Kiribati for Christ is currently underway across the country’s far-flung islands, with Adventist Church members actively involved in the campaign. There are 10 sites across the Tarawa Atoll and Abemama and Kiritimati Islands, with speakers from Australia, French Polynesia, Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, and Fiji.

The campaign opened with strong interest from community members. While the official opening of Kiribati for Christ took place on August 15, the Church in Kiribati prepared a two-day program, the Two Days of Fire, to introduce the community to the Seventh-day Adventist faith.

“There is a translation of Seventh-day Adventists in Kiribati, Kaitibong, which just means ‘seventh-day,’” said Taabua Rokeatau, president of Kiribati Mission. “I don’t think it really explains why we are Seventh-day Adventists.”

The Two Days of Fire ran right before the official Kiribati for Christ meetings began. Day one discussed why the Church worships on the seventh day, and day two discussed the Advent.

“From those two days, people wanted to hear more about who Seventh-day Adventists are,” said Rokeatau. “Then we had the opportunity to visit people in their homes and invite them to join the main Kiribati for Christ program.”

President Taneti Maamau and Taabua Rokeatau.

Photo: Adventist Record

Kiribati president Taneti Maamau shakes the hand of speaker Peter Watts.

Photo: Adventist Record

The official opening of Kiribati for Christ also featured strong governmental support with the attendance of the Taneti Maamau, president of Kiribati, and two Ministers. According to Rokeatau, the Kiribati government recognizes that the Church plays a major role in helping the nation.

“We’re raising awareness regarding health issues through 10,000 Toes [a health campaign that teaches communities the early signs of diabetes] as well as being very family-focused, and we bring peace to people in the face of what is happening in the world right now,” Rokeatau said. “That’s why the president is so supportive of these kinds of programs.”

The theme for Kiribati for Christ is “I will go to the deeper waters”. Rokeatau explained how the people of Kiribati were very passionate about this metaphor because they are on an island. “Deeper water means to go beyond the shallow water and really see what’s happening everywhere and see how the Church can assist the nation and bring people to Jesus.”

An Attendee reads her Bible during the service.

Photo: Adventist Record

French Polynesian pastor Tamanui Mohi (right) preaches with translator Minister Tekarimwi Bitaa (left).

Photo: Adventist Record

Taabua Rokeatau and his wife Raobe Tiaontin.

Photo: Adventist Record

Special item at one of the sites in Bikenibeu.

Photo: Adventist Record

There have been several initiatives to meet the community's needs, such as beach cleanups and health screenings.

“10,000 Toes is a major part of the program,” said Rokeatau. “People come to the health screenings and then, because they are invited, come to the evening programs.”

The original article was published on the South Pacific Division news site, Adventist Record.