Reverend Simione Tugi is calling for assistance following a significant event organized by the Fiji Council of Churches (FCC), which attracted thousands of young attendees to the Australian gospel band Planetshakers’ crusade at Churchill Park in Lautoka last weekend. The FCC collaborated with Planetshakers for this initiative, marking the first time Rev. Tugi observed such a large turnout of young individuals at a crusade.
Rev. Tugi remarked, “Thousands of them gave their lives to the Lord. These young people were from various denominations and backgrounds. It truly touches my heart to witness their thirst for God.” He highlighted the impact of the event, noting that many young attendees chose to divert from nightlife and partying to participate in the three-night crusade. He questioned the church’s effectiveness in reaching the youth, stating, “We need help.”
He emphasized the need for collaboration among the church, government, and communities to address pressing issues such as drug use, HIV, sexual abuse, and youth suicide, calling for support from evangelistic teams like Planetshakers.
Mereoni Tinaitukana, from Goulding Developments in Nadi, shared her overwhelming experience at the crusade, expressing the power of the messages delivered. She emphasized the importance of revitalizing initiatives like festivals of praise and crusades to help the younger generation reconnect with God and combat challenges such as drug addiction.
The next crusade is scheduled for August 25 (Sunday) at Albert Park in Suva, starting at 3 p.m.