The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, said Vodafone Festival of the Friendly North Mr Pioneer Security Services kings contestant Jone Draunibaka.

Mr Draunibaka who was quoting from Proverbs chapter one verse seven in the Bible was yesterday addressing over 100 church members at the Christian Mission Fellowship church in Labasa.

The Year 13 student of Labasa Sangam College was the only king contestant who attended the packed out service to bless the contestants.

“I aspire to become a health inspector and I don’t want to see people littering my Babasiga Town,” Mr Draunibaka said.

“When I see rubbish on the street, I get angry and thus being one of the king contestants provides me the best opportunity to advocate on stop littering.”

Among the 11 queen contestants was Miss Labasa Lions Club, Paayal Chand who received loud cheers from the church members when she being a Hindu devotee said a memory verse from the Bible.

“Philippians chapter four verse 13, ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me’,” Miss Chand said.

“By profession I am a school teacher at Immaculate Conception College in Solevu, Bua and I feel blessed to be found in the house of the Lord.”

Vodafone Festival of the Friendly North queens’ committee member Angylishna Asha thanked the pastors of the church for hosting them for the service.

“It is norm of the festival over the years to have the contestants attend a church service where they can receive blessings,” Miss Asha said.

“Standing on the stage for a week facing hundreds of people and advocating on various issues is not an easy task for the contestants.

“Hence, we seek your blessings and continuous support.”

Edited by Rusiate Mataika

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