The Methodist Church in Fiji is stepping up its efforts to help young people stay away from drugs and reduce the growing impact of HIV through prayer, outreach programmes and community activities.
Speaking to fijivillage News, the Secretary for the Church's Evangelism Department, Reverend Iliesa Koroi, says the Church has been carrying out a three-year programme of prayer and fasting against drug cultivation, drug trafficking, drug use and the spread of HIV.
Koroi says Sunday's prayer march was part of the Church's wider campaign to raise awareness about the growing impact of drugs and HIV in Fiji.
Insert: Reverend Koroi in youths
He says the march was inspired by the Biblical story of the Israelites marching around the walls of Jericho, adding that the Church believes the fight against drugs and HIV is also a spiritual one.
Koroi says the Church is also holding crusades, retreats, town missions and public preaching across Fiji to encourage young people to make positive choices and stay away from drugs.
He says faith and prayer can help transform lives and support people struggling with addiction.
Koroi is urging young people to stay away from drugs and seek help, saying positive change is possible with the right support.
The Methodist Church held prayer marches from Lami Police Station to Tikaram Park and from Cuvu Junction to Naduru Village last Sunday, as part of its campaign against drugs and HIV.
