Sarawak Chinese Annual Conference
KUCHING – Considering its vast area spreading across 200 km with a considerable population, and that there are 20 financially self-sufficient parishes within the area, Kuching District’s appeal to be geographically divided into two districts was unanimously resolved.
This decision was arrived at during the 35th Session of the Sarawak Chinese Annual Conference (SCAC) held here recently.
Kuching East District and Kuching West District each comprises 10 parishes.
The SCAC now has three District Superintendents (DS). With Kuching District divided into East and West, the Rev Chin Sai Hin was appointed the new Kuching West District Superintendent, while the Rev Ting Diu Kiong the Kuching East DS. The Rev Wong Hin Jung was appointed the new Bintulu DS.
The Rev Hii Kong Ching, the outgoing DS, and his wife will be missionaries to England to minister to King’s Cross Methodist Church in London. Another outgoing DS is the Rev Pang Neng Soon. Having served his six years’ term as DS of Bintangor District he will enjoy his sabbatical this year. The new DS for Bintangor District is the Rev Tong Chu Yiung.
The Conference received six new pastors.
Three preaching centres have been upgraded to full church status. Sebiew Preaching Centre is now a full church and named Sebiew Church. Matang Malihah Preaching Point, established in 1987, is now Malihah Church. Tong Nan Poh Preaching Centre, downgraded in 1988, has resumed its church status carrying its previous name Zhen Guang Church, which means true light.
After 12 tough ballots, which had to be carried out over two consecutive days, Dr Yao Sik Chi from Faith Church was elected as the new SCAC Lay Leader, replacing Mr Hii Ching Chiong. – Connection, a fortnightly English station of The Chinese Methodist Message, Sarawak Chinese Annual Conference.