Gerakan Rakyat Agape Sabah

 

Title: Gerakan Rakyat Agape Sabah: A Vision of Divine Love and Unity

The latest cover of Standing in the GAP magazine features an inspiring oil painting titled "Gerakan Rakyat Agape Sabah"—a powerful visual narrative of Yah's unconditional love for Sabah and its people. Every element in this artwork is rich with symbolism, inviting deep reflection on Sabah's spiritual and cultural journey.

Symbolism in the Image

1. Mount Kinabalu:

Standing tall in the distant background, Mount Kinabalu represents strength, resilience, and spiritual significance. Its towering presence symbolizes the steadfast foundation upon which Sabah is built. For many, this mountain is not just a landmark but a spiritual sentinel, watching over the land and its people.

2. The Rising Sun (Star) from the East:

Peeking from behind the mountain, the rising sun bathes the sky in warm, golden hues. This symbolizes a new beginning, hope, and the dawning of Yah's divine purpose for Sabah. The star-like glow signifies divine guidance, aligning with biblical promises that light will rise in the East, guiding those who seek truth and justice.

3. Sabah Youth in Traditional Kadazan Attire:

In the foreground, Sabah youth proudly stand dressed in vibrant traditional Kadazan attire. Their confident posture and forward-facing gaze reflect determination, unity, and readiness to lead with integrity. They symbolize the new generation rising to uphold righteousness and cultural identity, bridging the past and the future.

4. Wild Orchids and Native Flowers:

Encircling the youth are wild orchids and other native flowers in full bloom. These represent the rich biodiversity of Sabah and the flourishing of its people under Yah’s agape love. Orchids, often seen as symbols of beauty and strength, mirror the resilience and grace of Sabahans.

5. The Sky and Clouds:

The sky transitions from deep blues to radiant golds, with soft clouds drifting across. This contrast symbolizes the passing of past struggles and the unfolding of divine promises. The clouds, light and flowing, hint at the movement of the Holy Spirit, ushering in renewal and revival.

Colors and Their Meaning

Golden Hues of the Sun: Represent Yah's glory, divine presence, and the promise of a new beginning.

Deep Blues and Purples of the Mountain and Sky: Reflect majesty, stability, and the spiritual depth of Sabah's cultural roots.

Vibrant Greens of the Hills: Symbolize growth, renewal, and prosperity under divine guidance.

Bright Florals: Highlight the beauty of diversity and the flourishing of communities grounded in love and unity.

Body Language and Expression

The youth in the painting stand with purpose—shoulders back, eyes forward. Their open stance signifies courage, transparency, and readiness to embrace their role in transforming Sabah. Their presence radiates confidence, suggesting they are not burdened by the past but are hopeful for the future.

The Spiritual Message

This artwork is more than a visual masterpiece; it is a prophetic declaration of Yah's agape—His boundless, unconditional love—for Sabah. The combination of cultural heritage and divine symbolism serves as a call for unity, righteousness, and revival.

The title "Gerakan Rakyat Agape Sabah" (Sabah People's Agape Movement) signals a movement not driven by political ambition but by divine love. It invites Sabahans to rise in unity, embracing Yah's purpose and leading with compassion, integrity, and justice.

As the sun rises from the East, so too does Sabah stand on the threshold of a new era—one rooted in love, healing, and restoration.

Conclusion

This painting is a visual prophecy and a heartfelt prayer for Sabah. It challenges leaders and citizens alike to reflect, rise, and respond to Yah's calling. The mountain stands firm, the youth are ready, and the light has come. May Sabah move forward in the power of Gerakan Rakyat Agape Sabah, anchored in Yah’s unconditional love.

"Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you." — Isaiah 60:1

A Vision of Truth in the Heart of Sabah - Pastor Daniel and beloved wife Jacinta

Pastor Daniel and beloved wife Jacinta 

Blog: "A Vision of Truth in the Heart of Sabah"

In the heart of Sabah, nestled beside a gentle river, a peaceful Kampung setting captures the essence of both nature and spirituality. The image before us—a serene oil painting—invites the viewer to reflect on the deep, transformative journey that Pastor Daniel hopes for the Kadazan people, a community in which 60% follow Roman Catholic traditions, including his own immediate family. This painting isn't just a depiction of nature; it is a metaphor for the pastor's heartfelt desire to see his people, including his family, truly born again, mentally renewed, and freed from the entanglements of deceptive theology.

The Serene Kampung Setting: A Symbol of Peace and Reflection

The painting portrays a tranquil Kampung landscape, a familiar sight in rural Sabah. The soft, misty morning sun breaks through the mist that envelops the scene, representing divine enlightenment and the dawning of spiritual awakening. The mist itself symbolizes the obscured truth that often surrounds the hearts of many, clouded by centuries of tradition and misguided beliefs. But as the sun breaks through, it highlights the spiritual truth Pastor Daniel so deeply desires for his people.

The gentle river, meandering through the Kampung, symbolizes the flow of the Holy Spirit, guiding and cleansing those who walk by faith. It’s a reminder of John 7:38, where Jesus says, "Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them." This flowing river represents the life-giving power of the Holy Spirit that Pastor Daniel wishes to see manifest in the lives of his people, washing away old beliefs and false teachings.

The Presence of Mount Kinabalu: A Silent Witness to Faith

In the distance, Mount Kinabalu, Sabah's majestic and sacred peak, stands tall. This towering mountain represents the strength of faith and the steadfastness of God's truth. Its solid, unshakeable presence offers a spiritual anchor for Pastor Daniel’s community. It serves as a reminder that, despite the uncertainties and trials faced by believers, the foundation of truth in Christ remains steadfast, like a mountain standing firm through all seasons.

The Blooming Wildflowers: A Metaphor for Spiritual Growth

In the foreground, wildflowers are in full bloom, their colors vibrant against the soft, morning light. These flowers represent the spiritual growth Pastor Daniel prays for in the hearts of the Kadazan people. The vibrant colors—lush yellows, purples, and reds—are symbolic of the joy, peace, and love that come with being truly born again and walking in the fullness of the Spirit. Each flower, in its own unique shape and hue, also symbolizes the diversity of the Kadazan people and their individual journeys toward faith and freedom.

The Students: Reflecting the Struggle and Hope for Renewal

The group of students from the Catholic theological seminary sits near Pastor Daniel, eagerly listening to his words. Their body language speaks volumes. Some are seated attentively, while others, with furrowed brows, reflect deeply on the pastor’s words. A few students may have slight hesitations, their posture betraying the internal struggle between tradition and the call for spiritual renewal. But their presence in this intimate discussion symbolizes the desire for truth and transformation that Pastor Daniel believes is stirring within them.

Their openness to engaging with a pastor from another denomination reveals the seeds of spiritual hunger that God is planting in their hearts. They are no longer satisfied with surface-level theology but are seeking a deeper, personal encounter with Christ—one that goes beyond rituals and traditions. As they listen to Pastor Daniel, they begin to understand that true faith comes not from religious rituals or the Eucharist alone, but from a genuine, born-again experience of receiving the Holy Spirit and being transformed from within.

Pastor Daniel’s Desire for True Spiritual Renewal

Pastor Daniel’s journey has always been rooted in a deep love for the Kadazan people, and his heart aches for them to experience true freedom in Christ. This freedom, according to Pastor Daniel, is only found when believers are born again, baptized in the Holy Spirit, and walk in the renewed mind that comes from following Christ’s teachings, rather than centuries of convoluted theology.

For Pastor Daniel, it’s not just about doctrinal differences or theological debates. It’s about the freedom that only Christ can bring, breaking the chains of spiritual deception and selfishness. He desires for his people to experience the fullness of life that comes when the flesh is denied, and the spirit is set free by the Holy Spirit’s power. This renewal is the true essence of spiritual transformation—one that does not merely adopt religious practices but embraces a living, dynamic relationship with Jesus Christ.

A Vision for the Kadazan Community

Pastor Daniel’s genuine desire for his community is to see them move beyond the traditions that have bound them to rituals and doctrines that cannot bring salvation. He yearns to see the Kadazan people, including his own family, experience the baptism of the Holy Spirit—an infilling that will bring both empowerment and clarity of mind. It is through this renewal that they will be able to break free from the convoluted theology that has plagued their spiritual walk for generations.

Through his prayers, preaching, and personal interactions, Pastor Daniel is committed to guiding his people toward the truth that is found in God’s Word. He believes that when the Kadazan people experience a true revelation of Christ, they will be free from Satan’s deception and embrace the spiritual freedom Christ offers—freedom to live according to His will, walk in His truth, and experience His power in their daily lives.

Conclusion: A Call for Genuine Spiritual Renewal

This painting, with its serene landscape and vibrant imagery, serves as a visual metaphor for the spiritual journey Pastor Daniel prays for every Kadazan in his community. The misty morning symbolizing hidden truths, the river of living water representing the Holy Spirit, and the wildflowers of spiritual growth point to the spiritual freedom that comes when individuals are truly born again and walk in the renewal of the Holy Spirit.

In the heart of Sabah, Pastor Daniel’s passion for true transformation resonates deeply, not just for the Kadazan people but for all who are caught in the web of false theology. Through this heartfelt desire, Pastor Daniel believes that when the light of Christ shines through the mist of spiritual darkness, the Kadazan community will experience true freedom and renewal—mentally, spiritually, and emotionally.