Everything falls into place at God’s appointed time, a sentiment that resonates deeply in the life of Jone Vuto, the newly elected vice president of the Methodist Church in Fiji and Rotuma.
Following his nomination during the Bose Ko Viti, Jone shared his inspiring journey with The Sunday Times, highlighting how the challenges he faced in his early years significantly influenced his faith and personal development.
Jone was born in March 1970 on Ono-i-Lau in the village of Motokana, with his mother, Ofa Ciri, hailing from Sawana in Vanuabalavu. He grew up in Nasau village on the island of Koro because his father, Josefa Ciri, worked there as an agriculture officer.
He completed his primary education at Nasau Fijian School before transferring to Ratu Kadavulevu School, a prestigious all-boys institution on Viti Levu. After repeating Year 11 at Tailevu North, he moved to Tavua College when his father was reassigned. Despite failing Year 12, his father’s insistence on repeating the year led Jone to relocate to live with his uncle in Navunisole, where he began helping with farming.
During this time, he reflected on his decisions and missed his family, prompting a shift in his attitude towards education. Encouraged by local doctor Dr. Musunamasi, Jone returned to school, eventually earning a spot at the Fiji Institute of Technology (FIT) through a sponsorship from the Fijian Affairs Board. He studied automotive engineering and graduated in 1993.
Though he was offered a permanent job with the Public Works Department, Jone chose to pursue a different path in the electronics field, eventually co-founding a business, Quality Touch Electronics. His journey took another turn when he started a video production company focused on recording and editing funeral services. However, as his church responsibilities grew, he had to close it down but found fulfillment in serving the Lord.
Reflecting on his youth, Jone described how he avoided a social life, preferring solitude over nightlife. His strict upbringing instilled in him a rebellious mindset, but he eventually embraced the valuable lessons from his parents, particularly his mother’s wisdom about choices and consequences.
In 1992, Jone joined a youth fellowship at Centenary Church, where he felt a sense of belonging and support, ultimately becoming the fellowship’s leader just two years later. He would draw on biblical encouragement from Reverend Ledua Kaci as he led the group, serving as a Sunday school teacher to guide his children.
His commitment to the church led to various leadership roles, including overseeing a church cell group and serving as a divisional steward. Despite feeling too young for these responsibilities, Jone accepted the challenges and dedicated himself to making significant contributions.
Recently, Jone was elected as the vice president of the church, a role that demands greater dedication. He acknowledges the humorous teasing from colleagues about his journey from menial tasks to prominent leadership.
Jone emphasizes the importance of honoring parents and cherishing moments with loved ones, reflecting on his faith journey that began on August 18, 1989, with his mother’s guidance. He concluded with a powerful message: “Good is the enemy of best,” encouraging others to strive for excellence in all they do.