"Pioneering Adventists on Futuna Island"

Three family members on Futuna Island, Wallis and Futuna Territory, were baptised last month, becoming the first Seventh-day Adventists on the island.

Kalisito Tuihamouga, one of the newly baptised members, was first introduced to the Church while visiting his daughter in New Caledonia. She invited him to church, but he initially refused. The next time she asked, he accepted and heard a message from Pastor Eric Morohi about Nicodemus which touched his heart, according to New Zealand Pacific Union Conference president Pastor Eddie Tupa’i. Mr Tuihamouga then began attending church with his daughter and her family.

When Mr Tuihamouga returned to Futuna, he took with him a Bible, a Sabbath school lesson and Listen to the Bible, a book on the biblical teachings of the Adventist Church which was gifted to him. He began sharing what he learned with his family, gaining the interest of his wife, Malia and granddaughter Epifania. He also invited New Caledonia Mission president Pastor Felix Wadrobert to conduct Bible studies for his family in their home. Pastor Wadrobert also baptised them recently.

“The witness of the children, the church members and pastors all played a part in bringing Kalisito, his wife and granddaughter to a fuller faith in God and acceptance of the invitation to join the Adventist family,” Pastor Tupa’i said.

Developing the Church’s presence on the island has been very challenging, Pastor Tupa’i explained.

“It is a Catholic island with two districts. One district, Alo, could open because the king has passed away and there is an evangelical church there,” Pastor Tupa’i said.

“However, they cannot go there until a new king is appointed. Sigave, the other district where Kalisito lives, is closed to churches other than Catholic.”

In March, Pastor Wadrobert visited Futuna along with Mr Tuihamouga’s son to seek permission from the king of the Sigave region to share Adventist teachings publicly. However, the request was denied.

 “When God’s light is allowed to shine, no-one is able to put it out,” Pastor Wadrobert said.

While they cannot share the Adventist message publicly, the family will meet to worship and study together at home.

“They will witness personally with anyone who is open to the prompting of God’s Spirit. Hopefully, a time will open soon when they can share publicly,” Pastor Tupa’i said.

Pastor Tupa’i explained that the future for ministry and outreach on the island will be reliant on personal witness and praying for permission to publicly witness. The Church has also been working towards getting Hope Radio on the island. Pastor Tupa’i said it will be developed soon in Wallis and is hopeful that Futuna will follow.