Sarawak Baptist Church (Piasau Baptist Branch)
821, Jalan Taman Piasau Edar, 
Piasau Park Garden, 
98000 Miri, Sarawak, 
Malaysia

Telephone: 085-651095
Email: piasaubaptist@live.com
 
Admin Office Hours
Mon-Fri 9:00am-12:30pm
              1:30pm-5:00pm
Sat         9:00am-12:30pm

Administrator: Michelle

(For Youth and Sunday Worship times, see SUNDAY WORSHIP submenu)
 
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VISION & MISSION
 
Church Vision
 
To be a Christ-centered Cell Church,
Built on the Word of God.
And empowered by the Holy Spirit
To transform the Community.
 
 
Church Mission
 
To be equipped with God’s Word,
United through Cell Groups, 
Exercising the Gifts of the Holy Spirit,
To Impact the Community,
Through
Caring for the needy, 
Reaching out to the lost, and
Committing to Missions.
 
STATEMENT OF FAITH
 
The Essentials We Believe:
 
1. About God
God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe.  He has eternally existed in three personalities: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.  These three are co-equal and are one God.
Genesis 1:1,26,27, 3:22;  Psalm 90:2;  Matthew 28:19; 1Peter 1:2;    2 Corinthians 13:14
 
2. About Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ is the Son of God.  He is co-equal with the Father.  Jesus lived a sinless human life and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all people by dying on a cross.  He arose from the dead after three days to demonstrate His power over sin and death.  He ascended to Heaven’s glory and will return again someday to earth to reign as King of Kings, and Lord of Lords.
Matthew 1:22, 23;  Isaiah 9:6;  John 1:1-5; 14:10-30; Hebrews 4:14,15;  1 Corinthians 15:3,4;  Romans 1:3,4; Acts1:9-11; 1 Timothy 6:14,15;  Titus 2:13
 
3. About the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is co-equal with the Father and the Son of God.  He is present in the world to make men aware of their need for Jesus Christ.  He also lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation.  He provides the Christian with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right.  He gives every believer a spiritual gift when they are saved.  As Christians, we seek to live under His control daily.
2 Corinthians 3:17;  John 16:7-13, 14:16,17;  Acts 1:8; 1Corinthians 2:12, 3:16;  Ephesians 1:13;  Galatians 5:25; Ephesians 5:18
 
4. About the Bible
The Bible is God’s Word to us.  It was written by human authors, under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit.  It is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living.  Because it is inspired by God, it is the truth without any mixture of error.
2 Timothy 3:16;  2 Peter 1:20,21;  2 Timothy 1:13; Psalm119:105,160, 12:6;  Proverbs 30:5
 
5. About Human Beings
People are made in the spiritual image of God, to be like Him in character.  People are the supreme object of God’s creation.  Although every person has tremendous potential for good, all of us are marred by an attitude of disobedience toward God called "sin".   This attitude separates people from God and causes many problems in life.
Genesis 1:27;  Psalm 8:3-6;  Isaiah 53:6a;  Romans 3:23; Isaiah 59:1, 2
 
6. About Salvation
Salvation is God’s free gift to us but we must accept it.  We can never make up for our sin by self-improvement or good works.  Only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God’s offer of forgiveness can anyone be saved from sin’s penalty.  When we turn from our self-ruled life and turn to Jesus in faith we are saved.  Eternal life begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ into his life by faith.
Romans 6:23;  Ephesians 2:8,9;  John 14:6, 1:12;  Titus 3:5; Galatians 3:26;  Romans 5:1
 
7. About Eternal Security
Because God gives us eternal life through Jesus Christ, the true believer is secure in that salvation for eternity.  If you have been genuinely saved, you cannot "lose" it.  Salvation is maintained by the grace and power of God, not by the self-effort of the Christian.  It is the grace and keeping power of God that gives us this security.
John 10:29;  2 Timothy 1:12;  Hebrews 7:25, 10:10,14; 1Peter 1:3-5
 
8. About Eternity
People were created to exist forever.  We will either exist eternally separated from God by sin, or eternally with God through forgiveness and salvation.  To be eternally separated from God is Hell.  To be eternally in union with Him is eternal life.  Heaven and Hell are real places of eternal existence.
John 3:16;  John 14:17;  Romans 6:23;  Romans 8:17-18; Revelation 20:15;  1 Corinthians 2:7-9
 
 
Read more about the Baptist Faith and Message from the Southern Baptist Convention, U.S.A.
 

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LIFESTYLE STATEMENT
 
What We Practice:
Beliefs are not worth much unless they are translated into actions. Based on what the Bible teaches, we feel very strongly about the following seven practices:
 
1. Bible As Our Sole Authority
2 Timothy 3:15 "The whole Bible was given to us by inspiration from God and is useful to teach us what is true and make us realize what is wrong in our lives; it straightens us out and helps us to do what is right."
Since God’s Word is the only completely reliable and truthful authority, we accept the Bible as our manual for living.  Our first question when faced with a decision is "What does the Bible say?"  We practice daily Bible reading, Bible study, and Bible memorization.  The Bible is the basis for all we believe.
 
2. Autonomy of Each Local Church
Colossians 1:18 "Christ is the head of His Body, the church.  He is the source of the Body’s life..."  (GN)
Christ is the recognized head of our church, not any person, group, or religious organization.  While recognizing the value of associating and cooperating with other groups of Christians, we believe every local church should be self-governing and independent from any denominational control.  In relating to our "daughter churches" that we sponsor, we encourage each congregation to determine its own strategy, structure, and style.
 
3. Priesthood of Every Believer
Revelation 1:6 "Christ loves us, and by His death He has freed us from our sins and made us a kingdom of priests to serve God..." (GN) 
1 Peter 2:9 "You are...the King’s priests...God’s own people, chosen to proclaim the wonderful acts of God."  (GN)
The Bible teaches that every Christian is called to "full time" Christian service, regardless of his or her vocation.  We practice the truth that every believer is a minister by encouraging every member to find a place of service and ministry.  Every believer has direct access to God through prayer and Bible reading.
 
4. Tithing
Leviticus 26:30 "A tithe of everything you produce belongs to the Lord; it is holy to the Lord." 
We practice tithing for the support of Christ’s body, the church, as God commands.  We recognize that giving 10% of our income is the Biblical standard of giving.

5. Immersion
Colossians 2:12 "For when you were baptized, you were buried with Christ, and in baptism you were also raised with Christ..."  (GN)
We practice baptism of believers by immersion under water - the way Jesus was baptized, and the way the Bible commands.

6. Spirit-led Living
John 15:5 (Jesus said), "I am the Vine, you are the branches.  If you abide in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; but apart from me you can do nothing." 
We believe the only way possible to live the Christian life is by God’s power within us.  So we seek to practice a daily dependence on God’s Spirit to enable us to do what is right.  (Phil. 2:13, Eph. 5:18)
 
7. Telling Others About Christ
1 Peter 3:15 "Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have."
It is the responsibility of every Christian to share the Good News with those with whom God brings us into contact.  We practice personal sharing about Christ and inviting friends to church.

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HISTORY
 
History of Piasau Baptist Church
 
 
Early Years
Baptist work in Miri was established with the coming of Pastor Charles Thurman & Kathie Braugton (missionaries from the Southern Baptist Foreign Mission Board) in September 1973. The missionary residence was then at No.36 Piasau Garden. Initial outreach work and activities such as Sunday service, Bible study classes, Gospel film shows, youth fellowship and recreation were organized to expose the people to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The Gospel work bore fruits when several people received Christ. On 26 May 1974 the first Baptismal Service was held for 16 new believers. Miri Baptist Church (MBC) was formally organized on 14 February 1976 with 25 charter members.
 
On 26 July 1976, the Braughtons had to leave Sarawak. The Church moved to another rented house at No.271, Piasau Garden for its regular activities. The State Government approved an one-acre site at Lot 821, Piasau Garden for the church building. A church building program was quickly initiated with the help of FMB and local funds. Without a pastor, the church leaders shouldered great responsibilities. On 17 April 1977, 3 local leaders were ordained as deacons by FMB missionaries from Kuching. They were Kenneth Ong, Christie Goh and Adeh ak. Tikok.
 
In July 1977, the Church invited James Khoo Tiang Veng for a month long visit to minister to the Church. James accepted the church’s invitation to become the pastor upon his graduation from Baptist Theological Seminary in November 1977.  On 8 January 1978, James Khoo was installed as the new pastor of Miri Baptist Church by Pastor Charles Morris.

Formative Years
The Church began to grow and function smoothly under the guidance and leadership of Pastor Khoo. 1978 and 1979 were years of growth and activities for the Church. Many fruitful events such as decisions for Christ, baptismal services, new members, T.E.E (Theological Education by Extension) courses and outreach programs took place.
 
Perhaps one of the most exciting events was the start of the construction of the new church building in October 1978. Apart from a grant from Malaysia-Singapore Baptist Mission, building pledges and gifts from the members of the Church made possible the construction of the new church. After much prayer for the smooth construction of the Church, it was finally completed in early October 1979. On 21 October 1979, the first worship service was conducted in the new Miri Baptist Building. On 25 November 1979, the first Baptismal and Lord’s Supper Service was held in the new building. 3 candidates were baptized.
On 6 January 1980, a Dedication Service of the new building was held jointly with the Ordination Service of Pastor James Khoo.
 
On 27 August 1982 the Sarawak Government officially approved the registration of Sarawak Baptist Church (SBC) as the umbrella body for all Baptist churches in the State. Miri Baptist Church became officially known as Piasau Baptist Branch (PBC) of SBC.
 
In 1982, PBC reached out to Bintulu through the efforts of Pastor Khoo and Jasbir Singh. Calvary Baptist Branch, pastored by Jasbir, was formed registered in October 1986. PBC related to a small ministry in Limbang, but stopped the work there in 1992.
 
Pastor Khoo also started the Iban ministry work in the Lutong and Pujut Corner squatter areas. Chengkie ak. Ambau and Mary Thambie ak. Kalu were encouraged to come forward to serve full-time. Dr. Jeffrey Oh Siew Tee took early retirement to go for Theological Training in New Zealand. He now serves as a lecturer cum missionary-doctor in Baptist Theological Seminary, Penang. On 30 October 1993, after nearly 16 years of pastoring PBC, Pastor Khoo and family left Miri for Kota Kinabalu. PBC was once again without a pastor.
 
 
Matured Years
Without a pastor to shepherd the flock, PBC sailed through many years of tough waters. However by the grace and strength of our Lord Jesus Christ, the leaders and members have stood together in the Lord’s work.
 
In July 1996, Lutong Baptist Chapel, mentored by PBC, officially became Lutong Baptist Branch. Wilson Tawie ak Ayu served as their first pastor from 8 November 1993 to 31 March 1997, and followed by Chengkie ak. Ambau. From Lutong Baptist Church springs Pujut Baptist Branch, registered in March 2001.  Daniel ak. Kion from the Iban Ministry became one of the pioneer Home Mission Board missionaries in the Sri Aman District. In November 1998, Taman Tunku Chapel (Iban-speaking) was established with the appointment of Mary Thambie ak. Kalu as Church Missionary, who served from 1 November 1998 until 6 October 2002.  In 1999, 8 new believers from Taman Tunku were baptized.
 
For a brief interlude, Pastor Yee Ting Kong served PBC as pastor from 1 January 1999 to 28 February 2000. Started in 1979, the Chinese (Mandarin/Hokkien) Ministry was re-launched on 28 February 1999. Worship Services were held every Saturday at the 1st Floor of Pujut 7 Shoplot. Later for the convenience of the elderly, it was moved to PBC main building. The first baptismal service was held on 15 April 2001 with 6 new believers. The Mandarin congregation currently worships on Sunday afternoon.
 
On 1 July 2003, Lim Thien Leong began his tenure as “Kingdom Service Worker” and continued to serve as pastor to-date.
 
 
New Direction
Apart from the Wednesday evenings’ prayer meet, an additional Monday Morning Prayer meet started in October 1999 but in January 2007 changed to Friday Morning. Through these times of prayer, the Lord gracefully imparts fresh spiritual visions, encouragement, admonitions and challenges for the church.
 
In 2006, a core group of 4 families left to start Trinity Baptist Chapel, which was later officially registered as a Trinity Baptist Branch in 2009.
 
In 2006, PBC leaders gathered for the first Cell Leaders Retreat. Under the guidance of Pastor Lai Moo Him (of Canning Garden Baptist Church, Ipoh), the leaders re-cast a new vision for PBC to begin the transformation journey to become a Cell Church. In 2007, the Curtin Ministry was launched to reach out to the Curtin University students in the new Senadin township, with the vision that one day, we might establish a University Baptist Church in that area.
 
In 2008, the vision to build a new sanctuary was birthed in a Day of Prayer on 21st June, 2008. This building project, called "Rebuilding The Lord's House" commenced with conceptual design in 2009. In 2011, PBC launched "FaithWorks" to work out our vision of touching our community through community service. Also in 2011, PBC released the Iban ministry at Taman Tunku Baptist Chapel to Lutong Baptist Church.
 
With Jesus Christ as our Chief Shepherd, PBC has launched into “the deep of faith and obedience” to fulfill the Lord’s great Commission, “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation." (Mark 16:15).
 
Praise be to God and to Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, from whom “the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work” (Ephesians 4:12).

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