Joni R. Vatuvatu

Zone 3 In The Park

LAMI, FIJI — The battle against illicit drugs and the digital erosion of the family unit cannot be won by badges and uniforms alone.

This was the resounding message at Tikaram Park this afternoon (Sabbath, 21 March), as Sgt. Mataiasi Raivuni of the Serious Organised Crime Unit issued a stirring call to action to the residents of Lami.

​"The Fiji Police Force cannot fight this war in a vacuum," Sgt. Raivuni stated firmly.

"To protect our future, we need the hands and hearts of every Fijian family, our faith-based leaders, and every civil society organization. Community vigilance is our strongest weapon."

​The "Zone 3 In The Park" event brought together a massive efforts of Adventist youth from the Suvavou, Lami, Valenicina, Qauia, and Kalekana Adventist churches.

This wasn't just a religious gathering; it was a strategic community outreach designed to shine a light on the shadows haunting the Lami area—specifically the rising drug abuse and its devastating ripple effects.

​While the threat of drugs is visible, Sgt. Waisea Bolabiu warned of a more insidious danger lurking inside Fijian homes: the smartphone.

​Calling mobile devices a "silent invader," Sgt. Bolabiu highlighted the psychological and social harm affecting children under 16.

​Mr. Savenaca Siwatibau echoed these sentiments, providing a sobering look at the long-term impacts of screen dependency, while Mrs. Sereima Vatuvatu closed the session with a vital, candid discussion on sexual health, identity, and the rising risks of STIs/STDs and choices.

​This event marks only the beginning.

The Suvavou Adventist Youth have pledged to occupy Tikaram Park every third Sabbath from April through July.

These monthly outreaches serve as the frontline preparation for the Fiji For Christ National Harvest in August.

We have been blessed by last week's timely reminder during the Family Werk of Prayer.

Just a reminder for the new week, please note the excerpt below;

The world is shouting through technology, but God often whispers. If we want to hear His voice, we must be still, put the phone down, and attune to His love displayed throughout His Word.

Ellen White’s words in Child Guidance echo like a trumpet: “Parents should guard the avenues of the soul; for everything that is calculated to corrupt the morals will surely do it.” (White, 1954, p. 114).
Every family member must guard the soul avenues—eyes, ears, hearts—from the evolving digital invasion that, used indiscriminately, can s***f out spirit.

Blessed week family and friends.