Young people from across the Trans Pacific Union Mission (TPUM) are being trained in how to read their Bibles, prepare a sermon, conduct cell-phone evangelism and disciple families at TPUM World Changers Bible and Youth Preachers Training events across the Pacific.
The first event was held in Fiji on the weekend of January 24-26, which was attended by more than 1500 people. Subsequent events have been held throughout February in Vanuatu and Kiribati, with 400 and 60 attendees respectively.
“I am incredibly humbled. . . . [Attendance] just exploded beyond any of our expectations. It’s certainly confirmation that God has pointed us all in the right direction,” said Hope Channel South Pacific director Pastor Wayne Boehm.
Training was facilitated and led by the TPUM president Pastor Maveni Kaufononga in conjunction with TPUM’s Discipleship Ministries Team (DMT), which includes TPUM youth director Pastor Charlie Jimmy, Pastor Nasoni Lutunaliwa, Dr Ronald Stone, Dr Paul Wood, Bev and Anne Norman, and Mele Vaihola. From the South Pacific Division, Dr Nick Kross and Litiana Turner from the Discipleship Ministries Team also supported the event.
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During the programs, Pastor Kaufononga shared the importance of modelling discipleship on a “farming cycle” process. Pastor Jimmy challenged youth to dedicate their lives in prayer.
“Set your alarm to 10:02 am everyday as we pray for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in the lives of our youth, and pray that He would send forth labourers into his harvest. . . . A church that does not love sinners should close their church,” said Pastor Jimmy.
“It is important to read, read, read, read, read the Bible passage many times in order to understand and draw out key points the Holy Spirit has revealed to you,” said Dr Stone.
A theme song entitled “Go Forward” was performed at the events, composed by the Miracle Singers from Solomon Islands.
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The other World Changer Bible Training events will take place at the following locations and times:
- Solomon Islands: February 17–23
- American Samoa: February 17–23
- Samoa: February 28–March 1
- Tonga: March 23–29
- Tuvalu: April 9–12
- Nauru: April 23–25
Future training events are scheduled for the months of February through April. With July being TPUM’s annual “harvest month”, in light of training, this year’s focus will be on youth involvement in evangelism.
