Funds will go towards church repair

30 July 2024
By AVV
KOTA BELUD: The charity dinner to raise funds for the repair of a church was hosted at a restaurant in Sulaman, where 22 tables were sold for RM800 each. Despite the costs incurred for the dinner, the event generated proceeds. The amount raised was about RM6000, which was an achievement by itself, but it was significantly boosted by a generous donation of RM10,000 from Kadamaian State Assemblyman Datuk Ewon Benedick.
Spokesperson for the event Santiom Domenting, shared that this was one of their fundraising events to go towards repairing their dilapidated church.
The SIB church in Kg Lasau Tintapon, stands as a testament to years gone by, having stood there since the 1990s, its weathered facade is a well-loved place for worshipers who thronged there on Sundays to practice their faith. This church is led by Pastor Jebi Anam.
According to Santiom, the roof which is rusting zinc, now sagged under the weight of neglect, allowing water to seep through during the rainy season. Inside, the leaking plywood ceiling is holding up, even though it is so decrepit.

Despite its deteriorating state, the church remains the heart of the community, a sanctuary for the faithful. With a congregation of 1,000 members, only 200 attend weekly services, as many worked outside the district or even overseas, chasing opportunities that often took them far from home.
However, when they all returned together, the church is unable to contain their numbers. On special occasions, the faithful overflowed into the community hall, a nearby space that served as a temporary refuge for worshippers celebrating their faith.
“We have our church a little, with plywood but it didn’t do anything to elevate the problem. It is still stuffy and a tight fit during service,” she shares.
The community rallied around the idea of restoration, envisioning a revitalised church that could accommodate all its members, especially during the busy holiday seasons when everyone returned home, especially during Christmas.

"We are grateful for the contribution made by our State Assemblyman, Datuk Ewon, and we are committed to utilising it effectively. Our focus will be on addressing roof repairs and ceiling improvements," she expressed.
"Having a leader like him is truly a blessing as he consistently supports us. His dedication to his constituents makes him a role model whom we can rely on for assistance, knowing that he will always respond positively," she added, highlighting that Ewon has never failed to listen to their needs and show genuine care and consideration.
The church still stands proudly, albeit in disrepair, but it serves as a reminder of the strength of the community and the enduring spirit of its members.
With the help of their leader and their own perseverance, Santiom believed that together, they could breathe new life into their beloved church, transforming it from a shelter of leaks and decay into a comfortable place of worship.
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