01 Aug 2007

August 2007 - Bonggi Island Mission Trip

Malaysia Missionary Movement – TAC

Villagers gather for a farewell photo

In recent news the Prime Minister announced a development project for the island of Bonggi, north of Sabah, one of the poorest and least developed part of our country. The Malaysian Missionary Movement of the Tamil Annual Conference has a missions project with the people of Bonggi. 
                                                             – Editor.
Village house
The MMM-TAC team
Church service on Sunday
From 15 - 21 February 2007, MMMTAC sent a team of 4 to continue the mission task in Bonggi Island. They were Rev. Anthony Panan (TMC Tangkak), Rev S. Jevaretnam (TMC Banting), Mr. Isaac Timothy (TMC Kluang) and Mr.Thangamuthu Rajoo (TMC Asahan / Jasin). The purposes of this trip were mainly to help in the renovation of the Parsonage, distribute food packets, clothes and to visit JIREH HOME in Tuaran and Tamparuli district that cares for the health, education and social needs of the children.

Tamil Methodist Church Banting raised the funds for the MMM-TAC team, led by Rev. Anthony Panan. All the arrangements for the visit – buying of materials, transportation and local labour - were done with the help of Dr. Wilfred John Samuel (Director of Field Education, Sabah Theological Seminary) and Pastor Sintom Taganau (Gembala Parokhi Tinangol) before the mission team arrived at Bonggi Island.

Setting out from Kudat town the journey to the island was long and tiring. During the day the repair work to the parsonage was carried out. One of the nights two groups went out to share the gospel in the village.

On the Sunday (19th) we joined the Bonggi community in a time of worship which was led by the local pastor’s wife in Bahasa Malaysia. The message was brought by Pastor Joining. We were given an opportunity to teach some Tamil songs to them led by Rev. S. Jevaretnam. Later, we helped Dr. Wilfred Samuel distribute food packets and clothes.

Our objective now is to work closely with Dr.Wilfred Samuel to reach out and provide love, care and a helping hand to the people on Bonggi Island. Our purpose is not only to serve as a bridge for the urgent needs in the community but to contribute towards the long-term social concerns work there and to bring the good news of Christ to the people.

Currently, there is a dire need amongst the children. They are not well educated and therefore need people to adopt them to provide for them financially, spiritually and to show them loving care.

MMM is looking at starting a Methodist kindergarten there. With the adoption of school going children (especially those after UPSR), MMM can work further with Jireh Home to support them financially every year.

The long-term benefit of this is to develop well-rounded adults who can help their own people. Local people can then be trained to take up pastoral and church leadership as well as for their own community.

Rev. Anthony Panan
TMC Tangkak