My name is Paeahelotu Apusae Gholomo and I am a first-year student pilot, sponsored by the Solomon Islands government at Pacific Flying School in Fiji.
Alongside my dream of becoming a pilot, I carried another dream in my heart: to know God more deeply, understand His Word and be baptised.
My mum is not an Adventist, but my dad worships on Sabbath. Before coming to Fiji, I had already participated in Bible studies. I had learned about God and His Word, but for different reasons, I was never able to take the step of baptism. However, the desire remained in my heart. When I came to Fiji, I made a firm decision: “This year, I will study God’s Word again, strengthen my relationship with Him and, if it is His will, I will get baptised.”
I didn’t know how it would happen or who would help me. I simply trusted God to make a way.
Around March or April, I met Brent on an ordinary day at school. We started talking, sharing stories and praying. During one conversation, Brent asked me a simple but powerful question: “Brother, did you already get baptised? If not, then you’ll be baptised at the Fiji for Christ Evangelism, Saweni site.”
That question stayed with me.
I told him about my previous Bible studies and how I had always wanted to get baptised but had never completed that journey. From that moment, Brent encouraged me and helped guide me through online Bible studies. He shared God’s Word with me, answered my questions and encouraged me to keep learning.
Looking back, I believe God placed Brent in my path at the right time. Sometimes a meeting that seems random can be part of God’s greater plan.
My goal was not simply to get baptised, but to understand what I was committing myself to. Through Bible study, I learned more about God’s love, His plan for us, the teachings of Jesus Christ and what it truly means to follow Him.
There were things I didn’t understand at first and questions I needed answers to, but I continued studying. Each Bible study helped me grow—not only in knowledge, but also in my relationship with God.
Eventually, the day I had been hoping and praying for arrived.
As I stood there to be baptised, I thought about my journey from the Solomon Islands, the Bible studies I had done before and the times when baptism had not happened. I realised: God’s timing is different from our timing. What I thought was a delay may have actually been a preparation.
My journey did not end with baptism. It was only the beginning. After my baptism, Brent continued to lead me through online Bible study, nurturing me to grow deeper in God’s Word.
If you have been thinking about studying the Bible or getting baptised, don’t be afraid to take the first step. You don’t need to know everything. Come with an open and willing heart. Read God’s Word, ask questions, pray and allow God to guide you.
I came to Fiji to learn how to fly, but God taught me how to walk with Him. For that, I will always be grateful.
“Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105).
Start your journey. Study His Word. Trust His timing. And never be afraid to take the next step toward God.
Brent Donnex Folota (in conversation with Paeahelotu Apusae Gholomo) is a trainee pilot at Pacific Flying School.
