On October 30, Mr. Terrence Tinggi Sait and I drove to Sarikei and met Roland Katang in Taman Jasmin. Together with his two brothers-in-law, Kudang and Solomon, we visited the family of the late Philip Suning, the first Iban follower of Bahá’u’lláh. It was a pleasant meeting and we reminisced about old times in Brunei and Limbang and the early years in Sarawak. I remembered how he invited Grete to visit Sungai Stalun and how that place in central Sarawak was opened to the Faith.

We then took some pictures of the family and friends who also visited them. We later went together to the gravesite of the late Philip. The grave is in a remote field with some other graves. It is easy to find and there was a small jungle path to the site. We said prayers at the site and also took pictures.

A home of warmth and calm
Where a spirit of hope and joy
A light of venture and energy
Is leading me to newer heights…

The journey started with eight youths from Bau, Lundu and Kuching, traveling together from Kuching to Serian on 23 November. In Serian we were joined by another group of nine youths and we stayed at Ellen Joseph’s residence before proceeding to our first destination, Kampung Bugu Mawang the next morning.

Book 1 course started with 11 Bahá’í youths with myself and Poly Jampang as tutors. The course was held during day time only. At the same time children’s class and junior youth class were conducted by Calstino and Hartini. They were assisted by Erwina and Dovin. In the evening, workshop on arts was held whereby the youth were taught how to chant prayers, songs, games and dances. Besides that we also visited and prayed for a friend who was ill. He passed away a week later.

From 17 till 27 November, Auxiliary Board Member Mr. Bunsie Tunton made a ten-day trip to the northern region by driving the family van all the way to Rh. Ansok, Sg. Kelabit in the Bakong area. He was accompanied by wife Bari and their three children. For Bari it was more like a happy reunion after a long separation. In her report about the trip, Bari wrote that their visit coincided with the Reflection Meetings organised by the Area Teaching Committees. At Rh. Ansok, representatives from ten communities in the Bakong-Tinjar Cluster attended the reflection meeting held on 19 Nov. The friends studied the 26 Nov 2001 document from the International Teaching Centre and the 2002 Ridvan Message.

On 6 December 2002 we ( Banta Jalin, Nicholas Engkilan and Feather) left for our destination, Long Tanyit in the interior of Belaga District. That night we had to seek accommodation at Danum (logging) Camp due to lack of transport to continue our journey. The next day we got a lift to Long Tanyit. Our arrival was warmly welcomed by the believers and we stayed for two days. We organized devotional gatherings and discussed on ways how to initiate activities for the youth.