Smilejiko is one of Amelia’s nicknames in Fiji. Regardless of the battles she faced, her smile remains constant. One of her earliest memories was being called Smilejiko when she transferred to a school where Fijian was the main language.
Though she didn’t know the language, she smiled while adjusting to her new environment, friends, and challenges. Amelia shares, “I wouldn’t change anything about my childhood. I learned Fijian in that school, and I love my country. It’s filled with kind people, beautiful nature, and richness in its ocean.” Her mom’s village by the sea allowed her to swim every holiday, and Amelia’s passion for the ocean inspired her to be a marine student, eager to explore its wonders. Her life motto, “Born to express, not to impress,” drives her purpose. Now she expresses this through mission work at CDE- Center of Digital Evangelism.
“When I heard the Bible stories about disciples, about people who work with God, I just didn’t want to hear them, but be one of them,” Amelia affirmed, which motivated her to become a Missionary. These stories deeply inspired her to follow Jesus’s example and serve others, the essence of her missionary journey. Amelia applied to serve in the Philippines, utilizing her talents for both church work and community service.
As a Digital Evangelist, she learned that evangelism includes encouragement and sharing personal testimonies, both online and offline. During her service, Amelia encountered Jesus more intensely than before. Through the people she connected with online, perhaps managing an inbox filled with prayer requests and struggles, she gained valuable lessons. Initially, the weight of these sensitive stories felt overwhelming, as they often reflected her past experiences, and facing these memories became a significant challenge.
One day, Amelia received a message from a woman sharing family struggles and seeking advice on forgiveness and understanding. While crafting her response, Amelia realized she was also advising herself. The woman’s words resonated deeply within her, revealing that the message was for her as well.
By offering words of hope and encouragement, Amelia found that Jesus was speaking directly to her. “I thank these experiences in the chat because they have opened my eyes to the lessons that Jesus wants to teach me,” she reflected.
Jeremiah 29:11 has been Amelia’s strength since 2020, during one of her toughest moments. This promise from God reminded her that He has good plans for her, even in adversity. Clinging to this hope, she continues to trust in God’s greater purpose through every challenge and blessing she faces.
