#weRtheCHURCH 2023 Will Feature Stunning Fiji Backdrop

#weRtheCHURCH returns on August 4, and this year, it’s coming to viewers from beautiful Fiji.

Breaking away from the traditional studio setting, this year’s program is set against the picturesque beachside backdrop of the church campground at Deuba. And that’s not the only difference viewers will notice. For the first time #weRtheCHURCH features a choir on set, joining hosts South Pacific Division (SPD) President Glenn Townend and Meri Vuloaloa for a unique opening Sabbath. The choir, from Fulton Adventist University College, reflects the rich cultural diversity of the South Pacific region, with students from Fiji, Solomon Islands, Samoa, Papua New Guinea, Kiribati, Tonga, Cook Islands, Vanuatu, Tuvalu, and American Samoa. Another special element for 2023 is a live online prayer session immediately after the program, which everyone is invited to join.

“We like to be innovative with #weRtheCHURCH and give it a fresh perspective each year,” SPD communication director Tracey Bridcutt said. “Filming the program in Fiji has given it a wonderful vibrancy, color, and atmosphere like never before. And the inclusion of the Fulton choir on set is simply amazing. Their voices are extraordinary — you won’t want to miss it!

“We have been delighted to work with teams from Hope Channel Fiji, Fiji Mission, and the Trans-Pacific Union Mission, plus two film specialists from Papua New Guinea, Rayner Paul and Laurence Korup. They have worked tirelessly to put together a truly special program that will leave a lasting impact. We look forward to sharing it with everyone on August 4.”

This year’s theme, “I Will Go to My Neighbor,” shines a spotlight on the innovative ways Adventists are engaging with their communities across the South Pacific. Inspiring stories will be shared, including a smoothie outreach in Australia, a barber ministry in Fiji, a pampering project in New Zealand, music ministry in Tahiti, a homeless food initiative in Papua New Guinea, and the Aussie I Will Go Ride.

To ensure viewers from different time zones can participate, the program will be screened twice (5:00 pm and 7:00 pm, Australian Eastern Time). Each screening will be followed by a prayer session, the first to be hosted by SPD secretary Mike Sikuri and the second by Townend. And the children don’t miss out—before the main program begins, they will be treated to episodes of The Tuis.

Now in its third year, #weRtheCHURCH continues to unite the SPD church family for a time of worship and prayer, inspirational stories, and uplifting music.

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