Across the South Pacific, Live Program Highlights the Impact of Education

By: Tracey Bridcutt, Adventist Record, and Adventist Review

Inspiring stories about the power of Adventist education to shape young lives were a highlight of the latest #weRtheCHURCH program in the South Pacific.

Teachers and leaders shared reports from Naha Adventist Primary School in the Solomon Islands, Kempsey Adventist School and Central Coast Adventist School in Australia, Samoa Adventist School, and the Tonga Mission Education Department. According to the organizers, the reports showed the significant impact of Adventist education on young people and their families across the South Pacific region.

“Sowing the Seed” was the theme of the November 20, 2020 program, which was broadcast live from the Adventist Media studios in Sydney, Australia.

Some changes from the past edition of the program in August included a new set and two live interviews. Hosts interviewed Fijian Adventist Savenaca Siwatibau, a police sergeant, about his digital evangelism initiative using mobile phones. In the second interview, Melbourne pastors Roy and Jinha Kim shared some of the creative ideas they have used to “sow the seed” and connect with people during the coronavirus lockdown.

The November 20 program was hosted by South Pacific Division (SPD) president Glenn Townend, Sydney anesthetist Narko Tutuo, and Avondale University College theology and ministry student Renée Vaovasa. It was filmed in two live sessions to cater to the different time zones across the South Pacific. Participants shared stories from various countries comprising that church region, including Tonga, Samoa, Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, and New Caledonia. Sydney singer Marleta Fong’s live performance closed the program.

Viewers enjoyed the opportunity to interact with each other through the live chat and to share their enthusiasm for #weRtheCHURCH.

“I’m amazed at the many creative ways that are being used to spread the gospel,” viewer Shirley Westacott said.

“It’s good to see what God is doing in different parts of the South Pacific,” Leticia Moreno added.

About #weRtheCHURCH

This was the third #weRtheCHURCH event in 2020, with the other two programs attracting thousands of viewers.

The previous edition, on August 28, 2020, was also broadcast live, which meant hosts were able to interact with their viewers. Filled with inspiring music, testimonies, and stories, the August 28 program’s focus was on how Adventists are “Preparing the Soil,” based on the first stage of the harvest cycle process to become a disciple-making movement. Whether it’s through prayer ministry, food pantries, health checks and programs, social media, or other initiatives, #weRtheCHURCH put the spotlight on various ministry activities through which churches in the South Pacific are connecting with people because of Jesus’ love.

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