A Day I’ll Never Forget: Rising with the Youth of Kubulau

There are days in life that catch you off guard—in the best, most terrifying, most rewarding kind of way.

Friday, July 11th, 2025… that was one of those days.

What was supposed to be a simple feedback and update session with the youth of Kubulau turned into a full-blown training workshop… and guess who got thrown into running the entire program? Yep—me. Alone. No warning. No backup. Just me, a hall full of curious, bright-eyed young people, and a theme that hit straight to the heart: Climate Action, Leadership & Our Shared Future.

But let’s rewind a bit.

The day started off with a powerful prayer from Viliame Ratumaitavuki, the TNK of Navatu Village. That moment gave me goosebumps. It was like we collectively invited God and the Holy Spirit into space—and from that moment, I knew something special was going to unfold. I just didn’t know how much it would demand from me.

Then came the part no one told me about: I was to run the WHOLE day. My first reaction? “WTH?!” I froze for like 10 seconds. My heart was pounding. My hands were cold. I had to literally talk myself into breathing.

And then came that small voice—quiet, but steady: “Luke, you can do this.” And just like that, something shifted.

I stood up, introduced the purpose of our gathering, shared stories and lessons from the two different workshops I had attended recently—one in Suva, the other in Labasa—and tried my absolute best to create a space where our youth could feel seen, heard, and important.

Because they are. Because we all are.

I’ve never run a full-day training session in my life. Never. But that day, I found myself stepping into a version of me I’d only glimpsed in the mirror—someone with a voice, a purpose, and a responsibility.

And I won’t lie—there were funny moments, awkward moments, and moments I silently begged for a manual on “how to be a professional facilitator in 3 easy steps.” But none came. Only experience. Only trust. Only faith.

It wasn’t perfect. But it was real. And in that space, surrounded by young people from my home district, I felt something light up in me.

Looking back, I ask myself: “Luke, what just happened?”

Well—what happened was I stepped out of my comfort zone. What happened was growth. What happened was God reminding me that this season I’m in—this path of leadership, of speaking truth, of showing up for my people—isn’t random. It’s on purpose.

And somehow, I was prepared. Not in the obvious ways… but in the small, quiet ways. In the nights I spent reflecting. In the lessons I picked up from others. In the broken moments that built resilience in me. In the people who believed in me even when I didn’t believe in myself.

I keep thinking about some of those people—some who are still with me, others who’ve crossed over to the next life. I feel them. Cheering me on. Whispering, “You were made for this.”

To everyone who’s been a part of my journey—thank you. For the encouragement. For the feedback. For the quiet prayers. For the hard truths. For the love. Whether it was work-related, personal growth, or spiritual support—thank you for being there.

And to me: thank you for not giving up. For being soft yet resilient. For trusting the process. For saying “yes” even when scared. For showing up.

Now, I look ahead—with fire in my bones. I dream bigger. I plan better. And I keep nurturing this calling that God has placed in my heart.

This is just the beginning for us in Kubulau. The future is bright—and I want to be ready for it.

Stay tuned, family. There’s more to come. 🌱

Group discussions on one of the activity: that's Focus on leadership & their individual roles in their respective villages.. participants from Nadivakarua Kubulau Bua youth group.

Participants from Waisa, Natokalau & Nasaisaivua villages: discussing their 5 year development plans during the group activity.

As usual - part of the sessions is a hearty nd delicious meals provided by Cabe: with help from Kinisimere (Radini Turani of Namalata village & Selaima Bolalailai of Navatu village: representative from Navatu.