The remote island of Rotuma is preparing for a new chapter in mission outreach as local Seventh-day Adventists plan Rotuma for Christ, supported by newly installed solar power and a community radio station.
The Trans Pacific Union Mission (TPUM), in partnership with Fiji Mission, has supported the local church by coordinating the installation of a radio broadcasting system designed to carry the gospel into homes and businesses across Rotuma.
Although the solar-powered radio system is currently operating at just 50 watts, field testing has confirmed coverage of approximately 75 to 80 per cent of the island at a 30km radius coverage. Reception has been confirmed near the airport, five kilometres from the transmission site, despite Rotuma’s mountainous terrain.
The station currently rebroadcasts content from Hope FM (Fiji), with plans underway to develop locally produced programming, including Sabbath school discussions, sermons, devotionals, and health and family programs.
The installation of the new solar and radio systems was led by Paul Holton, who has been a communications engineer for Faith FM, the Australian Union Conference and Adventist Media. Mr Holton has contributed significantly over the years in the Pacific with the installation and repair of radio towers and has also served in a volunteer capacity.
Mr Holton has been coaching TPUM Information Technology assistant Felix Enasio, who is of Rotuman heritage. Together they have worked during the holiday season to install the radio tower.
“Despite the challenges, it has been an incredible experience working alongside new friends to install the infrastructure that will now help share God’s message across Rotuma,” Mr Holton said.
Mr Enasio reflected on the personal significance of the project. “Coming to the home of my ancestors has been deeply meaningful,” he said. “I am grateful that God can use me here, in the land of my heritage, so families can access faith-based content in their homes.”
Former TPUM general secretary Jane Gibson-Opetaia, now serving as Pacific human resources manager for the South Pacific Division (SPD), expressed appreciation for the intentional collaboration across the Church in preparation for TPUM for Christ in July and August.
“Many have come together to pray, invest, participate and plan,” she said. “As 1 Corinthians 3:9 reminds us, ‘For we are co-workers in God’s service.’ When the church moves together in unity, God multiplies the impact.”
In addition to the radio installation, the church has received a donated sound system and LED screen, and Starlink internet has been installed to provide reliable connectivity.
Previously, the congregation relied on a village generator for power, which was unreliable and dependent on diesel availability. The newly installed 3.5 kilowatt hybrid solar system now powers the church consistently, allowing it to operate throughout the day and night.
Local church pastor Thomas Albert noted that while the Seventh-day Adventist Church has been established in Rotuma for nearly 50 years, recent months have brought renewed spiritual momentum.
“Our December camp meeting encouraged members and drew more than 200 attendees, including Rotumans now living in Fiji, Australia, New Zealand and the United States,” he said. “We have been overwhelmed by the tremendous support shown to our church and community as we prepare spiritually and practically for Rotuma for Christ.”
SPD secretary Pastor Mike Sikuri explained that the purpose of the camp was “to lift the spiritual temperature of the church and encourage members to become mission-focused”. He thanked SPD field and ministerial secretary Dr Darius Jankiewicz who was the keynote speaker.
Pastor Melissa Vakaloloma added that the experience has strengthened the church’s commitment to the global “I Will Go” initiative.
“We are seeing members respond personally to the call to mission,” she said. “When individuals say ‘I will go,’ the church becomes a living movement, not just an organisation.”
TPUM CFO Fraser Alekevu emphasised that the Union remains committed to aligning resources with mission priorities in harmony with the SPD and the General Conference.
“Mission must always remain the driver of our decisions,” he said. “Resources are entrusted to us to advance the gospel. Our stewardship ensures that funding supports mission growth and outreach across the Pacific.”
Fiji Mission president Pastor Epeli Saukuru expressed appreciation to all who contributed to the project’s completion.
“This development is more than a technical achievement—it is a strategic step in preparing Fiji Mission for greater impact,” he said. “Through uninterrupted broadcasting, Hope FM will share Bible messages, health and family programs, music and spiritual encouragement day and night, reaching communities like Rotuma, including those who may not yet attend church.”
Lily Mario-Suliana, Hope FM radio announcer for Fiji Mission, believes the station in Rotuma will play a vital role in the months ahead.
“As Fiji and the wider Pacific renew their focus on mission, the voice of Hope FM in Rotuma will help plant seeds of faith, strengthen believers and proclaim hope in preparation for Rotuma for Christ,” she said.
