The President of the Methodist Church in Fiji, Reverend Dr. Semisi Turagavou, urges all Methodists to unite in prayer for the nation’s fight against drug access throughout April.

“This is a call to all people of faith, and we must remember to often talk about solutions to our problem, with a question, what can the church do (can we do) in our collective fight to this national issue (crisis)? The church’s role is to pray and support major stakeholders like the police, and other government department who are working tirelessly in educating people on the effects of these drugs, present in our communities”, says Turagavou.

It is reported that Fiji is now used as a hub of transporting this multi-billion-dollar market into Australia, New Zealand, other Pacific Island countries, Asia and even into the America’s, with the President of the largest church in Fiji is calling on all its members to a month of prayer and fasting focusing on this issue.

Amongst other things that the church is praying for in the month of April the primary focus is on the younger generation of this nation (of the church too). It is reported that children as young as ten (10) and eleven (11) are being used to peddle drugs such as methamphetamine, cocaine a nd the commonly used one – marijuana.

Revd Dr Turagavou says apart from the other kinds of drugs that are new and now appearring in our Fijian boarders, the focus is also on the younger generations consumption of cigarettes (packed smoke), dried cigar (suki) excessive kava, alcohol, including sniffing glue and other inhalant.

This causes serious problems such as health, mental issues and can also lead to violence and death.

“This will affect individuals, family, community and the decay in moral values of our family, Vanua and the nation if we do not act now”, he said.

“This is not a call only to Methodist, but a plea to all Christian churches to pray together and assist each other in addressing the issue from their local churches / parishes by preaching it from the pulpit. A plea to other faith traditions to support and provide solutions to those who are struggling, in dealing with this issue and how to look for alternatives to support our children, young people of Fiji”, he added.

The Methodist Church in Fiji, through the Department of Social Services and Christian Citizenship is working with all its 59 divisions in addressing this issue, through information sessions with youth groups during their weekly program, camps, rallies and other important church events where the Police Drug Unit are invited to speak on the issue.

Turagavou affirms that the role of the church is to support the work of the state through the law, education, awareness and training on matters of national interest and concerns.