Joni R. Vatuvatu

Zone 3 In The Park

LAMI, FIJI — The battle against illicit drugs and the digital erosion of the family unit cannot be won by badges and uniforms alone.

This was the resounding message at Tikaram Park this afternoon (Sabbath, 21 March), as Sgt. Mataiasi Raivuni of the Serious Organised Crime Unit issued a stirring call to action to the residents of Lami.

​"The Fiji Police Force cannot fight this war in a vacuum," Sgt. Raivuni stated firmly.

"To protect our future, we need the hands and hearts of every Fijian family, our faith-based leaders, and every civil society organization. Community vigilance is our strongest weapon."

​The "Zone 3 In The Park" event brought together a massive efforts of Adventist youth from the Suvavou, Lami, Valenicina, Qauia, and Kalekana Adventist churches.

This wasn't just a religious gathering; it was a strategic community outreach designed to shine a light on the shadows haunting the Lami area—specifically the rising drug abuse and its devastating ripple effects.

​While the threat of drugs is visible, Sgt. Waisea Bolabiu warned of a more insidious danger lurking inside Fijian homes: the smartphone.

​Calling mobile devices a "silent invader," Sgt. Bolabiu highlighted the psychological and social harm affecting children under 16.

​Mr. Savenaca Siwatibau echoed these sentiments, providing a sobering look at the long-term impacts of screen dependency, while Mrs. Sereima Vatuvatu closed the session with a vital, candid discussion on sexual health, identity, and the rising risks of STIs/STDs and choices.

​This event marks only the beginning.

The Suvavou Adventist Youth have pledged to occupy Tikaram Park every third Sabbath from April through July.

These monthly outreaches serve as the frontline preparation for the Fiji For Christ National Harvest in August.

We have been blessed by last week's timely reminder during the Family Werk of Prayer.

Just a reminder for the new week, please note the excerpt below;

The world is shouting through technology, but God often whispers. If we want to hear His voice, we must be still, put the phone down, and attune to His love displayed throughout His Word.

Ellen White’s words in Child Guidance echo like a trumpet: “Parents should guard the avenues of the soul; for everything that is calculated to corrupt the morals will surely do it.” (White, 1954, p. 114).
Every family member must guard the soul avenues—eyes, ears, hearts—from the evolving digital invasion that, used indiscriminately, can s***f out spirit.

Blessed week family and friends.

Amen.

Its starts at home within our families.

God had committed to His people a work to be accomplished on earth. The third angel’s message was to be given, the minds of believers were to be directed to the heavenly sanctuary, where Christ had entered to make atonement for His people. The Sabbath reform was to be carried forward. The breach in the law of God must be made up. The message must be proclaimed with a loud voice, that all the inhabitants of earth might receive the warning. The people of God must purify their souls through obedience to the truth, and be prepared to stand without fault before Him at His coming.

~ Evagelism pg.695

Had Adventists, after the great disappointment in 1844, held fast their faith and followed on unitedly in the opening providence of God, receiving the message of the third angel and in the power of the Holy Spirit proclaiming it to the world, they would have seen the salvation of God, the Lord would have wrought mightily with their efforts, the work would have been completed, and Christ would have come ere this to receive His people to their reward. But in the period of doubt and uncertainty that followed the disappointment, many of the advent believers yielded their faith.... Thus the work was hindered, and the world was left in darkness. Had the whole Adventist body united upon the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, how widely different would have been our history!

~ Evangelism Pp.695

The Work Might Have Been Done—Had the purpose of God been carried out by His people in giving to the world the message of mercy, Christ would, ere this, have come to the earth, and the saints would have received their welcome into the city of God.

—Testimonies For The Church 6:450 (1900).

Following Jesus should be a trait of all true disciples.

By giving the gospel to the world it is in our power to hasten our Lord’s return. We are not only to look for but to hasten the coming of the day of God. 2 Peter 3:12, margin. Had the church of Christ done her appointed work as the Lord ordained, the whole world would before this have been warned, and the Lord Jesus would have come to our earth in power and great glory.

The Desire of Ages, 633, 634.

Night 3: Meet Jesus when He surprises us.

While the disciples were gazing upward to catch the last glimpse of their ascending Lord, He was received into the rejoicing ranks of heavenly angels. As these angels escorted Him to the courts above, they sang in triumph, “Sing unto God, ye kingdoms of the earth; O sing praises unto the Lord, to Him that rideth upon the heavens of heavens… Ascribe ye strength unto God: His excellency is over Israel, and His strength is in the heavens.” Psalm 68:32–34, margin. (The Acts of the Apostles, pp. 32–33)

What a journey it has been.

What a blessing ... serving with the Hope Family.

I've shared on many occassions that the Hope Boys and media team - all of those serving currently as well as those who have moved on, they are a gift from God.

Their tolerance, patience, commitment, passion and dedication to share the gospel through media platforms is unmatched.

They are people with less words, funny and humorous, they have diverse temperaments and unique personalities, but what a joy it is to have belonged to the Hope Family.

I have learnt from them and can say that I leave much more blessed than I first found them.

Friends and family, thank you for the prayers
offered towards media ministry. Please keep praying. Keep supporting. The team needs your prayers.

My family is my strength and they are my inspiration in all that I do. I owe all to God and them. We are not perfect but we stick to each other and our bond and passion for ministry burns in us. We thank you all who have been with us throughout - our nuclear and extended families.

The list is long and I can't mention you all. Thank you for your love and support.

More updates from the TPUM Session.

Officers and first female secretary appointed for TPUM missions Pastor Loleth Worwor was appointed secretary of the Vanuatu Mission this morning at the 6th TPUM Session.