As thousands of believers came together in Miri, Sarawak for Tribal Gathering 2024, the atmosphere was electric with expectation. Across tribes and generations, many experienced profound encounters as the Holy Spirit moved powerfully in their midst.
With over 200 churches represented from East and West Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Papua and more, the gathering on 10-12 October was a striking display of unity found in Christ.
During the three days, we spoke to participants who had come from various churches and states across Malaysia, eager to hear what they had experienced and what personal revelations God had given them during this unforgettable event.
“My mission field is going to be Australia” – Jack Chan
“I’ve been very touched by God at Tribal Gathering, to see Sabah and Sarawak becoming a family was powerful. My hope is to see a Malaysia where the gospel is preached from our nation to the rest of the world.
God also spoke to me on the first night and revealed that my mission field is going to be Australia, specifically the Aboriginals.”
“I’ve already been chosen… I just need to choose Him too” – Oliver Garawat
“It was amazing to see people from so many different tribes, states, nations and generations worshipping with one heart. Everyone was dancing and praising [God] unabashedly. It was so freeing.
The second night especially stood out for me, when the speaker said we were invited specifically by Him and that it was no coincidence that I was there. I really felt His love, His warmth, His awesome presence. No matter the circumstances, I’ve already been chosen. I just need to choose Him too.”
“My faith has been strengthened seeing the next generation rise up” – Tommy Yap
“Just seeing all the tribes coming together was incredible; there were many significant moments for me. I’d never seen such things before, to see the Holy Spirit move so powerfully. It’s not man-made, clearly a move of the Spirit.
I was also encouraged by the women prayer warriors and my faith has been strengthened seeing the next generation rise up. I pray that my generation (I’m 64!) will support our young believers with resources, wisdom and experience.”
“God is pouring His awakening Spirit upon us” – Yen
“What I witnessed at Tribal Gathering was unity and reconciliation. God is pouring His awakening Spirit upon us [the Church] to become one. Unity is not easy but it is needed, but for it to happen, we need willing hearts. I’m excited to sense a growing urgency for revival and to see our prayer altars increasing.”
“Jesus is the Sower… do not underestimate anyone’s growth” – Catherine
“While we were singing, “Tuhan sangat besar…” during one of the worship sessions, I had a vision of Jesus standing above the earth. He looked so big compared to the earth, and Earth became so small before Him. Then the scene changed to a paddy field flooded with water, and Jesus was sowing rice tillers into the paddy field by hand. And on the other side of the field, I saw a huge fruit grown from the field, ready for harvest.
I believe Jesus is the Sower. Often, He carries out His purposes through his servants because He wants us to be part of His ministry and share His glory with us. We can’t do anything without Him; His hand [has to be] upon our lives.
We might be in the early stage of growth (the vegetative state of rice tillering), but accelerated growth can happen and lead to an instant harvest. [I felt the Lord say], do not underestimate anyone. Everyone has an important role to play; instant growth can happen to anyone.”
“I pray my children will be on fire for God” – Joshua Sit
“I came from Penang; this is my second time at Tribal Gathering. I’m truly impacted by the tribes coming together, that we have all been able to come together with one heart, one soul, one spirit.
My hope for Malaysia is to be able to worship God freely and use the name of God freely, and my prayer is for East Malaysians to rise up in government and positions of influence to shape the nation. I pray my children will be like Joy Agong (a young Lun Bawang prayer warrior), that they too will be on fire for God.”
Taking the gospel and equipping young people in the interiors
From 2025, event pastor Sabrina Low said Tribal Gathering will be steered to the next generation in a move towards the interiors of Sarawak.
The co-lead pastor of Cornerstone Community Church Borneo shared that this strategy was placed upon their hearts during Tribal Gathering Youth held in September. “It won’t be fancy [anymore], it’ll be stripped down. But we’re going to preach the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ,” she declared.
Tribal Gathering is a collaboration between Cornerstone Borneo churches, together with the Persatuan Kelabit, Saban dan Berawan (PKSB) and the Nehemiah Prayer Ministry which has representatives from various BEM/SIB churches. Read more on Tribal Gathering 2024 here.
