in times of hardship. Through acts of kindness and community spirit, lives can be touched, and hope can be restored.
Health Ministry Department