Inspiring the minds of future writers, Adventist Record editor Jarrod Stackelroth, took time out of his busy schedule to teach the students at Fulton Adventist University College, Sabeto, Fiji, from August 29 to 30, using interactive discussions, writing activities and power point presentations.
Students of the theology, education and business departments learned how to improve their writing skills, write newsworthy articles and the positive power of sharing one’s personal story.
“People are 22 times more likely to remember a story than facts,” shared Mr Stackelroth.
The initiative was organised by the university’s theology department, Drs Limoni Manu o’Uiha and Ronald Stone (head of department), and their team, however other students were also invited.
Theology lecturer Dr Tabua Tuima said “I’ve always wanted to sit in a journalism class and today I got all the basic information I needed to start writing!”
Workshops included “how to write news and improve writing skills”, “digital ministry fundamentals and how to create content and identify your audience” and “the power of story”.
The goal of the two-day event was to encourage Pacific theology lecturers and future pastors to consider writing and contributing to Adventist publications, so there is more representation in a Division where 80 per cent of the membership comes from the Pacific. “Since students from other disciplines were able to attend, we hope that we can also get news and information about what God is doing in schools and local churches right through the region,” said Mr Stackelroth.
“Today’s experience was very informative, I now have a better knowledge of what it feels like to be a journalist,” said Lepani Dakai, Ministerial League student president.
A theology student, Viliami expressed how easy it was to “use media to our advantage to proclaim the good news”.
The Wednesday morning chapel program was also taken by Mr Stackelroth and focused on the importance of sharing testimonies in sharing one’s faith.
