Pacific Empowerment

In this episode, we briefly discuss Fiji’s recent declaration of HIV as a national crisis, following a significant rise in HIV infections.🇫🇯 We then dive deeper into kava (yaqona/grog) and its spiritual impact on those who drink it. We examine the difference between Holy Communion - the cup of the Lord, and the drink of Satan - kava/yaqona/grog, comparing their spiritual significance through the l...

In this episode, we examine how tabua and yaqona (kava) have become deeply honoured within Fijian culture, and whether these traditions have taken a place that belongs to Jesus Christ alone. When cultural traditions receive the honour, reverence, and spiritual significance that belong to God, culture can become an idol. 📖 “You shall have no other gods before Me.” — Exodus 20:3 Is Fiji honouring c...

“No one who puts his hand to the plough and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.” — Luke 9:62 What happens when we say we follow Christ, but continue looking back to the traditions, beliefs, and practices of our ancestors? In this episode of Pacific Empowerment, Akanesi Kaufusi sits down with Merenaisi Waqavakatoga for a challenging conversation about Christ, culture, and the cost of followin...

In this episode, Merenaisi Waqavakatoga and I discuss the wicked and ungodly parts of our Pacific cultures and how Pacific Islanders can let go of them and follow Jesus Christ. For many Pacific Islanders, renouncing culture is difficult because culture is deeply connected to our identity, family, and way of life. But as followers of Christ, we are called to find our true identity in Him and be wil...

In this Episode, Merenaisi Waqavakatoga and I continue our discussion from the previous episode, diving deeper into end-times prophecy, Pacific culture, and the warnings given concerning the days ahead. How should we as Pacific Islanders live and prepare for the return of Jesus Christ? What cultural practices do we need to examine in light of God’s Word? “Therefore you also must be ready, for the...

In this episode, we sit down with Merenaisi Waqavakatoga to explore the spiritual side of Fijian culture and traditions, including practices believed to have pagan or demonic origins. We also investigate the fascinating question: Are Fijians descendants of the Israelites? We discuss Fijian ancestry, the Lapita people, biblical history, and the possible connections between ancient Israel and the pe...

What is salvation? What does it really mean to be saved? Can a born-again Christian fall back into sin? Can you lose your salvation? Is "once saved, always saved" truly biblical? These are some of the most debated questions in Christianity today. In this episode, we dive deep into the Bible to examine what God's Word really says about salvation, repentance, perseverance, and eternal...

In this episode, I discuss spiritual warfare, the recent backlash over the Samoan podcast, and how God has shown me that our true battle is not against people, but against evil. I also share my thoughts on the book I'm currently reading,  A Divine Revelation of Hell, and why no worldly pleasure is worth risking eternity with Christ. Support the show Help us continue making great content for l...

In this powerful and eye-opening episode, Solomone Koroi shares his personal journey of being trapped in kava addiction, how it affected his marriage and family, and the devastating impact he has seen kava have on many families in Fiji. Solomone opens up about the reality of addiction, the struggles it brought into his home, and how it almost cost him everything. Most importantly, he shares how Je...

In this powerful episode, a former Samoan tattoo artist, Mua Posala, shares his journey from running a successful tattoo business to giving it all up after accepting Jesus Christ. He talks about learning the art through family traditions in Samoa, the lifestyle that came with money and worldly success, and how his life and marriage were transformed when he found Christ. He explains why he now beli...

IS TOU'A HUMAN TRAFFICKING? In this episode, we tackle one of the most difficult questions facing our communities today. Drawing on the testimonies of former tou'a women, we explore the connections between family pressure, money, power, sexual exploitation, and the expectation that young girls serve men in faikava settings. We discuss why human trafficking is not only about crossing bord...

What is the church? Is it a building, a denomination, or the people of God? In this episode, we explore what the Bible actually teaches about the church and respond to the common claim: "It's not the church, it's the individual." Through Scripture and biblical examples, we discuss accountability, leadership, repentance, and why calling for reform is not attacking the church. We...

In this episode, I sit down with Fiji Senior Methodist Minister, Reverend Wilfred Regunamada, to discuss his personal battle with kava addiction. We talk about how kava affected his life, family, and ministry, the journey that led to his recovery, and the movement he is now leading to help others struggling with kava addiction. A powerful conversation about addiction, recovery, faith, and hope in...

In this episode, Akanesi Kaufusi speaks directly to the wives of faikava men and any wives struggling emotionally in their marriages.  We discuss emotional neglect, boundaries, healing, supporting husbands with unhealthy habits, and why women should never lose themselves trying to fix a man who refuses to change.  Akanesi also shares some of her own experiences and lessons from celebrating 12 year...

In this episode of the, we discuss the shocking rates of domestic violence and sexual abuse against women in the Pacific and ask the hard question: Why do so many Pacific men treat their wives badly? We dive into culture, faikava, fatherhood, biblical masculinity, and what the Bible actually says about how husbands should love their wives. I also share personal lessons from my own marriage and pra...

In this episode of the Pacific Empowerment Podcast, I dive deep into the impact of father absence on children, especially within Pacific communities. Drawing on international studies and real-life experiences shared by women in the community, I discuss the emotional, psychological, and social effects of absent fathers on children. This is a much-needed conversation about why fathers matter, why ch...

In this episode, we dive deep into the history and evolution of Touʻa in Tongan faikava culture. Was Touʻa originally a male role? How did it change over time from sacred ceremony into modern faikava settings? Drawing from academic research, oral history, and historical records, we explore the three types of faikava identified by Futa Helu and discuss how war, migration, and social change transfor...

In this episode, we go deeper than culture and tradition to uncover the true origins of kava . Where did it come from? What beliefs shaped it? And why does its history matter today? We explore ancient Tongan stories like Kavaʻonau and ʻAhoʻeitu, revealing a world rooted in pagan beliefs, sacrifice, hierarchy, and spiritual systems very different from what many people follow today. From stories inv...

In this episode, I explore what happens when culture is placed above God, and why that becomes idolatry. After sharing that kava is classified as a drug, someone responded, “We know it’s true… but it’s our culture.” That statement reveals a deeper issue: knowing the truth is not enough if we refuse to change. Drawing from Scripture, I unpack how idolatry is not just about statues, but anything we...

In this episode, we unpack what addiction really is, what leads to it, and why early exposure to substances matters more than people think. From brain development to environment and culture, we break down how habits are formed and how they can shape a person’s future. We also confront a growing issue in our communities - young children being introduced to kava. Is kava really a “better alternative...

This episode is about my estranged relationship with Pacific media - featuring some interesting interactions, a few receipts, and screenshots that speak for themselves 👀 I also react to a recent faikava and tou’a video posted by ABC Pacific, breaking down what’s being highlighted…and more importantly, what’s being left out. I share real testimonials from women who have experienced sexual assault...

Kava has long been a central part of Pacific culture, but its history goes deeper than many realise. In this episode, we explore how kava was traditionally used in spiritual systems, including rituals, divination, and communication with ancestors. We also look at how missionaries viewed these practices and why they attempted to eliminate kava in some regions, with varying success across the Pacifi...

As Queen Salote College celebrates its 100th anniversary this week, I take a trip down memory lane and reflect on my years at the college. In this episode, I share the good, the bad, and the ugly of my high school years at Queen Salote College. From memorable moments and school events to addressing rumours and stories that have resurfaced, I’m giving my honest reflection on that chapter of my life...

In this episode of the Pacific Empowerment Podcast, we explore the concept of patriarchy and ask an important question: who makes the rules, and who do those rules benefit? Looking at history, from the women’s suffrage movement to global examples of women challenging restrictive systems, we unpack how patriarchal structures have shaped societies and influenced the roles women are expected to play....

In this episode, I sit down with Pastor Letitia Shelton, who grew up in Fiji and now serves across Fiji and Australia to have a bold and honest conversation about sexual abuse, exploitation, and the silence that often surrounds it in Pacific communities. We unpack the realities of power, sex, and money, and how these forces can be misused within culture, community spaces, and even church settings....