Reverend Simione Tugi has expressed a need for assistance following his observations during the Planetshakers gospel band crusade, which attracted a large number of young attendees last weekend at Churchill Park in Lautoka. As the general secretary of the Fiji Council of Churches (FCC), he noted the event’s significance, marking the first time he has seen such a substantial turnout of young people in a crusade setting.
Rev. Tugi shared that many attendees, representing various denominations and ethnic backgrounds, committed their lives to faith during the three-night event. He remarked on the positive impact, stating that some young individuals were motivated to forsake nightlife and partying to engage in the crusade. This raises the concern of why the church and other societal structures are not reaching youths more effectively.
He emphasized the need for collaboration between the church, government, and local communities to address pressing issues affecting young people today, such as drug use, HIV, sexual abuse, and suicide. The support of evangelistic teams like Planetshakers is deemed essential for making a more significant impact.
Mereoni Tinaitukana, a participant from Goulding Developments in Nadi, described her experience at the crusade as profound, highlighting the powerful delivery of God’s message. She expressed a desire for the younger generation in Fiji to revive traditional events such as praise festivals and church crusades, which can help foster a closer relationship with God and combat issues like drug addiction.
The next crusade is scheduled to take place at Albert Park in Suva on August 25, starting at 3 PM.