After about eight months of preparation, we thank God that our Botanic Church and Klang Church (the mother church) successfully visited eight churches on the west coast of Sabah.
Date: 13th to17th September 2024
Number of Visitors: 25 people
Leaders: Preacher Isaac Pang, Deacon Isaac Lee, Deacon Aaron Tan
Itinerary Summary
Day 1 (Friday, 13th September)
We departed from Botanic Church to KLIA Airport, flew to Kota Kinabalu, and safely arrived at the Sabah General Assembly (Sabah GA) / Kota Kinabalu Church. At the Sabah GA, Deacon Nahum Ng and the staff gave a detailed introduction to the Sabah churches, followed by fellowship and the evening Sabbath service. After the service, the Botanic team presented a hymn, and the Sabah GA presented a gift in return, along with refreshments for everyone. Despite some power outages in certain areas due to the rain, we enjoyed a pleasant fellowship in the Lord.
Day 2 (Saturday, 14th September)
In the morning, after breakfast at Tenom Mee Restaurant, we visited the Penampang Church. Elder Micah Choo delivered the sermon in Hakka, which was a refreshing experience for us. Later, we went to the Kolombong Church to attend the Sabbath service and listened to a hymn presentation by the Zion Choir. In the evening, we enjoyed the scenic view of Tanjung Aru Beach and had a seafood dinner.
Day 3 (Sunday, 15th September)
The day began with morning prayer at Kota Kinabalu Church, followed by breakfast and shopping at Gaya Street Open Market. Despite the rain, we visited Somodon Church, a church primarily attended by Dusun members. We were warmly welcomed with hymns and traditional attire and experienced heartfelt fellowship and hospitality, including a special meal and thoughtful souvenirs. After a brief stop at Wangkod Church during a spiritual convocation, we headed to Kundasang, enjoying the mountain breeze and a fun golf session. At night, we checked into H. Benjamin Residence, dined at Mount Borneo Restaurant, and had fellowship with members from Petaling Church.
Day 4 (Monday, 16th September)
The morning air in Kundasang was refreshing and invigorating. After breakfast, we visited the Desa Dairy Farm, enjoying fresh dairy products despite the holiday crowds. We then traveled to Guong Church, where members warmly welcomed us with heartfelt hospitality. During the fellowship, Deacon Maleakhi Tarintim shared the miraculous journey of building the church with God's guidance. Later, we visited Kota Belud Church. Deacon Clement Chong impressed us with his humour and craftsmanship. At Kudat Church, we enjoyed seafood and fellowship, ending the day with hymns and tea.
Day 5 (Tuesday, 17th September)
At dawn, we watched the sunrise at the Tip of Borneo, then returned to the church to rest and have breakfast. Later, we had lunch by a river, with a beautiful view of Mount Kinabalu. After the trip ended, we returned to Kota Kinabalu Airport. With a warm farewell from the General Assembly and the believers, we safely returned to West Malaysia.
Afterword
This visit and tour allowed us to experience much spiritual joy and edification, especially the fellowship with our brethren in Sabah, where we felt a strong sense of love and care. We were particularly inspired by the dedication of the senior elders, deacons, and preachers of the East Malaysia churches, who have faithfully served the Lord and set an example for us to follow. May God continue to bless the Sabah churches, and we thank all the brothers and sisters who hosted us.