For many years, there was no church in Tisak.
The small Iban longhouse community in Sarawak, home to just 24 families, gathered wherever they could. Some met in homes. Others travelled elsewhere for worship. For many villagers, opportunities to learn God's Word were limited, and Christianity was still relatively new.
One of those who came to faith later in life was Imur Anak Limban.
When he became a Christian in 2001, he knew little about the faith. Yet over time, as he listened to God's Word and learned from other believers, his understanding began to grow. He was not alone. Slowly, more families in the community began gathering to listen to Scripture together.
The introduction of Bible Listening Groups and the Audio Bible made God's Word more accessible. People gathered regularly to listen, discuss what they heard, and encourage one another. For some, it was the first time they could engage with Scripture consistently in a way that was easy to understand.
As the community grew in faith, a common desire began to emerge and they wanted a church where families could worship together and where future generations could continue hearing God's Word.
Building it would require sacrifice and support came from believers outside the village. Families within the community contributed according to their ability. Some gave financially, others gave their time and labour. Imur gave the land on which the church would eventually be built.
When asked why, his answer was simple. He wanted his children and grandchildren to know Jesus. Little by little, the church took shape. Today, it stands in the middle of the community—a reminder of what can happen when people come together around a shared purpose.
Many of the stories that the children told were stories of fear and disturbing experiences that had been passed down through the years. When asked what they would do when they felt afraid, their answer was immediate: they would become silent. Yet now, they no longer experience these things because of the Word, the church, and the prayers around the community.
The deeper story is still unfolding in the hearts of the people who gather there each week. It is found in families listening to God's Word together. It is found in lives slowly being changed. And it is found in children who are growing up hearing a different story than the ones that once held them captive.
One day, perhaps when those same children are asked to tell stories about Tisak, they will have different stories to share.
Pray with us that instead of huddling in fear and silence, they will listen to God's Word faithfully and realise that the Sovereign Lord is their strength and shield. Until Everyone Hears.
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