Brisbane Burning Bright: The Mission Moves Forward
2 May 2026
SPD for Christ Concludes with Powerful Sabbath Celebration and Call to Mission
2 May 2026
Pr. Inia Tuinakelo (Guest Speaker for the FATA Retreat 2026) shared an emotional yet powerful sermon, recounting his personal journey and how Adventist Education played a transformative role in his life. He reminded teachers that their calling is divinely appointed—that God has entrusted them with a special mission to minister to the children in their classrooms. He emphasized that the classroom itself is their mission field.
His sermon, titled “The Sycamore Tree for Eternity,” drew from Luke 19:4, where the sycamore tree lifted Zacchaeus above the crowd so he could see Jesus. In the same way, Adventist teachers are called to elevate their students above the distractions of the world, positioning them for life-changing encounters with their Saviour, who seeks and saves the lost.
He encouraged teachers to recognize that their role is truly God-ordained. Like the sycamore tree, they serve as a means of lifting young souls closer to Christ. Their ministry is a divine meeting point—one that nurtures and prepares students for a greater purpose.
Pr. Inia reminded them, “The fruit of your ministry may not be seen now, but it has eternal impact on someone’s life. Look at your students the way God looks at each one of us—He sees potential, not failure. Many of these children will be in heaven because of your ministry in the classroom. You are planting seeds in their lives; you may not see the results today, but over time, those seeds will grow.”
The theme for this weekend’s Fiji Adventist Teachers Association (FATA) Retreat is “Fiji4Christ Through True Education.” This annual event brought together close to 200 Adventist teachers at Nagigi Adventist Primary School, beginning on Thursday, 30th May, and concluding on Monday, 4th June.
The majority of attendees teach in public schools, making the retreat a vital opportunity for encouragement and spiritual renewal. More than just a getaway at the start of their two-week holiday, the retreat serves as a time for connection, reflection, and growth as teachers continue their mission of ministering to both Adventist and non-Adventist students.
Also in attendance were non-Adventist teachers who serve within Adventist schools, further enriching the spirit of unity and shared purpose throughout this weekend’s retreat.
