Celebrating Pacific Culture: TPUM Session Highlights Unity and Leadership

Fulton and Atoifi Leadership Confirmed: A New Era for Adventist Education and Healthcare

Update Unveiling the Future of Christian Education and Healthcare in the Pacific This week, the Trans Pacific Union Mission (TPUM) session held at Fulton Adventist University College in Fiji marked a significant moment for the Adventist community. Delegates came together to confirm the leadership appointments of Dr. Ronald Stone and William Baefua for Fulton Adventist University College and Atoifi Adventist Hospital, respectively. With their reappointment, both leaders reflect the Church's commitment to education and healthcare services, all grounded in Christian values. Continuity and Growth at Fulton Adventist University College Dr. Ronald Stone’s reappointment as vice-chancellor comes as no surprise given the rapid growth of Fulton Adventist University over the past three years. Enrollment jumped from over 300 to 665 students, a testament to the institution's increasing popularity and the quality of education provided. Dr. Stone expressed his gratitude, stating he feels “humble and honored” to continue fulfilling this pivotal role. Looking toward the future, Dr. Stone emphasized his commitment to further enhancing the college’s spiritual life, as well as expanding its academic programs and infrastructure. His vision is clear: to uphold Christian principles while becoming the preferred tertiary education provider in the Pacific region. He also highlighted the institution’s goal of making more and better disciples as central to its mission. Atoifi Adventist Hospital: A Beacon of Hope Meanwhile, William Baefua's return as CEO of Atoifi Adventist Hospital signals an ongoing commitment to effective healthcare delivery in a challenging environment. Recognizing land tenure negotiations as a significant hurdle, Baefua is determined to ensure that Atoifi can secure its future and continue serving vital healthcare needs in Malaita. He underscored the necessity of faith-based healthcare services in this remote region, stating, “The services the hospital and school provide are a huge help to the surrounding communities.” The Twin Pillars: Education and Healthcare in the Adventist Faith As communities increasingly look for holistic solutions, the roles of educational and healthcare institutions in the Adventist faith community are more important than ever. Both Dr. Stone and Mr. Baefua view their roles not just as jobs, but as callings that intertwine education and faith with practical benefits for their communities. Seamlessly operating on strong principles of Christian values, these institutions serve as vital support systems, not only in terms of intellectual development at Fulton and critical healthcare at Atoifi, but also in fostering community and spiritual growth. Strengthening Community Ties through Faith-Based Initiatives Looking ahead, both leaders pointed toward the shared goals of the TPUM for Christ initiative in 2026. This collaborative effort will allow students and healthcare professionals to integrate faith with service as they identify and participate in community-based projects across Fiji and Tonga. This initiative promises to deepen the bonds within the faith community and extend their impact even further. Reflecting on Leadership and Challenges As both Dr. Stone and Mr. Baefua prepare for their upcoming terms, the challenge remains to navigate a changing landscape of both education and healthcare. Their experiences will be critical in ensuring that these institutions can adapt and thrive. Baefua's perspective adds an interesting counterpoint to Dr. Stone’s academic priorities, driving home the complex interplay between educational advancement and community health services. Final Thoughts: A Hopeful Future When we reflect on the confirmation of leadership at these two innovative institutions, we see a dynamic future for the Adventist community across the Pacific Islands, one that emphasizes both educational excellence and crucial healthcare services. With leaders like Dr. Stone and Mr. Baefua at the helm, their goals resonate deeply with the Church's mission to nurture faith, foster knowledge, and strengthen community ties. The time is now to engage actively with these institutions, support the missions outlined by their new leaders, and be part of the transformation envisioned for the future. Join in as they continue to build on their legacies and uplift communities rooted in faith and action.