Reverend Simione Tugi has called for assistance in addressing the spiritual needs of young people in Fiji. The general secretary of the Fiji Council of Churches (FCC) made this statement after witnessing an impressive turnout of youth at the recent Planetshakers crusade held at Churchill Park in Lautoka. This event, organized in collaboration with the FCC, attracted thousands of attendees.
Rev. Tugi expressed that this was his first experience of such a large gathering of young individuals at a religious event. He noted that many of these young people came from various denominations and backgrounds. “Thousands of them gave their lives to the Lord. It really touches my heart to see their hunger for God,” he shared.
He pointed out that some attendees chose to forgo nightlife, such as clubbing, to participate in the crusade over its three nights. He raised an important question, asking why the church and community have not made a greater impact on the youth and emphasized the need for help.
Rev. Tugi stressed that the church, government, and community must collaborate with evangelistic teams like Planetshakers to combat pressing issues facing the youth today, including drug use, HIV, sexual abuse, and suicide.
Mereoni Tinaitukana, who attended the crusade and is associated with Goulding Developments in Nadi, remarked on her overwhelming experience, highlighting the power of the message delivered. She believes there is a need for Fijian youth to reconnect with their faith and organize community events, such as praise festivals and church crusades, to help younger generations overcome challenges like drug addiction.
The Planetshakers will hold their next crusade at Albert Park in Suva on August 25, starting at 3 PM.