Jone Vuto, the newly elected vice president of the Methodist Church in Fiji and Rotuma, has shared his inspiring life story, reflecting on how his past struggles have shaped his faith and path. Vuto, who grew up in the village of Motokana on Ono-i-Lau, was born in 1970, shortly before Fiji gained independence. His father, Josefa Ciri, worked as an agriculture officer, which led the family to relocate to various places, including Nasau on Koro Island.
Jone’s educational journey began at Nasau Fijian School, followed by Ratu Kadavulevu School and other institutions. He faced academic challenges, repeating grades and eventually moving in with his uncle in Tailevu, where he started to reflect on his life choices. He was encouraged to return to school by Dr. Musunamasi, who helped him enroll at the Fiji Institute of Technology, where he studied automotive engineering.
After graduating in 1993, Jone initially worked at the Public Works Department but soon transitioned to the electronics field, running a successful business. However, as his church responsibilities grew, he closed his business to focus on serving in the Methodist Church, a decision he does not regret.
Jone’s commitment to his faith became evident when he joined the Centenary Church youth fellowship, and he quickly rose to leadership roles within the church. He eventually served as a Sunday school teacher and became the divisional steward for the Suva division.
This year, he was selected as vice president of the Methodist Church, a role that involves overseeing the church’s divisions across the country. Vuto emphasizes the importance of honoring parents and cherishing time with loved ones, sharing how his mother played a crucial role in his spiritual journey. He encourages the younger generation to strive for excellence in all their endeavors.