The French Polynesia Mission (FPM) recently gave young people the opportunity to expand their knowledge in using media for mission. The FPM communications department held a challenge for young people, with three chosen to be sponsored to attend the Digital Strategy for Mission convention, held from July 3-13, 2026, in Auckland, New Zealand.

The contest drew 12 young people from across the FPM. All were given the theme, “What is your response to the suffering of people today?”. Participants decided on an issue within society and created a short response film, no longer than two minutes. Videos were shown in local churches and voted on.

“However, the idea is that it’s not a competition,” said FPM communication director Ambroise Colombani. “We wanted to recruit more young people so they could know the vision of the mission, learn our strategies, and feel like they can be a part of the mission in Tahiti.”

Heiariki Poroi, director of communication of Mataiea Church in Tahiti, created a video about a church member struggling with drugs and how he escaped his addiction and found hope in God.

“I learned a lot about graphic design here,” he said, adding that he’s enjoyed learning about social media the most. “I’m very happy to learn new skills, including how to manage my Facebook page.”

Mirella Fonua and Emerald Cheung volunteer together in communications work for Pamatai Church in Tahiti creating videos to recap and promote events.

Fonua’s video tells the story of a girl struggling with depression who found hope in God. “She had a revelation of God, that He’s our Savior. He will build bridges with others, through other people and through communication.”

Cheung, who created a video for the contest encouraging people to trust in Jesus, took part in the challenge because she believed the convention would help her with future projects. “The presentations were interesting; I think they will

help me. I will continue to serve my church and my God,” she said.

According to Colombani, investing in the trio was worth it. “Those who came here are on fire for their work. They are ready to work, and we wanted them to be here to understand the urgency and to understand their mission,” he said.

He emphasized the importance of young people’s participation in OneVoice27. “I’m looking for young people because they understand media; they speak media, so they understand each other.”

FPM wants to equip more young people with media skills and are in the process of creating resources, including apps and a website, where young people can learn how to use digital tools for mission.

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