From Fiji to the Frontlines: Adult Mission Story for February 28, 2026

As told to Maika Tuima by Jordan Weatherall

It all began with a fire in my heart, a calling I couldn’t ignore. In 2023, after sharing my story on a podcast, I believed I was on the cusp of something great. Just months later, I graduated with a degree in theology, hopeful and eager to serve wherever God would send me.

My first application was to the Tonga Mission in response to a chaplaincy vacancy. When I received a positive reply two weeks later, I packed with excitement and prayed with confidence, believing this was it—my first official missionary post. But just as quickly as the door opened, it closed. The mission reconsidered its decision, and I was no longer needed.

I applied for mission positions at other Adventist organizations, but nothing worked out. I was discouraged. I felt invisible and forgotten. But then, a quiet word of wisdom changed everything.

One of my former teachers, Dr. Tabua Tuima, looked me in the eyes and said, “Start your ministry in Fiji before stepping out into the world.” His words took root in my heart.

Not long after, I crossed paths with the ministerial secretary of the Fiji Mission. He encouraged me to send a formal request to the mission office. With a humble heart, I submitted a simple resume, expressing a desire to serve among native Fijian speakers and work in the field of communication.

In late March 2024, God opened a door I hadn’t expected. I was assigned to oversee three churches in the city. I had no title or salary—just a calling, a willing heart, and a mission.

From day one, I faced steep challenges. The language barrier was a mountain I had to climb. I had to learn quickly how to preach, pray, and minister fluently in Fijian. One day, an elder’s wife quietly confessed, “Some of our members don’t like our new pastor because he preaches in English.” Others questioned why the mission had sent someone so young. I was only 22.

Those words cut deep, but I didn’t let them define me. I stayed. I prayed. I persisted.

My schedule was intense. Sabbaths were a marathon: Sabbath School in one church, divine service in another, and Adventist Youth in the third. Weekdays were filled with prayer meetings, youth programs, and small group ministries. But something beautiful happened amid the busyness: I began to understand my people. Their language became my language. Their trust became my reward.

Then, in May, a new chapter unfolded. I was invited to host our church’s Coast to Coast Breakfast Show on Hope FM Fiji. At first, I was terrible. I stumbled over words, fumbled with equipment, and battled exhaustion from late-night ministry. Negative messages came through texts and emails. But I didn’t quit. I studied. I listened. I grew. Slowly, my voice became familiar, not just in Fiji, but also across the world.

On air, I shared testimonies, explored church principles, unpacked scripture, and encouraged listeners. Off air, I was fighting a personal storm.

I had no income, yet I carried a burden to help others. I supported my 16-year-old sister’s education and offered the same opportunity to my cousin, who had dropped out of school due to hardship. I promised to cover their fees for three terms, trusting God would provide. It was difficult, but I never went hungry. My head elder would give me lifts, sometimes slipping me a small gift. I’ve never forgotten his quiet generosity.

Even my one day off—Monday—wasn’t mine. I spent it volunteering at a home for the elderly, praying that God would teach me humility. And He did, through the wrinkled hands and wise eyes of those I served.

Later, I enrolled in a basic sign language course, attending twice a week for six months. I graduated in November 2024, the same month I paid off the school fees for both girls. A miracle, truly.

Today, I’m in Indonesia, far from home, yet exactly where God wants me. I teach English at an academy, mentoring students toward Christlike character in a place where declaring Jesus publicly isn’t welcome.

I struggle. I feel alone. There is no church in sight. Yet every day I’m reminded: this is your mission field. I cling to the truth that Jesus is my constant Companion, my best Friend.

I am honored to be part of the I Will Go initiative:

I will go to my family: God answered my prayers and delivered my mother from addiction.

I will go to my neighbor: I helped my cousin return to school.

I will go to my workplace: I offered my voice and time to serve through media and writing.

I will go to the ends of the earth: And now I serve in a land where I can’t speak His name freely, but I can live it out boldly.

This is my journey of faith, service, and surrender. From Fiji to Indonesia—God has led me every step of the way.

Part of the Thirteenth Sabbath Offerings from earlier years have helped support Hope Channel television and Hope FM Radio ministries in the South Pacific. Thank you for your Thirteenth Sabbath Offering this quarter, which will help support children’s health projects in the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu.