By Alleyhandra Celio anak Anis, Media Volunteer Sarawak Mission
Tuesday, 22 July 2025
A total of 51 advocates from Sarawak and beyond joined this meaningful event, comprising of health professional and non-medical volunteers.
The Health Ministries Department of the Seventh-day Adventist Church marked a historic milestone by organizing the First Adventist Health Professional Retreat from 4–6 July 2025 at UNION YES Retreat, Lundu, Sarawak. Held under the theme “Prioritizing the Holistic Health,” this three-day retreat was more than just a getaway; it was a purposeful gathering to unite, appreciate, and equip Adventist health professionals and volunteers to serve more effectively in both medical and spiritual paradigm. A total of 51 advocates from Sarawak and beyond joined this meaningful event, comprising of health professional and non-medical volunteers.
The retreat served as a platform to foster fellowship, encourage collaboration, and highlight the critical role health professionals play in advancing the church’s mission and goal. With health talks and spiritual sermons, the program was thoughtfully designed to emphasize a holistic approach to health, touching on physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. One of the core goals was to acknowledge the dedication of these health advocates while inspiring greater participation in health outreach efforts within local churches, across the mission field, and beyond.
Renowned health officer were invited to share their insights. Dr. Jane Botabara-Yap, Health Ministries Director of MAUM, underscored the significance of the Health Age Plus program, rooted in the Adventist Health Study 1 and 2, as a tool for holistic health among the Adventist. Dr. Pang Chu Yen brought attention to the rise of Artificial Intelligence(AI) in healthcare, exploring its potential and the spiritual implications it may pose for Adventists faith. But at the same time AI will be gradually accepted in our Adventist circle in the future.
Dr. Veronica Lugah, Sarawak State Health Director, painted a sobering picture with Malaysia’s alarming NCD (Non-Communicable Diseases) statistics—highlighting the nation’s top ranking in diabetes, hypertension, and cholesterol in ASEAN due to poor lifestyle choices.
Adding to the medical insights, Dr. Jivan Latif Anak Niru, Chief Assistant Director of JKNS, passionately called on Adventist health professionals to be actively involved in medical missionary work, from mission trips to health screenings and community outreach. Meanwhile, Pastor Jim Gabu, Director of Ministerial, Publishing, and Spirit of Prophecy for MAUM, drew attention to Christ’s model of holistic ministry, which addresses not only the physical ailments but also the emotional and spiritual needs of individuals.
As the retreat concluded, Pastor Ham Diyon, Health Director of the Sarawak Adventist Mission, expressed its hope that more Adventist medical professionals will step forward to support and lead health initiatives in their local congregations by the local church health leaders. Plans are underway to organize future retreats, ideally every five years, to sustain this momentum and ensure continuous training, inspiration, and fellowship. The First Adventist Health Professional Retreat has laid a strong foundation for a vibrant, health-focused movement within the Adventist community, reminding all that true healing must embrace the body, mind, and spirit, just as Christ ministered.
Health Ministry Department
