Window on the World

Fiji: Members manifest
Christ during time of crisis

Dick new.jpg (42574 bytes) By Randal Dick

Your brethren in the island nation of Fiji send you a great big BULA—(the Fijian greeting). They also convey their heartfelt empathy for the trauma that Americans have experienced in the last three months.

Fijian members can understand what we are going through. They are emerging from a devastating national crisis. Nearly two years ago, a coup brought to an abrupt halt the peaceful life that was synonymous with Fiji. In the midst of turmoil our members found new opportunities to manifest Christ.

I spent 10 days with the Fijian members at their fall festival at a family resort between Nadi and the capital city of Suva. More than 90 percent of the members in the Fijian Islands had gathered to celebrate Christ and enjoy fellowship. Since this column is limited in space, I decided to take the picture-is-worth-10,000-words-route and show you rather than tell you. I’ll just list a few bulleted facts that you may find interesting.

l Fiji is a fascinating microcosm of three eras jostling each other: 1) it maintains its ancient tribal systems complete with the Great Council of Chiefs; 2) it was ruled by Britain as a colony for a century; and 3) it is a modern nation replete with all the technological goodies you would expect to find anywhere else.

l The senior pastor, Ratu Epeli Kanaimawi, has been appointed by the Great Council of Chiefs to chair a committee to research and present to the council recommendations as to how to heal the nation and go forward.

l Jacob Christopher, a member on one of the out-islands, is the Rabi Council of Leaders representative in the Kiribati Parliament.

l Mr. Kanaimawi serves on a council of leaders of most Christian denominations in Fiji. The leaders of the newly elected government have endorsed the group and met with them for prayer and discussion on how to reconcile the nation.

l Fiji now has a national Christian newspaper, called the Bula Star (Bula also means peace), and its editor, Iliesa Tora, is a WCG member (see photo).

Finally, I promised the Fijians that I would pass on to you that they miss seeing their American brethren. They invite as many as possible to join them next fall for worship and fellowship.

I’m sure they desire our prayers. We can be assured that they are praying for the church in the United States.

WORSHIP PROCESSION—In Fijian worship tradition, the congregation sings hymns as they take their seats.

FIJIAN MINISTER—Epeli Kanaimawi, along with his wife, Sophie, have served members in Fiji and the South Pacific for 22 years. [Photos by Randal Dick]

CHRISTIAN NEWSPAPER—Bula Star, a new Fijian national weekly newspaper, represents the Christian viewpoint. Editor Iliesa Tora is a WCG member.

FIJI FEAST—Traditional Fijian feast of meats and a variety of vegetables, known as lovo, is dug out of its underground oven of hot stones.

EVENING CELEBRATION—The evening is a time to eat and enjoy life. The songs and dancing are spontaneous, full of laughter, and go on long into the night.

FIJIAN COMMUNITY—Fijian boys play at the ocean.

FESTIVAL GATHERING—Fijian members at festival 2001.

CHILDREN AT PLAY—Building relationships starts early in Fiji.

ACTIVE TEENS—Teens present worship dance.

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