One hundred thirty people were baptized at the end of the “Countdown: Back to the Future” evangelistic series on July 1, 2023, held at the Cakau Multi-Purpose Centre in Suva, Fiji.
Pastor Gary Webster, evangelist and former lecturer, was the speaker at the three-week event, which began on June 11, hosted by the Suva North District in Nasinu, Suva.
Pastor Nasoni Lutunaliwa, Fiji Mission (FM) president, said the initiative was “successful as it was a face-to-face event which also incorporated media evangelism.” He added, “Several candidates never attended the event physically and only watched from the comforts of their home and made their decisions to follow Christ.”
Pastor Lutunaliwa also mentioned that organizing such big events is always challenging, but “God blessed the event and proves faithful when His church members unite their efforts with Him in the work of saving souls.”
The event also included a three-day training for ministers and elders conducted by Pastor Webster.
“FM recognized the importance of equipping ministers and elders to effectively share the message of salvation and bring souls to Christ,” said Aisake Tiko Kabu, FM Ministerial secretary. “Their passion for spreading the Gospel was reignited as they learned new techniques and strategies to reach people’s hearts.”
Kabu added that the evangelism “not only brought souls into the fold but ignited a flame of revival that would continue to burn brightly, lighting the way for many more to come.”
Pastor Pita Tokalau, district ministerial leader, said the newly baptized members are distributed to attend churches all over the district, close to their homes. He added that nurturing programs and further Bible study programs have begun in most churches for the new members. He also acknowledged church members for their contribution and sacrifices during the planning, running, and follow up of the evangelism effort.
Pastor Lutunaliwa thanked the ministers, church members, and everyone who was involved, especially the final-year theology students of Fulton Adventist University College who were part of the evangelism team. The students were on practicum and heavily involved in the operations, visitations, and joining ministers in conducting worship during the event.
The Fiji Mission has set aside the month of July as Pentecost Harvest Month.
The original version of this story was posted by the South Pacific Division website, Adventist Record.