Be shepherds of God’s flock
1 Peter 5:2
Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve;
Living amidst in the jungle in Ulu Lawas was a small group of catholic community, made up mainly of Timorese timber workers.
In spite of just being just a small community, on 1st August 2018, Our Bishop the Rt Rev Richard Ng and his team members together with Fr Peter Hwang, true to Christ calling to serve made the hazardous journey to bring them the Sacraments; Reconciliation and Holy Eucharist.
We pray that they may not lose their christian faith and that the young people may come to know the full knowledge of Christ.
To reach there, it was a 360 km journey one way from Miri by road. From Lawas it was about 111 km but it took about 4 hours of skillful driving on a 4 wheel-Drive and on very poor country dirt road. The team overnight at Merarap hotspring about 70km from Lawas before proceeding to Ravenscourt, another 41km away.
Upon arriving at the destination, the vehicles were all covered in mud.
The Bishop celebrated sunset Mass at the local St Basilus Chapel and also to mark the 9th anniversary of this chapel which was constructed which was constructed by the Timorese and Philippinos camp workers in 2009.
Yakobus Lelang the prayer group leader was very touch and thankful to Reverend Bishop Richard Ng and Fr. Peter Hwang for this memorial visit to St Basilius Chapel. Their families were able to receive Christ in Holy Communion after a very long time.
Ravenscourt Camp which is the largest logging camp of Syarikat Samling Berhad in the Lawas region is not only home for the camp workers but is also renowned for the beauty of its mother nature and distinctive temperature. The twenty-acre camp which was established in 1995 is situated at about 4,500 feet above sea level. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful wildlife, flora and fauna besides Merarap hotspring which is believed to be the largest in the country.
Due to its low temperature, the camp was often refered to as "The Genting Highland of Sarawak". At night, its temperature is 15 deg C while the day temperature is 15 -20 deg C. Surrounded with beautiful landscape, Ravenscourt camp is overlooking the lovely scenary of Bario in an inter-montane plateau in the northern part of the Kelabit highlands which arise in the eastern extreme of Sarawak. During good weather early sunrise, visitors can see the famous pillar Batu Lawi at a distance.
The camp is equipped with the basic facilities such as electricity supply, fresh stream water supply, canteen and staff mess. Besides VIP and guest quarters, it has worship centres including a chapel and Chinese temple. It also provides sport and recreational facilities like football field and basketball court.
Photography - Dennis Ng
Story compiled and edited by Ben Chang
