...The Anglican Diocese Of...

Dedication of Kokol Prayer Summit

The dedication of Kokol Prayer Summit was held on 29th August 2010. The Anglican Diocese of Sabah gathered to celebrate the fulfillment of a dream to build a retreat centre for Christians to have a place of rest and to spend time in quiet reflection.

Mark 1:35 Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.

In the past, watchtowers were built to give forewarning of approaching enemy. Some were fortified so they can defend against the advance of the enemy. In our electronic age of satellite surveillance, the physical watchtower gives way to spiritual watchtowers that watches over the nation's security, wealth and well-being. We need God's favour to keep us from natural calamity. We need to be watchful and pray for our government and national leaders that they will have wisdom to govern and rule the nation wisely so that we can live in peace and harmony.

The idea to build a retreat centre has been pursued by the Anglican Diocese of Sabah many times in the past. However, none of the attempts came to fruition. The idea was mooted again and we realized that there is a need for a prayer and retreat centre in Kota Kinabalu area for all the churches in Sabah.

The Land

Without being solicited, a man has given our Diocese free of charge 10 acres of land in the Kokol Mountains that is only half an hour drive from Kota Kinabalu.

The land is close to the peak of a ridge approximately 2,800 feet above sea level. The ridge has been levelled to create a narrow strip of land measuring approximately half an acre where the proposed prayer retreat centre will be built.

The site offers breathtaking panoramic, views over largely undisturbed mountain flora. On one side, we have aerial view of city of KK and its suburbs. On a clear day, we are able to see Mount Kinabalu on the other side.

Functions

The Bishop's vision for the prayer retreat centre is it will be used by all the churches individually or corporately to pray for the nation and churches. It will be opened for all seasons and will cater for big or small groups or families.

Building Design Concept

The design concept for the proposed retreat and prayer centre is a building shape as a slanting cross. The idea is from a picture in Jerusalem showing Jesus carrying the cross toe Mount Golgotha along the Via Delorosa. A committee has been formed and they have selected an option for a building with a main auditorium with a sitting capacity of 300 persons. It will incorporate the following facilities:

• 2 prayer rooms with unobstructed panoramic views
• Smaller meeting and conference rooms
• Office and administration rooms
• Kitchen and Dining areas
• En suite rooms and dormitory
• Toilets and bathrooms

Costing

The cost of the building is RM4,200,000.00. Furniture, fixtures, fittings and equipment is estimated at RM500,000.00. Funding for the project is from internal reserves, members contribution and free will offering.

Those who are interested to give to the project can make out your cheques to 'The Diocese of Sabah', HSBC A/C No: 392 013397 001, Swift Code: HBMB MYKL. Cheques to be forwarded to 2nd floor Wisma Anglican, Jalan Lee Tet Phui, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia. Telephone No 0060 88 245846 Fax No 00 60 88 261422.

• It is difficult to get to the venue. Are you sure the government will construct the road?
• Have you sorted out the land matters?
• Do we have sufficient funds to complete the project?
• How do we justify spending so much for a prayer retreat centre that will only be used occasionally?
• How are we going to finance the running cost?
• How do we get there?