55 Fiji Missionaries Get Trained to Serve at Indonesia Mission Initiative

The Catalyst team from the South Pacific Division (SPD) Institute for Discipleship recently conducted an intensive training program at Fulton Adventist University College in Fiji, preparing 55 young adults for a year of missionary service in Indonesia.

As these young missionaries prepare to embark on their journey, the two-week training program is designed to ground them spiritually and equip them missionally for their transformative year of service, organizers said.

The Catalyst team, led by Gilbert Cangy, is accompanied by David and Carol Tasker; SPD associate director of ministry and strategy Nick Kross; Nicholas Kross; Eliki Kenivale; SPD mission service and support manager Carol Boehm; and mission leaders from Indonesia.

“The missionaries in training are initially being led into a deeper understanding of the nature of the kingdom of God and experience with the Holy Spirit as they are taught to develop life-transforming spiritual habits,” Cangy said.

The training integrates spiritual development with a comprehensive cultural orientation for Indonesia, a country with a predominantly Muslim population. Missionaries are learning practical skills essential for their service, with a strong emphasis on Christ’s method of ministry: mingling with people, showing sympathy, meeting their needs, and winning their trust before inviting them to follow Jesus. Key aspects of the training include sharing personal testimonies, conducting Bible studies, and leading missional small groups.

Trans Pacific Union Mission (TPUM) president Maveni Kaufononga, ministerial secretary Linray Tutuo, and their support staff are on-site to oversee and inspire the team.

Kaufononga expressed deep pride in the missionaries, noting that 50 participants are from the TPUM, with an additional five from the Papua New Guinea Union Mission.

“We are hoping they will be ready to go before the end of this month [February],” Kaufononga said. “Leaders from the West Indonesia Union Mission are here, working on their placements. Some will serve in schools, others in local churches, media ministries, and church planting. The final details are still being worked out.”

The training is receiving positive feedback from the participants. “I love the wholistic principled approach to training that is grounded in biblical principles,” one of them said. “The best part for me is the joy of being part of a community involved in studying God’s Word together,” another one added. “As a missionary, I now understand the importance of knowing about different worldviews and the adjustments needed when transitioning to a new one,” a third explained.

Video: Trans Pacific Union Mission Facebook

This initiative aligns with the General Conference’s Mission Refocus strategy, aimed at reviving the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s commitment to worldwide evangelism and outreach. The SPD has established a partnership with the Southern Asia-Pacific Division (SSD) to support and encourage their mission endeavors. Indonesia is one of the 11 countries of the SSD.

The original version of this story was posted on Adventist Record.