“You will never find peace doing drugs” - former addict Ravula’s message to Fiji’s youth

To my brothers and sisters on the streets doing drugs, you will never find peace there.

These are the powerful words of Luke Ravula, a former drug user who once lived on the streets, but now stands as a living testimony of transformation and healing.

Speaking to fijivillage News, Ravula’s message is raw, heartfelt, and timely – a wake-up call to the many young Fijians caught in the grip of addiction.

Born and raised in Laucala Beach, Ravula hails from Kadavu and carries maternal links to the same island.

He grew up in a loving home with supportive parents, but like many teenagers fell into the wrong crowd and was led down the dark path of substance abuse.

Ravula says the experience was like them “having the same dream, and no one is waking up.”

He shared the turning point came when he was admitted to the rehabilitation unit at the Twomey Hospital in Tamavua, following his admission to the hospital when he fell sick.

The Kadavu man says it was the word of God that changed his life, and he has never looked back since.

Now in his 30s, Ravula works at the very hospital where he was treated, in the maintenance department, and leads church services at the facility, helping others on their path to recovery.

Ravula’s message to youth and street vendors caught up in drugs is firm but filled with compassion.

He says one cannot get any profit selling drugs, or rolls of cigarettes, because you will always want more, but it will never be enough.