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SouthPacificEDITORIALOfficial news magazine of theSouth Pacific DivisionSeventh-day Adventist ChurchABN 59 093 117 689Vol 116 No 15Cover credit: Pablo Lillo“Netava Waqa, chief executive of the CivilAviation Authority in Fiji, shares his story withRECORD.”Head of News & Editorial:Pastor Pablo LilloEmail: editor@record.net.auAssistant Editor:Jarrod StackelrothAssistant Editor:Kent KingstonSales & Marketing:Dora AmuimuiaCopyeditor:Tracey Bridcutt & Talitha SimmonsGraphic Designers:Loopeck LimCommunication assistant:Revona GovenderLetters: editor@record.net.auNews & Photos: news@record.net.auNoticeboard: ads@record.net.aurecord.net.auMail: Adventist Media NetworkLocked bag 1115Wahroonga, NSW 2076, AustraliaPhone: (02) 9847 2222Fax: (02) 9847 2200Subscriptions:Record mailed within Australia andNew Zealand$A43.80 $NZ73.00Other prices on applicationPrinted fortnightlysubscriptions@record.net.auSenior Consulting Editor:Dr Barry Oliver91618Talk of the islandWaisea VuniwaThe Holy Spirit is working in powerful waysthroughout the 11 nations of the Trans-PacificUnion Mission (TPUM). One particular story is “the talk of the island”.Pastor Senitiki Waqa, supported by church members from eight different zonesand much prayer, baptised 33 souls in Tuvalu. Of this group, 27 are from non-Adventistbackgrounds. Pastor Waqa is constantly telling the people he meets thatGod is awesome and powerful. Such is the mighty working of the Holy Spirit inTuvalu that the new members are inviting their families and relatives to meetingsand study groups. People are asking questions and ministers from other denominationsare facing difficulties in responding to their questions. While nurturing thenewly baptised, 17 more non-Adventists started attending meetings. He advisedme that our team of prayer warriors still carry on with daily supplications at 5.30in the morning at the church even though the evangelistic programs are over.They have tasted what the Lord can do when we are faithful. I strongly believeit’s when the Holy Spirit moves mightily through the people of God, that His actionsbecome the talk of the island.Can the Tuvalu experience be replicated elsewhere? In the light of Revelation18:1 it can. Be it an island, village, town or city. When God’s people availthemselves to be used by the all powerful, all conquering Spirit of God in makingdisciples for Jesus, the outcome will be the talk of the town like in the day ofPentecost.Many more exciting things are happening in our region and challenges keep oncoming. We rest in the knowledge that our big God is able to do immeasurablymore than what we ask or imagine.Pastor Waisea Vuniwa is president of the Trans-Pacific Union Mission.CONTENTSNews3 New lab enables school to grow6 South Pacific leaders reach higher7 Booster shot for clinics9 Class of their ownFeatures14 A brand plucked from the fire16 The God with a womb and a long nose18 Wherever the Lord leadsColumns10 Why I became an Adventist12 Opinion19 Mystery history20 Letterstwitter.com/RECORDadventist