Did you know that the Basel Christian Church of Malaysia BCCM KL has roots stretching back to 1882? It all began in Lau San Kudat Sabah. Hakka Chinese migrants who arrived in Sabah under the British North Borneo Company established the first BCCM congregation. These hardworking people not only contributed to the development of the region but also maintained their faith. They held worship meetings in their homes every Sunday. Many settled along the west coast working on railway construction. The Basel Mission actively supported their recruitment from Hong Kong. The first church building in Kudat was erected in 1886. This marked the humble beginning of the BCCM.
Today BCCM KL stands as a testament to that enduring faith. It is one of four Lutheran bodies in Malaysia. It’s a proud member of the Lutheran World Federation. The church boasts a significant membership across Malaysia Sabah Sarawak West Malaysia even extending to Perth Australia and Madagascar. It comprises nearly 200 congregations and mission points. This demonstrates the far-reaching impact of the early Hakka migrants.
BCCM KL is more than just a church. It’s a vibrant multi-racial multi-lingual and multi-cultural community. It embraces three primary language groups: Chinese Bahasa Malaysia and English. This reflects the diverse population it serves. The current leadership includes Reverend Dr James Wong Chong Leong as bishop and Mr Vun Soon Chong as president.
The BCCM’s history is full of fascinating stories. After the Taiping Rebellion in China Hakka Christians faced suspicion from the Qing government. Many sought refuge in Southeast Asia. Their journey wasn’t easy. They persevered in their faith even during times of great hardship. The BCCM actively pursued a cross-cultural mission. In 1974 they launched a campaign to spread the gospel to the Bumiputra community. This resulted in a significant expansion in membership and the establishment of many new churches and chapels.
The BCCM also established a Bible Training Centre in 1980. This later evolved into the Sabah Theological Seminary. This was the first seminary in Malaysia to offer instruction in Bahasa Malaysia. This demonstrates the BCCM’s commitment to education and training. The BCCM also operates several schools and kindergartens catering to children of all backgrounds. They show a commitment to education and the community.
The BCCM KL today embodies the vision of being united in Christ for the mission and transformation of communities. It continues to share the good news of Jesus Christ and make disciples. It’s a beacon of faith a testament to resilience and a vibrant community. It stands as a symbol of the enduring spirit of those early Hakka migrants. They built a strong foundation of faith in a new land. The BCCM KL story is a reminder that faith and perseverance can overcome any obstacle. It’s a story of growth expansion and unwavering dedication to faith.