Adventist Volunteer Service (AVS) is preparing its largest mission team ever, with 100 university students set to participate in a service program in Fiji later this year.
In a first-of-its-kind collaboration, students from Avondale University, Fulton Adventist University and Pacific Adventist University will join together for the 10-day outreach in Suva from November 26 to December 9.
The project will combine practical renovation work with community outreach programs, health initiatives and relational ministry.
According to AVS manager Rose Miranda, AVS ambassadors at the three universities are working together on the project.
“Having those ambassadors in all of our educational institutions has given us an opportunity to work together cross-culturally and give these opportunities to young people,” she said.
The mission team will be volunteering at Suva Adventist College, Suva Adventist Primary School and Wainadoi Seventh-day Adventist Church and Kindergarten, where renovations and classroom improvements are planned. Outreach activities will include hospital visits, local church engagement, health pop-up initiatives and children’s programs.
Ms Miranda said the focus is intentionally relational.
“We’re doing this mission trip differently: not just building, but also connecting,” she explained. “There are so many young people in this particular area that we’re going to. It’s intentionally integrating with the community, not just coming in to complete a project.”
The initiative is also designed to develop leadership skills among the young volunteers, with students taking responsibility for areas such as community outreach, children’s programs and project coordination.
The trip will happen after the Trans Pacific Union for Christ harvest programs in July and August. “The timing is perfect as people will be more aware of who the Adventist Church is,” Ms Miranda said.
Students will cover their own travel costs, while fundraising efforts are focused on raising approximately AUD$30,000 for building materials. For every $5000 raised by one of the universities, the South Pacific Division will match that figure.
Ms Miranda thanked Fiji Mission for supporting the initiative and making the collaboration possible.
A major fundraising cultural night is planned for Sydney in October.
Donations can also be made via Westpac bank. BSB: 032 000. Account: 532 994. Account Name: SDAC Pacific. Mandatory Reference: Suva AVS Donation.
