Four Souls Baptized at Vaiea Village in Niue
Over two weeks, from the 17th to the 28th of July, the Niue Seventh-day Adventist Church organised an evangelism event that gathered both local villagers and digital viewers from around the Pacific. The event, themed "JESUS’ COMING IS IMMINENT!" was primarily held in a tent at Vaiea Village Ground and focused on the proclamation of the everlasting gospel.
Sharing with the Vaiea village members, this evangelistic outreach also attracted interest from nearby villages. On average, 20 to 35 participants were present on-site, with others tuning in from their homes through the PA system. A notable digital presence was also observed, with many joining via a Facebook livestream hosted by a church member.
The highlight of the event was the sermons and teachings of speaker Pastor Akuila Salabogi. The main points of his message centred on the imminent return of Jesus, emphasizing His love, the liberating power of truth, and the urgent need for salvation.
The primary aim of the event was to fulfil the "Great Commission" as found in Matthew 28:18-20, aligning with the TPUM theme of the year 2023: "I WILL GO TO MY NEIGHBOUR".
However, hosting such an event wasn't without its challenges. Initially denied permission due to concerns, it was the goodwill of the Ulumotua (village elder) that allowed the event to proceed. Though initially slated for a three-week duration, the church adapted its program to fit the two weeks permitted by the village elder. Even amidst heavy rains and technical challenges, the church's commitment to sharing the gospel never wavered.
These minor setbacks only seemed to invigorate the community’s spirit. When power outages threatened to halt proceedings, church members promptly sourced a generator.
Additionally, the Vaiea village youth showcased their talent, delivering special musical items on two occasions. For younger attendees, a Vocational Bible School was conducted in a separate tent, concluding with a graduation ceremony for participating children.
The event culminated on the Sabbath of the 29th of July with a baptismal ceremony. Four dedicated souls took the step to publicly commit to Jesus Christ, much to the joy of their families and the entire congregation. Pr Maveni Kaufononga, President of the Trans Pacific Union of the SDA Church, pointed out that when examined by the ratio per church member, this achievement stands as one of the highest baptismal counts in the TPUM this year, 2023. This joyous day concluded with a celebratory lunch and plans for continued spiritual nurture. The interest generated by the event remains high, with ongoing Bible studies focusing on the books of Daniel and Revelation and more baptismal candidates expressing their interest.