The Methodist Church in Fiji has acknowledged the alarming rise in drug abuse among children, especially those from its congregations. During a recent Father’s Sunday service at Centenary Church in Suva, General Secretary Reverend Dr. Jolami Lasawa highlighted the pivotal role fathers play in safeguarding their children from drugs and other detrimental influences.
Reverend Lasawa noted, “One of the biggest challenges we face today is the issue of drugs and HIV.” He emphasized that addressing these challenges is a part of the church’s mission, stating, “Though we have challenges of this, we have our church arms, our church hands. We deal with this.”
The church’s commitment extends to collaboration with non-governmental organizations, law enforcement, and fellow churches in combating this crisis. “Those in the hospital, those in prison, they are all our children. They are all God’s children,” he reassured, emphasizing the need to remember and support those affected.
This recognition of the drug problem aligns with recent statements from other church officials who have voiced concerns about the broader social issues in Fiji, including rising drug trafficking, teenage pregnancies, and sexual crimes. Reverend Iliesa Koroi, the Evangelism Secretary for the Methodist Church, has been particularly vocal about the church’s need to actively address these critical issues instead of remaining passive.
The church’s call to arms comes during a time when the frequency of drug-related incidents is troubling, with authorities expressing frustration at the lack of timely spiritual guidance and intervention. This collaborative approach among various sectors of society, including religious groups, is essential for meaningful change.
Fostering a strong community ethos where families engage in spiritual practices and support each other is becoming increasingly vital. By encouraging families to unite in prayer and guidance, the church hopes to address the underlying issues contributing to this growing crisis.
The commitment of the Methodist Church to confront these challenges is a beacon of hope, signaling that collective action and spiritual guidance can lead to positive changes in society.
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