South Pacific Division

Almost 1,000 Baptized Throughout Fiji in July

August 20, 2022

Fiji

Joni Vatuvatu

One hundred fourteen people being baptised at Tebara district in the Wainibokasi River. [Credit: Adventist Record]

A family in Bureni, Naitasiri, Fiji, started observing the Sabbath and built a church two years before they got baptized in the Adventist Church on July 30. They were included in the more than 1,400 people baptized in Fiji this year.

From Navuso Village, outside Nausori, in the Central Division, Semi Tubuduadua Lutunacagibula, age 67, was a staunch Methodist lay preacher who was confronted by the Sabbath truths in a piece of literature in 1987.

Wrestling with his discovery for years, Lutunacagibula resolved to leave his church in 2017. Two years later, he took another step in his faith journey and informed his family about his decision to keep the biblical Sabbath, asking them to decide within three months whether they would like to keep the Sabbath or return to their previous faith.

“At the end of the three months, we all decided to be Sabbath keepers and become Adventists and to observe the Lord’s Sabbath,” said Esala Madanavosa, the youngest of Lutunacagibula’s two sons.

On July 30, Semi Tubuduadua, his wife, Josefini Qativi, and their children’s families were baptized in Naisilisili, Naitasiri. One of their sons-in-law, Semi Vakamoce Volau, was a former minister of the Methodist Church.

Mr. Tubuduadua (right) ready to be baptised by Pastor Epeli Saukuru, FM secretary; and his wife, Josefini Qativi (left), by Pastor Timoci Lomani. [Credit: Adventist Record]

“I have always questioned why the Adventists are different and is [sic] the single religion worshipping on Saturday,” said Volau. “I am blessed to have found the answers in the Bible and also to be baptized into the faith.”

Pastor Nasoni Lutunaliwa, Fiji Mission (FM) president, said it was a joy to witness lives changed and committed to following Jesus into the waters of baptism. “July is our harvest month, and what a blessing to witness churches, church members, and ministers unite their efforts in soul winning.”

Mr. Madanavosa was baptised by Pastor Epeli Saukuru, FM secretary, at Naisilisili, Naitasiri, on July 30. [Credit: Adventist Record]

According to Pastor Lutunaliwa, FM had baptized more than 500 people by June this year, with an additional 938 baptisms performed in July, bringing this year’s total number of baptisms to 1,447.

Pastor Lutunaliwa explained that the Tebara and Naitasiri districts recorded the highest numbers, with more than 100 baptisms in the past month alone. Baptisms are still taking place each Sabbath in most newly entered areas in Fiji.