Reverend Simione Tugi of the Fiji Council of Churches has expressed a need for assistance following the recent success of the Australian gospel band Planetshakers’ crusade, which drew thousands of young people to Churchill Park in Lautoka last weekend.
The FCC partnered with Planetshakers for the event, and Rev. Tugi noted that it marked a significant turnout of youth. “Thousands of them gave their lives to the Lord. These young people came from various denominations and ethnic backgrounds. It truly moves me to see their thirst for God,” he stated.
Many attendees chose to leave nightlife behind to participate in the three-night event. Rev. Tugi raised concerns about the church’s current influence on youth, saying, “Why are we not making an impact on these young people? I believe we need help.”
He highlighted the need for collaboration between the church, the government, and the community to address pressing issues like drug abuse, HIV, sexual violence, and suicide among the youth.
Mereoni Tinaitukana from Goulding Developments, who attended the crusade, shared her experience: “My two days at the crusade were overwhelming; the word of God was incredibly powerful.” She emphasized the importance of reinvigorating community events that bring youth closer to God to combat drug addiction.
The next Planetshakers crusade is scheduled for August 25 at Albert Park in Suva, starting at 3 PM.