Twenty-year-old Jeremiah Uarua Baba has transformed his life from one filled with drugs and despair to one of hope and dignity. Hailing from Lakeba, Tubou in Lau, Jeremiah grew up in a squatter settlement, where he faced numerous challenges and uncertainties.
Raised in Wailea, near Suva, Jeremiah described his childhood as being enveloped in darkness while living with his aunt and uncle, never knowing his parents. The tumultuous environment left him susceptible to negative influences, leading to a troubled lifestyle.
“I did things I didn’t want to do, but it became a part of my life,” he shared. His introduction to drugs came in 2016 when a friend introduced him during his time at Assemblies of God Primary School. Although he initially experienced a euphoric feeling, this escape quickly spiraled into a daily routine that went unnoticed by teachers.
Jeremiah felt misunderstood, recognizing that while the neighborhood boys knew his struggles, they accepted him. He endured physical abuse at home, leading him to seek solace outside. Eventually, his drug use escalated to the point where he began selling substances as well.
At 17, Jeremiah’s uncle sent him to John Wesley College, but he dropped out after just one term. Seeking change, he relocated to his village in Lakeba where he tried fishing and unexpectedly reconnected with his parents. Their reunion was filled with mixed emotions, prompting them to encourage him to return to schooling.
At 18, Jeremiah resumed his studies at John Wesley, where he ultimately met the International Youth Foundation (IYF). Initially skeptical of its programs, a pastor from IYF changed his perspective, treating him with kindness and recognizing his potential by calling him a “man of God.”
“For the first time, I felt someone believed in me,” Jeremiah reflected. The pastor’s encouragement and biblical teachings resonated with him, leading him to confront his past and realize true peace comes from faith, not substances.
Jeremiah made the pivotal decision to abandon drugs, a promise he thought impossible in the past. With IYF’s support, he achieved personal milestones, including his first trip overseas to Korea as a representative of Fiji in a dance group. This experience opened his eyes to the possibilities life could hold.
Jeremiah now shares his story to inspire hope in his community, emphasizing that change is achievable through faith. “Through God, people can change. Sometimes we fail to see it, but God has the power to transform us,” he said. “We must acknowledge our mistakes and let Him guide the way.”