Faith, Family and New Beginnings

When Silvia walked through the doors of the Family Care Centre in Suva, Fiji, she was carrying the weight of deep personal pain and uncertainty. What she found there was more than support—it was a lifeline.

My name is Silvia and I am the youngest of six children. I was born in Raiwaqa, a suburb of Suva in Fiji. Our family moved because my mum, who was a nurse, was transferred to Nasinu Secondary School for work.

I am a mother of six girls. My youngest is 10 years old and my eldest is 23 years old.

When I was young, my father shared his faith in Jesus with me. I treasured his teachings and kept them close to my heart. As a young person, I was given freedom to hang out with my friends, but it was always expected that I would go to church on Sundays.

When I was in sixth form (Year 12), I moved to live with my brother for one year. My time living with him was deeply impactful. I began attending fellowship and Sunday services at his church, and that was when I received Jesus Christ as my personal Saviour. It is difficult to explain that experience—it was like nothing I had ever experienced before. It was truly awesome.

I moved back home and, after a few years, I got married. At the time, I was studying at university, but I left when I got married so was not able to complete my studies. I moved in with my husband; our relationship had its highs and lows. Some of those times were especially difficult and left a lasting impact on me. I experienced physical and mental abuse.

There were times when things became so overwhelming, it felt like I couldn’t breathe. I was at home with my children—feeling completely isolated—with no one to confide in about what I was going through. I felt utterly alone.

Embracing the future

One day, it was all too much. I made the decision to flee and return to my family home, seeking refuge with my siblings. I had nowhere else to go but I knew I couldn’t stay. To support me, my siblings suggested splitting my children amongst themselves and caring for them separately. But that idea broke my heart. I desperately wanted to keep my girls together, for them to grow up side by side. That’s when I discovered The Salvation Army Family Care Centre in Suva, and my life began to change.

I applied to the centre, and I thank God every day that my children and I were accepted. I am especially grateful for Captain Visa Sadole who walked alongside me during that time. We shared daily devotionals every morning and I was warmly welcomed into their Sunday services. It was life changing. I came to understand that I am loved—that Jesus is always with me, and the Holy Spirit gives me the strength I need to face each day, both at work and at home. I felt called to become a soldier of The Salvation Army.

The Family Care Centre gave me the opportunity to pursue my dream of becoming an early childhood teacher. They supported me through the application process, making it possible for me to take that first step.

I have always had a deep love for working with children, and now I get to spend my days singing, reading and playing with them. It brings me so much joy.

I am so grateful for these opportunities. It not only gave me a career, but it also restored my confidence and sense of purpose. Being able to support my family while doing something I love is a blessing that I will never take for granted.

When I think about the future, I feel very hopeful. My girls are doing so well in school and in their sports. I am very proud of them. I pray that they would continue to grow in their relationships with God—to know that God is real and that He changes lives.