A Home for Worship: Adult Mission Story for February 21, 2026

As told to Maika Tuima by Alice Rore

My name is Alice, and I’m from the Solomon Islands. I spent many years as a high school teacher, but I work as a freelance educator and researcher today. I love planning youth programs and reaching out to my community. And in all I do, I carry a deep gratitude for a place that helped shape my faith—the Pacific Tertiary Evangelistic Centre or PTEC.

PTEC is more than just a building. It’s a spiritual home for young people from the Pacific who study in Suva, Fiji. And its story began with a dream.

In the early 2000s, our student worship groups moved from one place to another for meetings every weekend. We used university lecture rooms or community halls. We carried heavy musical instruments and sound systems in taxis. Sometimes, drivers would charge extra for the load. Other times, we braved the rain with flower vases, communion utensils, and table covers tucked under umbrellas or plastic sheets.

“Every Sabbath was an adventure,” one of our members once said with a smile. “We never knew whether the room would be booked or if we’d get wet getting there.”

We faced many challenges—lack of space, limited booking hours, and poor weather that often disrupted our programs. But more than the physical strain, we longed for a place we could call our own—a welcoming place where young Adventist students could gather, grow, and worship freely.

Church leaders saw the need and prayed for a solution. The vision was clear: build a center near the universities in Suva. A place where students would be nurtured, empowered, and encouraged to become ambassadors for Christ, wherever their studies might take them.

It wasn’t easy, but many hands and hearts made it possible. Each played a part, whether through leadership, encouragement, or faithful giving.

Then came a breakthrough—the Thirteenth Sabbath Offering for the third quarter of 2006. The leaders of the Seventh-day Adventist Church chose our project, and members around the globe gave generously. That offering laid the foundation for our future. The land at 7 Grantham Road in Suva was secured with the funds. In time, the structure rose—a new home for worship and ministry.

Today, PTEC stands as a vibrant community of faith. We’re known for our Contemporary Choir ministry, which brings joy and meaning through music. The IMPACT Outreach team regularly visits local communities to serve and share. The Adventist Students Association (ASA) creates a space where students can lead and grow in faith. But more than the programs, the people make PTEC what it is. Many have found their calling here. Others have formed lifelong friendships. Some, such as Sandra Dausabea from the Solomon Islands, say PTEC changed their lives.

“The climax of my spiritual life happened at PTEC Church with the PTEC family,” Sandra shared. “It will always be PTEC. God is faithful and good.”

At PTEC, students are supported on their spiritual journey. They learn to lead, serve, and share their faith with confidence. They are given roles and responsibilities that shape them—not just as church members but also as future leaders.

For us, this building is more than concrete and wood. It is a living testimony of faith, generosity, and unity. A reminder that we are not alone in this mission.

I want to thank the world church. Your gifts have created a place where young people find purpose and connection. You’ve helped build more than a church—you’ve helped build a home.

God has blessed us with different gifts. Let’s use them with gratitude, humility, kindness, and a heart for mission. Yes, there may be times of sorrow or failure. But may the golden thread of God’s love bind us all together—and may His light continue to shine through the lives we touch wherever we go.

Part of the Thirteenth Sabbath Offering for the third quarter of 2009 helped build the Pacific Tertiary Evangelistic Centre (PTEC). Thank you for your Thirteenth Sabbath Offering this quarter, which will help support children’s health projects in the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu.