A Special Decision

To Sabbath School teachers: This story is for Sabbath, February 14.

As told to Maika Tuima by Vilikesa and Neomai

One sunny Sabbath morning in a small village in Fiji, a brother and sister sat quietly in church. Their names were Vilikesa, who was 15, and Neomai, who was 12.

“I love the story of David and Goliath,” Neomai whispered with a smile.

“And I like the part when Jesus calmed the storm,” said Vilikesa. “It makes me feel safe.”

The siblings hadn’t always gone to a Seventh-day Adventist church. They used to go to a different Christian church with their family. But one day, their aunt—Mum’s older sister—invited them to visit her Seventh-day Adventist church.

“I was only 10 years old when I first came,” said Vilikesa.

“I was eleven,” added Neomai.

At first, it was just something new to try. But soon, the siblings realized they had found something special.

“I liked the singing and the warm welcome,” said Neomai. “But most of all, I loved the stories in Sabbath School.”

“Me too,” said Vilikesa. “I couldn’t wait for Sabbath to come each week.”

Even though no one else in their family went with them, the two sisters went to church faithfully.

“We were the only ones from our house going,” said Neomai. “But we didn’t feel alone. Everyone at church made us feel like family.”

As time passed, Vilikesa and Neomai joined the children’s programs. They listened to Bible stories, answered questions, and made new friends.

“I remember learning how much Jesus loves us,” said Vilikesa. “That’s when I knew I wanted to follow Him.”

One day, after Sabbath School, the two girls sat under a tree near the church.

“Do you think we’re ready to be baptized?” asked Neomai.

“I do,” said Vilikesa. “We know Jesus. We love Him. And we want to follow Him.”

Together, they made the big decision to give their lives to Jesus. That evening, they walked home with happy hearts. But they had one more thing to do.

“We need to tell Mum and Dad,” said Neomai.

“Yes,” said Vilikesa. “Let’s pray first.”

After a short prayer, they went inside.

“Mum, Dad,” said Neomai softly, “we have something to tell you.”

“What is it, children?” their mother asked kindly.

“We’ve decided to be baptized,” said Vilikesa.

Their parents looked at each other and smiled.

“We’re happy for you,” their dad said. “It’s your choice, and we support you.”

Even though their parents weren’t Adventists, they didn’t stop them or try to change their minds.

On November 2, 2024, the sun rose bright and warm. It was a special day.

Vilikesa and Neomai stood by the pool, ready to be baptized.

“I wasn’t scared,” said Neomai. “I felt peace in my heart.”

“I didn’t hesitate,” said Vilikesa. “I knew Jesus was with us.”

That day, the brother and sister were baptized and became members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Vilikesa attends the Earliteen Sabbath School class, and Neomai is in the Junior class.

“Every Sabbath, we learn something new,” said Neomai.

“And we take the stories home and share them with Mum and Dad,” said Vilikesa.

The siblings still go to church every Sabbath, and they still pray every day.

“We are praying that one day Mum and Dad will come with us,” said Neomai.

With big smiles and hearts full of hope, they continue walking with Jesus—one Sabbath at a time.

Part of the Thirteenth Sabbath Offering for the fourth quarter of 2009, helped provide “Flip for Jesus” picture rolls for children’s Sabbath Schools in the Trans-Pacific Union, which includes Fiji. Thank you for your generous Thirteenth Sabbath Offering this quarter.