Faith in action as Gavoka calls for mindset change

Members of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus, Lautoka branch, carried out their regular community clean-up campaign, reinforcing their commitment to environmental care and civic responsibility.

About 30 volunteers, including church leaders and children, cleaned a designated route from the South Pacific Distillery corner through Navutu, past the main roundabout and towards the Natabua junction.

Despite persistent rain, the group collected plastics, cans, bottles and paper waste from roadside walkways and drains, filling 12 large sacks with rubbish.

“Our purpose today was fourfold,” church representative Jo Faga said.

“We want to help maintain Lautoka’s beauty, combat environmental pollution through proper waste disposal, educate our younger generation to be responsible citizens, and contribute meaningfully to the wellbeing of our community.

“This is how we live our faith — by showing love through action.”

Mr Faga said the heavy rain did not dampen the volunteers’ determination to make the city cleaner.

Another representative, Peni Nabainivalu, said the activity, conducted with the support of the Lautoka City Council, was more than just a clean-up.

“It was a living lesson in civic responsibility, environmental stewardship and compassionate service,” he said.

He added that the Shincheonji Church not only taught the Word of God free of charge, but also practised charity through its members and contributed to the health and hygiene of the communities in which it operated.

The church plans to continue its clean-up campaigns and expand into other volunteer initiatives across Lautoka.

Meanwhile, Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation Viliame Gavoka acknowledged the efforts of community groups involved in clean-ups around the country.

“Unfortunately, it’s a people issue,” Mr Gavoka said.

“We’ve conducted training and taken many initiatives, but the mindset has to change.”

He said lasting change would take time and would largely depend on the younger generation.

“Our people are still throwing rubbish out of buses and cars. It breaks my heart because we are not protecting our pristine and beautiful environment,” Mr Gavoka said.