by Aloysius Kan
The Star of Yahweh Covenant Community of the Parish of Sandakan celebrated its’ 41st Anniversary on 19th August 2025. In conjunction with the celebration, a special mass was held at 6.30 pm at the St Joseph’s Catholic Church, presided over by Parish Priest, Rev. Father David Garaman. Members, friends and wellwishers joined in the special mass in thanksgiving.
In his homily, on the 41st Anniversary of the Star of Yahweh Covenant Community, Rev. Fr. David Garaman spoke of striking a balance between challenge and deep hope, of worldly wealth that can foster attachment, pride and self-reliance – all things that close us from the grace and freedom of God. The image Jesus used – “it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven” is meant to awaken us to the profound truth that salvation cannot be earned by status, possessions, or efforts but it is a gift that demands total dependence on God. Salvation is not something that we achieve but rather it is something that we receive and our role is to surrender, to follow and to let go of anything that binds our hearts too tightly to this world.
Reflecting on today’s Gospel, taken from Matthew 19:23-30, His Reverend said it offers both a challenge and a promise – one that spoke directly of our journey of a charismatic community of faith, that speaks of a radical shift from clinging to the obstacles to the radical freedom God wants for us – detached from possessions, comfort, power, or even our own plans. A true discipleship that always involves letting go, surrendering control, and making space for God to act.
This was what Rev. Fr. David Garaman felt, that SYCC has over the years been precisely modelled in the spirit of a true discipleship. It was not founded on the pursuit of material wealth, but on of a deep hunger for the riches of the Holy Spirit and the Community has chosen to offer their time, their energy and their talents not for personal gains but for the sake of His Name.
Jesus promises to those who do this: “Everyone who has left houses, brothers, sisters, father, mother, children or land for the sake of my name will be repaid a hundred times over, and also inherit eternal life. ”The reality of this promise is visible in the Community; as a spiritual family, it has experienced the healing, the joy of worships, the prophetic words and the share mission. These are God’s hundredfold blessings of life in the Spirit. The Lord has been generous to the Community because it has been generous with Him, has surrendered to Him and has followed Him.
Yet Rev. Fr. cautioned the Community to not grow complacent. No matter how many years it has served, it must always return to the heart of a humble disciple – surrendering for the sake of His name, poor in spirit, open to the surprises of God and always longing for more of His presence. He reminded that the Community’s Mission is not finished – God’s mission can never finish. The Lord is still calling the Community, still stretching the Community, still sending the Community. So, he urged the Community to continue to be a light in this parish, be witness to the power of the Holy Spirit and be a living reminder that God can do the impossible not only in the world, but in each of our hearts that we must surrender totally to Him. He prayed that the Star of Yahweh Covenant Community continues to shine brightly – not only as a name, but in each of our hearts.
After mass, the Community, well-wishers together with the parish priest and invited guests then adjourned to the St Joseph’s Catechetical Hall for a potluck dinner and fellowship. In his opening address during the dinner, Presiding Elder Philip Mosinoh thanked the Community for the forty-one years of journeying together with one another. He thanked Rev. Father for his gracious presence at this dinner and fellowship. He was grateful that His Reverend has graciously consented to be the Spiritual Director of SYCC and he gave his assurance of full support that the Community will work with His Reverend in his pastoral works for the improvement and betterment of the parish. He shared of a time when he had differences with a priest, so much so that he would not bring himself to attend masses presided by the priest. He was able to let go of this after confessing to a young priest who advised him to not offend the priests who are God’s chosen ones. Quoting a passage from 1 Samuel 26: 9 when David and Abishai entered King Saul’s camp by the road on Mount Hachilah, David said “You must not harm him! The Lord will certainly punish whoever harms his chosen King, ”he advised that we in the Community to always respect and work with the anointed ones.
The Body of Elders together with Rev. Fr. David Garaman and Adaris Sintan, Chairman of CHARIS Diocese of Sandakan then performed the cake cutting ceremony of the 41st Anniversary.
During dinner, joy filled the hall with music and hymns by the Music Ministry. Our young talented Azroy Goria belted out a number “Holy Forever” with the accompaniment of the Music Ministry. His energy and gift delighted the Community.
Elder Michael Lai shared the biblical numbers 40 and 41 which bear great significance, quoting passages from the Bible.
Noah: Genesis 7:12 It rained 40 days and 40 nights. On the 41st day, the rain stopped.
Moses: Exodus 2:11-15 Moses hid in Midian/desert for 40 years after killing the Egyptian, whom he saw beating a fellow Hebrew. On the 41st year God called him to rescue the Israelites.
Moses: Joshua 5:6 and Numbers 32:13 The Israelites wondered 40 years in the wilderness due to lack of faith. On the 41st year they entered the Promised Land led by Joshua.
Moses: Exodus 19-24 Moses went up to the Mount Sinai and stayed 40 days and 40 nights. On the 41st day, God gave him the Ten Commandments.
Goliath: 1 Samuel 17:16 Goliath, the Philistine giant taunted the Israelites for 40 days, both morning and evening. On the 41st day, David defeated him.
Jonah: Jonah 3:4 Jonah preached in Ninevah for 40 days for the people to repent. They repented and on the 41st day, God relented his plan to destroy Ninevah.
Jesus: Matthew 4:1-11 Jesus fasted 40 days and 40 nights. He was tempted by the Devil but on the 41st day the devil left Him.
Jesus: Acts: 1-3 & John 20:19-29 Jesus appeared to his disciples for 40 days after His resurrection. On the 41 day, He ascended to Heaven.
The Star of Yahweh Covenant Community has existed for 40 years and 19th August 2025, we celebrate our 41st year as we walk the path for the glory of God. Elder Michael Lai posed these questions – what do we expect? The rain stops? The Giant falls? The blessing return and we enter the promise land? All is up to us now.
Rev. Fr. David Garaman, in his keynote address congratulated SYCC on its activities. He called for greater youth involvement and expressed his hope that some among the youths will one day come forth as religious, sisters and priests – vocations that the parish is greatly in need of. He assured the Community of his full support, and expressed readiness to accept beneficial ideas and contributions for the improvement of both the Community and the parish.
The SYCC’s 41st Anniversary celebration concluded with reciting the Diocese of Sandakan Prayer and the Community bringing home words and wisdoms to journey on for the glory of His Name, to quote Rev. Fr. David Garaman’ homily at the Anniversary Mass “God’s mission can never finish.”