Making jesus your cornerstone: DR. Saune
Naibuka Saune, is a young professional whose journey of faith is matched by his own personal commitment to Christ.
For someone who has experienced the impacts of student ministry, he acknowledges the value of the work we do in schools.
His own faith was strengthened by the resolve of God fearing parents and particularly so by his own personal journey as a student. He acknowledges that his journey to success is meaningless without Christ.
So what is peculiar about this brother of mine. Despite his protests; a reflection of his own humility really, I coerced him for this testimony because in his life and achievements, I see how Our powerful and all sufficient God remains a driving force in his life.
My friendship with Naibuka started in 2008 when we were on a pilgrimage to Israel.
At the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem, this young man was laying his life before the Lord and committing his academic journey to Him. Fast forward and this last month,
Naibuka graduated with a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Accounting from Australia.
His aim was to achieve this academic feat before he turned 30 and this young man has not only fulfilled this but today testifies to the goodness and faithfulness of God through his aca-demic and life generally as a young man.
In sharing His faith and love for God with us, Naibuka’ s testimony is a reminder of the Mighty things God is doing in lives that are sold out to Him. It is not hard to see the handiwork of God in Naibuka’s life and for someone as young and pas-sionate for God as he is, it is timely reminder to “not get caught up in the details” but live a life that Honours God and watch Him move in those areas that are surrendered to him. His successes are but a reminder, that we serve a God of Excellence. SU Fiji is proud of his achievements and wishes Naibuka well in His endeavours especially so as Christ’s ambassador to the young and old alike.
How do you see your faith in God?
My Faith in God is my only HOPE. That being said, my walk with the Lord If I am honest is characterized by one of ups and down, probably more of the later rather than the former. I am very thankful that HE is always true to HIS Word in that He will never leave me nor forsake me. His endless love and forgiveness for a sinner like me gives me hope and His promises is not a "wish" or a vain "I hope so" but is firm and secure. I am also very fortunate and blessed to have supportive family (my parents, sister and aunty– who continually “stand in the gap” for me in prayer),
Friends (who act as accountable partners and armor bearers), and ministries like PSFC, SUIS (for the con-tinuous encouragement and edification but more so by providing a channel where we can partner with to be a blessing to young people).
One thing I have learned is that one’s level of faith in God matters to God. In fact, God is most honored through ones living, active, death-defying, out-of-the-box faith. That being the case, he's com-mitted to growing it — BIG
As a young man, what is your advise to other young people on this journey of life?
First and foremost, to build yourself a steady foundation by having Jesus as your "Rock" (Rom. 9:33; 1 Cor 10:2-4) and your "Cornerstone" (Is. 28:16, 1 Pet. 2:6). Surround yourselves with positive and value adding people.
People you associate with will have a huge impact and influence on the choices you make. This life is for the taking. What you sow you shall reap. If you want to see or reap a desired outcome/harvest then sow the seed appropri-ate for the harvest you seek.
Finally, don’t get too engrossed in the details of life that you forget to live and enjoy the wonderful gift of Life that God has given you. Make use of opportunities that come your way and HAVE FUN
What are the secrets of your academic success?
Honestly, I don’t know. I cannot put my finger on a specific variable so as to speak, but combination of variables.
These factors are not novel or new but just old verbs, ranging from hard work, commitment, being disciplined with one’s time, tenacity /persistence.
But one thing I am certain about, albeit unfathomable, is the unmerited favor of God. I could say that this has been the x-factor in my life and all glory and honor is rightfully due to HIM ALONE. HIS favor propels you in to places and situations which leave you in awe. I am always reminded of the truth in Ephesians 3.20 “God "is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us."
For someone who has experienced the impacts of student ministry, he acknowledges the value of the work we do in schools.
His own faith was strengthened by the resolve of God fearing parents and particularly so by his own personal journey as a student. He acknowledges that his journey to success is meaningless without Christ.
So what is peculiar about this brother of mine. Despite his protests; a reflection of his own humility really, I coerced him for this testimony because in his life and achievements, I see how Our powerful and all sufficient God remains a driving force in his life.
My friendship with Naibuka started in 2008 when we were on a pilgrimage to Israel.
At the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem, this young man was laying his life before the Lord and committing his academic journey to Him. Fast forward and this last month,
Naibuka graduated with a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Accounting from Australia.
His aim was to achieve this academic feat before he turned 30 and this young man has not only fulfilled this but today testifies to the goodness and faithfulness of God through his aca-demic and life generally as a young man.
In sharing His faith and love for God with us, Naibuka’ s testimony is a reminder of the Mighty things God is doing in lives that are sold out to Him. It is not hard to see the handiwork of God in Naibuka’s life and for someone as young and pas-sionate for God as he is, it is timely reminder to “not get caught up in the details” but live a life that Honours God and watch Him move in those areas that are surrendered to him. His successes are but a reminder, that we serve a God of Excellence. SU Fiji is proud of his achievements and wishes Naibuka well in His endeavours especially so as Christ’s ambassador to the young and old alike.
How do you see your faith in God?
My Faith in God is my only HOPE. That being said, my walk with the Lord If I am honest is characterized by one of ups and down, probably more of the later rather than the former. I am very thankful that HE is always true to HIS Word in that He will never leave me nor forsake me. His endless love and forgiveness for a sinner like me gives me hope and His promises is not a "wish" or a vain "I hope so" but is firm and secure. I am also very fortunate and blessed to have supportive family (my parents, sister and aunty– who continually “stand in the gap” for me in prayer),
Friends (who act as accountable partners and armor bearers), and ministries like PSFC, SUIS (for the con-tinuous encouragement and edification but more so by providing a channel where we can partner with to be a blessing to young people).
One thing I have learned is that one’s level of faith in God matters to God. In fact, God is most honored through ones living, active, death-defying, out-of-the-box faith. That being the case, he's com-mitted to growing it — BIG
As a young man, what is your advise to other young people on this journey of life?
First and foremost, to build yourself a steady foundation by having Jesus as your "Rock" (Rom. 9:33; 1 Cor 10:2-4) and your "Cornerstone" (Is. 28:16, 1 Pet. 2:6). Surround yourselves with positive and value adding people.
People you associate with will have a huge impact and influence on the choices you make. This life is for the taking. What you sow you shall reap. If you want to see or reap a desired outcome/harvest then sow the seed appropri-ate for the harvest you seek.
Finally, don’t get too engrossed in the details of life that you forget to live and enjoy the wonderful gift of Life that God has given you. Make use of opportunities that come your way and HAVE FUN
What are the secrets of your academic success?
Honestly, I don’t know. I cannot put my finger on a specific variable so as to speak, but combination of variables.
These factors are not novel or new but just old verbs, ranging from hard work, commitment, being disciplined with one’s time, tenacity /persistence.
But one thing I am certain about, albeit unfathomable, is the unmerited favor of God. I could say that this has been the x-factor in my life and all glory and honor is rightfully due to HIM ALONE. HIS favor propels you in to places and situations which leave you in awe. I am always reminded of the truth in Ephesians 3.20 “God "is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us."