The Adventist Church marked a significant milestone with the establishment of the Northern Sabah Mission during a celebratory event held on December 14, 2024, at the Kota Marudu Community Hall in Sabah, Malaysia. This occasion not only commemorated the church’s 115th anniversary but also highlighted the church’s mission and outreach efforts, reflecting its global vision.

With approximately 1,000 attendees, including church members, leaders, and guests from Sabah and neighboring regions, the event captured the essence of unity in faith under the theme “Faithful in God’s Work.” Earie Madius, the incoming executive secretary of the Northern Sabah Mission, welcomed everyone and emphasized the role of each member in fulfilling the church’s mission.

Feldinand Sawanai, the new president of the Northern Sabah Mission, delivered a heartfelt address expressing gratitude for the church's growth and the dedication of its pioneers. He acknowledged the countless contributions of members who have tirelessly worked to spread the message of hope throughout Sabah.

A highlight of the celebration was the unveiling of a historical video titled “Celebrating Faithfulness in Mission,” which narrated the Adventist Church's journey in Sabah over more than a century. This presentation served to inspire attendees by reminding them of the enduring commitment to their mission and the importance of their history.

The event also included a time capsule sealing, symbolizing the church's commitment to preserving its heritage while advancing its mission. This capsule, containing messages and a video presentation, will be kept at the Sabah Mission Headquarters and is scheduled to be opened in 25 years, further illustrating the church’s long-term vision.

Abel Bana, president of the Malaysia Union Mission, delivered a compelling message titled “Great is Thy Faithfulness,” encouraging members to remain resilient in their faith as they look to the future. The establishment of the Northern Sabah Mission marks a pivotal moment for the Adventist Church, not just in Malaysia, but also within the broader global community.

Adventist Work in Sabah: A Legacy of Faithful Missionaries

The Adventist mission in Sabah traces its beginnings to February 16, 1909, when C.M. Lee left Singapore for British North Borneo to share the gospel by selling Christ Our Saviour. Through his efforts, several individuals became interested in the Adventist faith. Lee’s parents-in-law, Chan Thiam Hee and his wife, followed up on these interests, establishing small groups of Sabbath keepers in Sandakan, the capital of British North Borneo at the time, and Jesselton (now Kota Kinabalu).

In 1913, Roy P. Montgomery was appointed the first director of the British North Borneo Mission (BNBM). Together with his wife, who served as the mission’s secretary-treasurer, and Chan Thiam Hee, Montgomery began evangelistic work among the Chinese community. The first Adventist baptisms in the region occurred on January 1, 1914. By 1915, the Adventist presence in Sandakan had grown to include 35 members, a self-supporting school with about 20 pupils, and mission property purchased in 1916.

The work expanded in the following years despite challenges, such as government restrictions on missionary activities. In the 1920s, the mission extended its outreach to the indigenous Kadazan and Murut peoples, leading to the establishment of the first Kadazan Adventist Church in 1928 in Kitobu, Inanam. Education played a pivotal role in the mission’s early success, with the establishment of schools like the British North Borneo Training School and, later, Goshen Adventist Secondary School.

The sacrifices of missionaries like R.P. Montgomery, G.B. Youngberg, and others laid a strong foundation for the Adventist Church in Sabah. Through their dedication, the church overcame numerous obstacles, including war, persecution, and logistical challenges, to spread the gospel to unreached communities.

Today, Kota Marudu is home to the highest concentration of Adventists in Sabah, a testament to the enduring legacy of the pioneers who faithfully planted the seeds of the gospel. This rich history was honored during the 115th-anniversary celebration, which highlighted both the growth of the church and its commitment to advancing the mission in the years to come.

The original article was published on the Southern Asia-Pacific Division website.