Tropical Cyclone Gita cut a devastating path through American Samoa, Samoa and Tonga, even touching some remote islands in Fiji. Many people lost their homes. Some of our school dormitories and classrooms were damaged. In Tonga, where many people rely heavily on their plantations, many of these were destroyed and there is a very real threat of a food shortage in the next couple of months.
Fortunately, there was no loss of life. This, in part, is due to the good work of the meteorology office. Basically, people were prepared for this cyclone. The available technology was able to forecast the details of the cyclone: people knew the exact time it was going to hit the island, they knew its strength and its route. They could even predict how it would affect the sea and the swell of waves. This information came a few days ahead of the cyclone, giving people time to strengthen their houses, move to safer places and store up extra food. This actually helped to save lives.
Imagine if people didn’t know about the cyclone and were not prepared. The result would have been devastating.
We believe this world is heading towards its end. Jesus is soon to return and to establish His kingdom. This world must be prepared for Jesus’ return. We are to proclaim the preparation message to the world. “Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgement has come. Worship him who made the heavens, the earth, the sea and the springs of water” (Revelation 14:7). [pullquote]
I’m sure the people of Tonga were thankful they’d received the warning message that there was a cyclone coming. They were able to prepare. The world needs you to warn them of the upcoming great event of Jesus’ return. All your friends, your neighbours and your family need to hear the warning so they can be well prepared.
Pastor Maveni Kaufononga is president of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the Trans-Pacific.
