Nai Tabe
The Official Newsletter of the Methodist Church in Fiji
Issue 2 December 2014
Crossing the threshold
After 50 years, the Methodist Church in Fiji
begins a “New Exodus” with new leadership.
Stories from p5
Nai Tabe Issue 2
December 2014
Christmas Message p19
www.methodistfiji.org
EDITORAL
SHALOM! We’ve reached the end of a very busy Golden Jubilee year. This issue is numbered as Issue #2, however you could
also think of it as Issue 2.5 as we had a special Golden Jubilee Souvenir Issue released during the conference, which has a lot of
historical information about the formation of the Methodist Church Conference and our becoming an autonomous church. It’s
a great resource for those writing projects about the church or those who may wish to learn more about the growth and development of the Methodist Church in Fiji. The Golden Jubilee Souvenir Magazine and the book, “Genesis: The Origins of the
Methodist Church in Fiji” are available from the Methodist Bookstore or from the Department for Communication and Overseas Mission. In 2015 we hope to have 4 issues published—in March, June, September and December.
As we come to the end of 2014 and reflect on the year that was we can see God’s hand carefully guiding and nurturing the
Church through a very special journey. We lost our chief shepherd when Rev. Dr. Tuikilakila Waqairatu passed away suddenly.
We had a time of deep and honest reflection and reconciliation in many circuits and divisions, culminating in the national
Church reconciliation service which helped heal wounds which had been around for almost half of our 50 year existence.
Through this, our conference and over the last few months of the year, we have been reminded time and time again that the
words of John Wesley ring true, “The best of all is, God is with us.”
In an important year of decision nationally as well as for our Church, the three general rules for people called Methodists of
“Do no harm,” “Do good,” and “Stay in love with (stay connected to) God,” have been a key message to our community of
faith. We are all challenged to continue to practice this in our daily life as a way of building the Kingdom of Heaven.
This month we farewell our Interim President Rev. Laisasa Ratabacaca who rose to the call to step in and guide our flock on
the death of Rev. Dr. Waqairatu. Rev. Ratabacaca’s quiet leadership (for a historic fourth time) helped the Methodist drua
through potentially hazardous reefs during the search for new leadership and the beginning of our New Exodus. We also bid
farewell to our Vice-President, Ratu Peni Volavola, who had served by the side of Rev. Dr. Waqairatu and continued to provide valuable advice and leadership as the Methodist Church in Fiji’s most senior lay-person, a reminder that our Church is a
community of believers in equal partnership.
In this issue we are introduced to our new leaders who are to lead us in the first leg of our voyage of Na Lako Yani Vou (New
Exodus). Rev. Banivanua, Mr. Tudreu, Rev. Dr. Vakadewavosa and Rev. Vunisuwai have gifts and interests which on their own
are diverse and when combined will ensure that the Methodist Church in Fiji journey is holistic and provides for a compassionate, socially active, prophetic and witnessing community of faith that is accountable to God, its members and the society to
which it hopes to lead to sanctification.
May you have a happy and holy Christmas and
a peaceful New Year!
IN THIS ISSUE
Sugar City Mission ……………………….3
Non-Formal Education Department……….4
New Leadership for the Church………..5-10
Lay Pastors, Lay Preachers and Choir
Department… ………………………11-12
Connexional Plan—Key Strategic Areas
Highlights…………………………….13-14
Snapshots—Church Events………........15-18
Na Lotu kei Na Vanua…………………...19
WHAT IS NAI TABE?
In the I-Taukei language, Nai Tabe refers to a serving plate, or leaf on which food is
served to guests. This newsletter is the plate on which the Secretariat of the Methodist Church in Fiji will serve our community of faith. In Wesleyan tradition, the food
will be for the mind, body and soul – providing news on the work of the church,
events from the Methodist communities in Fiji and around the world, as well as issues of concern for Methodists in our work for the sanctification of our society.
Nai Tabe is Official newsletter of the Republic of Fiji of the Methodist Church
in Fiji, (known as the Methodist Church in Fiji) a registered religious organisation. It is produced by the Department of Communication and Overseas Mission. Please send us your comments, testimonies and church news.
EDITOR : Rev. James Bhagwan ([email protected])
Christmas Message……………..…….20-21
www.methodistfiji.org
Profile: Rev. Sekaia Ratumudu…….............22
Siga Talei kei Ra…………………..…24-25
FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/MethodistChurchFiji
Na Cabe Ni Lotu E Dreketi…………..….26
Important Dates for 2015………...…….27
@methodistfiji
Baker Hall ……………………………..28
Snapshots-Church News………………...29
Backpage Story: From Naroi to WCC
Nai Tabe Issue 2
Cover: General Secretary and President Elect, Rev. Tevita Banivanua steps into the
newly refurbished and dedicated Baker Memorial Church.
Photo by Jacob Rayawa—MCIF Communication
December 2014
2
www.methodistfiji.org
Sugar City Unites in Mission
By Isimeli Koroi
C
OMING together as absolutely one in Christ to do
battle in this modern day
and age is the only way to
go for all Christian churches in Lautoka
City, Talatala Qase Lautoka Rev Peni
Koroi has revealed.
The Methodist divisional superintendent
told the Nai Tabe that all the Christian
denominations in Lautoka from last year
have come together to improve missions
to the city and collectively address relative issues.
“While we Methodists are celebrating
our fifty years of independence, we at
Lautoka have started putting plans for
the next fifty years,” Rev Koroi said.
UNITED IN CHRIST: Rev. Peni Koroi (middle row`- centre and below) with leaders
of the Christian Community in Lautoka, members of Centenary Church community
and guests at the Divisional Golden Jubilee celebration in May this year. Photo by
Naomi Naituivau—MCIF Communication
“The shape of our mission field is
changing;
“In reality if spirituality is not well
looked after, the socio-economic climate will forcefully reshape the lifestyle of the common people.
“Their behaviour, morality and values
will go down.
:It’s very important to mould people in
times of change.”
“We here at Lautoka know that even
tougher times are ahead for city people
down the road, twenty, thirty years from
now.
Rev Koroi has served as a Talatala
for 37 years and is serving his third
term as a Talatala Qase.
“The need for us as a people to
hold on to our faith and live our
faith is greater than ever before
now,” Rev Koroi said.
“This is why all the Christian churches
have put aside our differences and have
agreed to come together in the name of
Jesus Christ and work at solutions that
will make city missions effective.
December 2014
Rev Koroi is married to Esiteri
Aditini Naibuka Koroi and the children are Ilaitia who teaches at
AOG, Wati who teaches at ACS,
Litia who is with Vodafone and
Brenda now still a student at USP.
They have seven grandchildren.
“The Police have informed us that Lautoka is a red crime zone.
Nai Tabe Issue 2
Bua native Rev Koroi said that
since he arrived at Lautoka last
year all Talatalas from the Assembly of God, CMF, All Nation, Pentecostal, Seventh Day and Catholic
priests come together to partake in
Holy Communion every Wednesday.
“Fiji absolutely needs Christ our
Saviour.”
3
www.methodistfiji.org
Biblical Leadership and
Management
Workshop
Report
By James Bhagwan
W
HAT makes a
good leader? This
is a question
asked in all
spheres of Fijian life today - social,
political and religious. To help our
Methodist community answer that
question, Rev. Semisi Turagavou,
Secretary for Non-Formal Education
has been holding a series of workshops to equip church and community leaders to face the emerging
issues and challenges of the twentyfirst century.
topic: ‘Evangelistic Church-Making Leadership’. The presentation was very inRecently two day-long workshops
teresting, inspiring and eye-opener to all
were held in Tobuniqio, Vugalei and participants of this workshop. Rev. Yi
Nukuloa, Ra which were attended
highlighted a few areas such as: How to
by around 70 ministers, lay pastors, be a change-maker in your church; the
women and youth representatives
meaning and description of leadership;
and traditional leaders. Joining Rev, inspired leadership and Faith-based leadTuragavou in Tobuniqio was Rev.
ership.
Kenny Yi, of the United Methodist
Church (USA) who is spending his
After the first two sessions, Rev Turagasabbatical in Fiji to provide support vou continued with the topic:
in leadership, church management
‘leadership and Discipline’. The topic
and evangelism to the Methodist
refers to the church ministry and John
Church in Fiji.
Wesley’s views on discipline. “The
presentation and discussions were very
Rev. Yi, who is the District Superin- encouraging due to the number of questendent (Talatala Qase) of the Long tions and reflections from the particiIsland West District, spoke on the
pants,” said Rev. Turagavou.
“The questions, reflections and
discussions were very interesting
due to the participatory method
used in the workshop. Actually,
we did a lot of reflections to real
life situations, as participants are
current leaders in the church and
the Vanua,” he said
“One of the main issues and concerns is about the spirituality of
the leaders. We affirmed at the
conclusion of this workshop that
a good leader is someone who is longing
for God at all times and has intimate relationship with Him.”
Given that the worshops are only a day
long, time management is very important.
“We only do things according to the limited time allocated for each person for a
certain task,” said Rev. Turagavou.
He added that the feedback from participants was very encouraging.
“Participants asked for more workshops,
the better. The church needs to facilitate
more workshops on leadership and management for the church and traditional
leaders.
In Nukuloa, Rev. Turagavou began with
the definition of leadership from some
expects and followed with some practical examples of Biblical leadership and
concluded with the ‘Jesus Model of
Leadership’ from the Gospel of Mark.
Some of the important areas and reflections highlighted in the workshop are:
the characteristics of a good leader,
leadership and discipline, time management and the best model of leadership.
Breaking it down: Rev. Kenny Yi and Rev. Semisi Turagavou empowering
leaders to be change-makers. Photo: Jacob Rayawa - MCIF Communication
Nai Tabe Issue 2
December 2014
4
www.methodistfiji.org
NEW LEADERSHIP FOR 2015
Navigator turns Captain of
the Methodist ‘Drua’
By James Bhagwan
H
E would have preferred to remain as General Secretary,
working on implementing the reforms that he and the
Church leadership have developed to lead the Methodist
Church in Fiji in its “New Exodus”, but God had other
plans. The navigator of the Church’s drua is now to be its captain.
Rev. Tevita Nawadra Banivanua was elected president of the largest religious community in Fiji.
Rev. Banivanua who hails from Moala, the home of the late president of
the Church, Rev. Dr. Tuikilakila Waqairatu and original home of current
interim President, Rev. Laisasa Ratabacaca said that his vision was for a
“Church that is at ease with itself.”
“We will continue the work that we have been doing and will take stock
of where we are and how we can best move forward in our “New Exodus.”
An emotional Rev. Banivanua addressed the conference after being declared the president-elect, following three rounds of voting.
“I love the work I am doing as General Secretary, but I humbly heed the call of the Conference,” he told the more than 1,000
delegates in a joint session of clergy and lay leaders of the Church. “The stability of the Church depends on the prayer warriors of the Church. I thank you for your support and ask for your prayers. Let us work together to make the Methodist
Church in Fiji a shining light in our nation for years to come.”
Rev. Banivanua, 64, candidated for the ministry in 1973 and was ordained in 1979. He has served as chaplain of Richmond High
School in Kadavu, Hospital Chaplain, Secretary for Christian Citizenship and Social Services and a lecturer at the Davuilevu
Theological College. He has served as an minister in the Methodist Church of Great Britain and was the General Secretary of
the South Pacific Association of Theological Schools for over a decade, before taking up the position of Deputy General Secretary in 2009, during a difficult time for the Church in the midst of Fiji’s political crisis. He began his appointment as General
Secretary of the Church in 2013.
Rev. Banivanua worked closely with the late Rev. Dr. Tuikilakila Waqairatu to chart a way forward for the Church which led
to the development of the 12 Pillars of the Church, Connexional (Strategic) Plan and a review of the Church’s constitution.
Speaking to the media shortly after his election, Rev. Banivanua said that the view of the Church have not changed.
“What I mean by saying ‘a Church that is at ease with itself’ is the different sectors, races, political affiliations, religions, colours, languages – all these differences are looked upon as part and parcel of the makeup that Fiji has today. The Methodist
Church in Fiji will continue to pursue that line that we are one in that diversity and we believe that God has created us to be
like that.”
Rev. Banivanua said that the Church must continue to search for the “common good” – what is good for everyone in Fiji, regardless of colour or creed and that this would be part of his vision when he takes office as President in 2015.
“We need a Church that works together, that prays together – a Church that prays together, stays together.”
Rev. Banivanua is married to Jiajiana Bale Banivanua and they have six children. He holds a Diploma in Theology from Davuilevu Theological College (1977), Bachelor of Divinity from the Pacific Theological College (1980) and gained a Masters of Arts in
from Lancaster University’s Department of Politics, Philosophy and Religion the United Kingdom (1997).
Nai Tabe Issue 2
December 2014
5
www.methodistfiji.org
New Vice - President Brings
Wealth of Experience
By James Bhagwan
F
Committee since 2011.
ORMER senior civil
He is also a Member of the Macuata
servant and current
Provincial Council since 2013.
executive director of
Mr. Tudreu shared his vision for the
Transparency Interna-
Methodist Church with Nai Tabe:
tional (Fiji) Apisalome Tudreu is
“Under the Church's connexional
the new lay vice-president-elect of
plan for the next 5 years, the mission
the Methodist Church in Fiji for
is one of transformation - to become
2015.
trully effective in the main impact
Mr. Tudreu described his appoint-
pillars, and it is my role to facilitate
ment as one of his top callings.
the appropriate leadership support
“I am honored to be chosen to
from the lay structure..”
work full time in the church after
moved up the ranks to serve as Commis-
“Next year, I see local leaders in that
retirement from the civil service,” he
sioner Northern before serving as Per-
structure rising behind the roll out of
said, addressing the media after his
manent Secretary/CEO of nine different
the Church's 'New Exodus', gaining
election.
government ministries over a fifteen year
visible results one family at a time, in
A son of Druadrua, Namuka, Macuata,
period, including Information, Telecom-
the congregations and in society,
Mr. Tudreu began his primary educa-
munications, Broadcasting and Communi-
throughout the 339 Circuits of the
tion in Macuata, attended intermediate
cations; Women and Culture; Health;
56 Divisions. Beyond the pillars, and
school in Taveuni and completed his
Youth, Employment Opportunities and
for the long term, I want to embrace
studies at Queen Victoria School be-
Sports; Home Affairs and Immigration,
the central idea of the Church to be
fore undergoing teacher-training in
Multi-Ethnic Affairs and National Recon-
a leading light and to champion our
Nasinu. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in
ciliation and Unity.
national transformation under the
English and Education and has partici-
Within the Methodist Church, Mr.
covenant established with the mis-
pated in professional development
Tudreu has been a Lay preacher, Method-
sionaries by our chiefs and our peo-
training, for local, regional and interna-
ist Church in Fiji since 1977; a member,
ples.”
tional participants held in various
Board of Governors, Ballantine Memorial
countries.
School since 2004; served as school man-
An educationalist by vocation, he
ager, BMS, 2009 - 2014; a member, of
taught for over a decade before mov-
the ChurchEducation Committee since
ing into the formal civil service and
2010 and a member of the Standing
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Gospel of John, Attentiveness, Work and Tears and Rejoicing. The Gospel of Mark,
the Revised Common Lectionary gospel for this year, is featured in several continuous readings. Published by the International Bible Reading Association and available
Nai Tabe Issue 2
December 2014
6
www.methodistfiji.org
Tevita Nawadra Banivanua:
The Man
By Isimeli Koroi
T
HE term, “throwing in
the towel” usually signifies surrender, or giving
up. However, for current
Methodist Church General Secretary and President-elect, Rev. Tevita
Nawadra Banivanua, a thrown towel
fourty-four years ago marked a new
exodus in his life.
Rev Banivanua, 62, said the late
Methodist Church President, Rev.
Dr. Tuikilakila Waqairatu, had always had love and care for him
whilst he roamed around doing
“very naughty things” in their village
all those many years back.
“I was one of the worst boys in
Naroi, mixing home brew and once
threatened to burn the village when
challenged by my group if I could
make that announcement to villagers
one night,” he recalls.
A man of quick wit , and a twinkle in his eye. Rev. Banivanua is not only a man of serious
spirituality and thought, he knows how to tell a joke. Photo Maravua Naivalu—MCIF
Communication
man a story about a young handsome
man who had a very good life.
“Somewhere abroad, was there was this
lad who was well off financially and possessed everything a young man would
want, which included a really great girlfriend.
“When he left for Davuilevu, Tui left
a note for incoming Talatala Qase
Rev Niko Baleiverata concerning me.
“But this lad, according to the story, had
a serious accident that forced him to be
bed ridden. At this time the lad was still
receiving family members and others.
Then one day one eye went blind. A
little later the same happened to the
other.
“I still do not know what was in that
note. But after a week upon Rev
Baleiverata’s arrival at Naroi, Niko
Baleiverata Junior came to me and
said his father, Talatala Qase wanted
me to see him.
“By this time only his girlfriend was his
regular lone visitor. Then one day the
girlfriend came to announce that she
was making her last visit. The lad, in
tears, accepted this and bravely released
the love of his life.
“When I got there, still feeling a bit
scared of what this meeting was
really about, he asked me to mix a
tanoa of yaqona.
“But after a while, without any more
visitors, he realized that there was one
thing that was always there with him.
The great love of God Almighty was
always present there by his side and will
never desert him ever.
“But Tui who was already at that
time at the Moala Circuit School,
always had a loving eye for me.
“Only Rev Niko, his wife Mataika,
Junior and myself were there. Junior
left a short while later, then Rev
Niko started telling me a story.”
Rev Baleiverata told the brash young
Nai Tabe Issue 2
As he was listening to the story, he got
a shock when a towel landed on his
chest. It was thrown to him by Radini
December 2014
7
Talatala Mataika.
“I didn’t realize my whole face and shirt
was wet from the streams of tears pouring out of my eyes,” said Rev. Banivanua.
“At that moment I fully realized that God
loved me and was calling me and promised
never to leave me. That was my turning
point.”
That the story of this lad later was composed to be a hymn, now in the Methodist
i-Taukei language Hymn Book #183
‘Loloma Levu Ni Kalou, Sa Bese Tu Ni
Laivi Au’ by the late Master Buadromo,
father of the late Talatala Qase Iliesa
Buadromo.
Rev. Banivanua said there was no turning
back from that day for God had planned
his route all the way to where he is today.
“You know how it works. One thing led
to another and “voila”! I’m at the Moala
Circuit School in March and a little later
I’m on my way to the then Bible School in
Davuilevu then to Theological College.”
Rev. Banivanua is the son of the late Aisea
Taoka and Jojiana Baleinakauveilatai and
comes from the tokatoka Sereu, Mataqali
Nakoroicake, Yavusa Nasau.
He successfully candidated for the minis-
www.methodistfiji.org
try in 1972 and entered Davuilevu
Theolgocal College in 1973 and went
on to Pacific Theological College four
years later.
alternative society for its people,”
he said.
“I’m talking about their spiritual
and social well being.
“Out of our lot at Theological College, only two of us are still alive today. Just Rev Joji Naituivau (currently
Talatala Qase Lami, who becomes
Talatala Qase Namoli from 2015) and
me,” he said.
Rev. Banivanaua replaced the late Rev
Elia Samusamuvodre as Hospital Chaplain in 1983, and was appointed to
replace from Rev Manasa Lasaro as
Secretary for Christian Citizenship and
Social Welfare in 1985. He then spent
five and a half years in Wigan, England
from 1987 after the coup. He was
with SPATS for 10 years up to 1998.
Rev Nawadra was posted to Davuilevu
1993-96, was at Lancaster University
doing his Masters in 1996-97, and
elected to be Assistant General Secretary in 2008 then later elected to his
present post as General Secretary
before being elected President in this
“The twelve pillars in the corporate plan are designed to take the
church forward that all get to
benefit.
“I think it’s important to understand that when we also relate
this to our golden jubilee celebration year.
“The idea is to target ‘Shalom’.
Partner in ministry Mrs. Jiajiana Banivanua at the
“To be at peace with ourselves
General Secretary’s Dinner during the recent Golden and society.
Jubilee celebration. Photo: Naomi Naituivau—MCIF
“To get out of the red.
Communication
year’s Conference 2014.
Rev. Baniavanua was asked by Nai Tabe
what his vision, as President-elect, was
for the Methodist Church.
“The main thing is for the church in its
renewal now, is to be able to provide an
“To be theologically and financially free.”
Just as that young lad in the story he
heard over four decades ago, Rev.
Banivanua is convinced that God continues to be present by his side and
will never desert him in the new role
to which he has been called.
Translation Skills To Strengthen
Culture Of Reading
MCIF Communications Release
A
round 20 staff and volunteers for the Methodist
Church in Fiji attended a
two-day course for interpreters in the i-Taukei language at the
Church’s Epworth Hall in Suva in September.
The course, which began today and is
facilitated by the Bible Society of the
South Pacific, is part of the original work
of the Methodist mission in
Fiji since 1835:
providing
meaningful and
accurate translations of Christian resources
in the vernacular language.
According to
the Chairman
of the Church’s
Apenisa Lewatoro - Bible Society of South Pacific speaks while Ratu
Publishing CommitSeru Verebalabu - Manager Methodsit Bookstore listens. Photo:
tee and Secretary for
Maravu Naivalu MCIF Communication
Nai Tabe Issue 2
December 2014
8
Christian Citizenship and Social Services,
Rev. Iliesa Naivalu, the course is part of
on-going efforts to assist the i-Taukeispeaking members of the Church to,
“better understand and live the gospel.”
“About 90 percent of our members are
indigenous Fijians, of which, around half
are literate in the i-Taukei language. As
Christians, we are called to know and
proclaim the gospel to others. So our
task is to understand what the gospel
actually is, how it is defined, and how we
profess our faith in the way we live,” said
Rev. Naivalu, who is one of the coordinators for the training programme.
“This will not only benefit them and their
community spiritually but also help inculcate a culture of reading and strengthen
the literacy of our members, as our early
missionaries did.”
www.methodistfiji.org
New General Secretary
Envisions Holistic Ministry
that by 2016 we will start with a masters Chaplain from 1987-1989), the Lay Pasdegree at the college.
tors/Preachers Training Department
(1992), Lautoka Methodist Circuit (1993Rev. Dr. Vakadewavosa said that he
1997) before taking up appointment
would also continue the work to imDavuilevu Theological College. At the
prove Church’s relationship with the
“Vuli Talatala” he served as a lecturer
State.
(2003 – 2005) before becoming principal
“Our church relationship is very imand continuing to teach Christian Educaportant in terms of church and state as tion and Ethics from 2006. Last year he
we go into the new direction the next
was elected as Deputy General Secretary
50 years. Our working together with
of the Church.
the current regime whatever regime
Rev. Dr. Vakadewavosa served for six
that will lead this country we will work
years as vice-president of the South Pacifclosely together for the benefit of us
ic Association of Theological Schools,
all.”
(SPATS 2006-2012) and is also currently
W
ITH current General Secretary, Rev.
Tevita Banivanua
elected President
from 2015, the stage was set for a
transition of leadership for the Methodist Church in Fiji with the election
of a new General Secretary and Deputy General Secretary.
Former Davuilevu Theological College Principal and current Deputy
General Secretary, Rev. Dr. Epineri
Vakadewavosa brings to the position
of General Secretary a vision for
ministers who are holistically
equipped to guide their congregations through the winds of change
blowing across Fiji.
Speaking to the media after his election, Rev. Dr. Vakadewavosa said,
"We want our ministers to be well
educated so that they can lead the
flock in the right direction in this
new journey."
Dr Vakadewavosa said apart from
the connexional plan, the constitution review and the new exodus, he
will prioritise the enhancement of
education in the church.
"We want to improve our theological education and we have resolved
Nai Tabe Issue 2
Rev. Dr Vakadewavosa was born in
Lakeba, Saqani, Cakaudrove, where he
attended primary school before moving
to Viti Levu to complete secondary education at Central Fijian Secondary
School (now Sila Central), in Nausori.
He entered the ministry in 1976 and
studied for a Diploma in Theology at
Davuilevu Theological College from
1977to1979 and attained a Bachelor of
Divinity from the Pacific Theological
College, Suva, in 1991. He studied at
Claremont School of Theology, California, USA from 1998 to 2002 where he
not only graduated with a Masters in
Religious Education and later Doctor of
Ministry but also received the EcoJustice Award.
The General Secretary-elect has a rich
ministry experience, serving not only
locally but also in overseas mission. He
served as the
school chaplain of
Niusawa Methodist High School
(1980-1983) before travelling to
Belize, Central
America, as part
of an exchange
mission with the
Methodist Church
in the Caribbean
and the Americas
(1983- 1987). On his return he served
at Ballantine Memorial School (School
December 2014
9
a board member of the Bible Society of
the South Pacific.
He has represented the Church and the
theological college to a number of seminars and conferences and has presented
papers on the issues of violence against
women, women and theological education, eco-theology (environment, stewardship of creation, climate change) and
ministering to diaspora communities in
the Pacific.
He is a keen gardener, seeing it as his
connection to the vanua, land (qele) and
God the Creator. He is a devoted husband to Titilia Vakadewavosa, past coordinator of the WEAVERS (women doing
theology) programme and a loving father
his son Rusiate, a rising local musical artist popularly known as Savuto. He enjoys
walking and jogging, as well as reading
and watching documentaries and sports.
Younger Days: Rev. Dr. Vakadewavosa and Rev.
Banivanua during a visit by the now Presidentelect to Claremont Photo: MCIF Archive
www.methodistfiji.org
Rev. Vunisuwai adds
Evangelical Flavour to
Leadership Role
W
1981) and served as chaplain at
Lelean Memorial High School
(1982-1983) and Ba Methodist
High School (1984-1985). While
serving in Nakorobilo Circuit
(1986-1987) he was appointed
to be Force Chaplain for the
RFMF’s First Infantry Regiment
in Lebanon (1987-1988). On his
“We need to strong root ourselves
return from the Middle East,
in our missionary roots so people
get the message of God right at
Rev. Vunisuwai served as chaptheir doorsteps,”said Rev. Vunilain in Ra High School (1989suwai to media covering the 2014
1991) and as minister of the
Annual Conference.
L.D.A. Circuit (1993-1997), before being appointed to the
Rev. Vunisuwai said the church
Connexional Office of the
needed to be mission-oriented so
more souls could be saved. He addChurch as the Assistant Secrein 1973 and entered Davuilevu Theologied the church would surely come to
tary
for
Evangelism
(1998-1999). He succal College in 1977 where he was to belive through mission work especially
cessfully graduated with a Bachelor in
friend his future co-servant leaders Rev.
by sending missionaries into the field
Divinity from the Pacific Theological Colto spread and share the word of God. Tevita Banivanua (then in his final year)
lege in Suva in 2002. After two years as
and Rev. Dr. Epineri Vakadewavosa (also
minister of Nasea Circuit (2003-2004),
A Ra native, Rev. Vunisuwai was eduin his first year at the “Vuli Talatala”).
Rev. Vunisuwai returned to the Connexcated in Nasau District School, Nalawa
On attaining his Diploma in Theology, Rev.
ional Office as Secretary for Evangelism
Central School and Penang Sangam
Vunisuwai served in Nadrau Circuit (1980(2005-2013) and this year took appointHigh School. He joined the civil service
ment as Secretary for Men’s Fellowship.
HEN Rev. Ili Vunisuwai takes office
as Deputy General
Secretary next
year, he brings with him a passion
for revival within the Methodist
Church and evangelism across the
nation.
Story and Photos: MCIF Communication
Nai Tabe Issue 2
December 2014
10
www.methodistfiji.org
SECRETARIAT SPOTLIGHT
Na Tabacakacaka ni Vakatawa, Dauvunau, So-Kalou/
Sere kei na Tuirara
By Buisena Ravoka
Aisea 6: 8 “ Ko cei me’u tala ko cei me
lako ena vukui keitou. Au a qai kaya, “
Sai au oqo, mo ni talai au.”
N
I da sa kidava tiko yani
na malawa ni mataka ni
Lako Yani Vou ena Lotu
Wesele, eda marau ni
vakayagataka tu na Kalou na noda bula
ki na kena qaravi na cakacaka oqo.
Kena Levu
2,837
Keitou vakarautaka talega na nodra
“Certificate” ni oti na Veitarogi ni Vakatawa Yaco.
Dauvunau Yaco ka mei vakadinadina
kina cakacaka bibi oqo.
IV. Vakarautaka na veika kece sara me
maroroi kina na matacakacaka oqo.
Wiliwili ni Dauvuna 2014 :
Dauvauna Yaco
- 13,875
Dauvunau vakatovolei Dauvunau Cavuti
NA VEIQARAVI NI TABANA
OQO
Kena Levu
1,742
-
677
15,294
Na tabana qo e qarava e va (4) na
matacakacaka ka i takele ni kena
cakacakataki na toso vakayalo ni lotu
raraba.
So-Kalou kei na Lagasere
Na Cakacaka Vakai Vakatawa
I. Caka vuli wavoki ena kena vakabibitaki
nai tavi ni Daulagasere
Nai tavi saka oqo e qarava tiko o Mrs
Qalo Rokotakala ka sai tavi levu sara
talega.
E dau qarava na :
I. Kena vakarautaki ka cakacakataki na
Veitarogi ni Vakatawa ena tolu nai
wasewase ( cavuti, vakatovolei, yaco )
ena veiyabaki.
II. Vakarautaka na nodra tuberi nai
Vakatawa ena veiqaravi ena loma ni
lotu.
III. Vakarautaka na lesoni kei na nodra
yadravi tiko nai Vakatawa mera sotava
na veiqaravi vei ira nai vavakoso ena
gauna bolebole oqo.
Nai wiliwili taucoko ni Vakatawa
me yacova na 2014 :
Vakatawa Yaco
-
2,041
Vakatawa Vakatovolei -
333
Vakatawa Cavuti
499
Nai Tabe Issue 2
-
II. Vuli sere
III. Qarava na veisisivi sere ni lotu
Na Cakacaka Vaka Dauvunau
E dua na matacakacaka qo sa suitu ni
tubu vakayalo ena loma ni lotu. Na
matacakacaka sa dau qarauna ka yadrava
na veika me baleti ira na lewe ni lotu.
Na cakacaka ni veivakani vakayalo kina
bula vakayalo ena loma ni lotu.
I. E dau caka wavoki na nodra vuli na
Dauvunau me veiganiti kei na draki ni
bula ni vavakoso lotu ka sotava yani ena
gauna bolebole oqo.
II. Vakarautaki na lesoni me rawa ni dau
vakabulabulataki kina na cakacaka bibi
oqo.
III. Dau vakarataki na “Certficate” ni
December 2014
11
IV. Vakavulici na bibi ni vanua e dau
qaravi kina na Kalou (So-Kalou ).
V. Parokaramu ena walesi – Domoi Viti
( FM 93 ena 10pm, Sigatabu ).
VI. Maroroi na veiwekani vinaka vaka
Daulagasere ena loma ni Lotu Wesele.
Sa levu na sere e tu ena loma ni lotu
kara vola se vakadewataka na turaga se
marama era sa liu yani vua na Kalou.
Na Cakacaka Vaka Tuirara
Na tavi vaka Tuirara e qarava nai tavi
levu ni kena :
I. Semati na veiwekani ni vanua kei na
lotu
www.methodistfiji.org
II. Maroroi na
veika vakaiyau ni
lotu
III. Yadrava na
bula ni lotu kei ira
era mai veiqaravi
Na tabana qo e
dau caka vuli vei
ira na Tuirara ena
vuku ni tavi mera
qarava.
Sa vakarautaka oti o Rev Kanalagi e dua
nai vola me nodra i dusidusi ki na rara
ni qaravi tavi.
Ena Bose ko Viti ni 1993 sa vakabau me
sa dua nai sulu ni Vakatawa (uniform) ka
ra sa daramaka tiko ena gauna oqo.
NA RAI LESU ENA TABANA
OQO
Na Veika E Bolei Kina Na Tabana
oqo:
Na Veiqaravi
I. Na nodra tuberi, vakayadrati ka qaravi
na Dauvunau me ra sotava ka curuma
yani na gauna bolebole sa tu e matada.
Sa ka marautaki ni da sa yacova na
ulunivanua ni Jiupili Koula kada sarava
lesu nai lakolako balavu eda a lako mai
kina. Sega ni rawarawa, ia a qaravi voli
ga mai na vakatubu lotu. Eda
vakavinavinaka ni laurai ni sa vua na
nodra cakacaka na noda qase era liu vei
keda. Vakavinavinakataki ratou nai tokani veiliutaki oti ena tabana oqo.
Na qaravi ni Vakatawa, Dauvunau,
Lagasere e nodratou i kaukau voli ga
mai na Daukaulotu ena 1835. Eratou
mai vunau, tukuni Jisu, veivakatawai voli
vei ira sa veisau ka vukei ira mera
cakacakataka na nodra vakabauta.
II. Na tubu ni veimatalotu vou.
III. Na toso ni vavakoso ki nai vakavuvuli
vovou sa tarai keda mai.
IV. Vakawelei nai vavakoso ena veivakatorocaketaki kei na veika vovou me
vaka na mobile phone, internet, facebook, ka sa lailai nodra raica ka doka na
Kalou.
V. Taura vakamamada nai tavi e kacivi ira
kina na Kalou.
- Rev Timoci Laliqavoka
- Rev Kelera Wesele
- Rev Tomasi Kanailagi
- Rev Buisena Ravoka
E mai veiqaravi talega ko Mrs Qalo
Rokotakala me baleta vakatabakidua na
qaravi ni sere ena loma ni Lotu Wesele
ka sa qaravi oti talega mai na kena vuli.
Nai Tabe Issue 2
II. Levu nai vola me ra vakarautaki me
na vukei ira na Dauniveiqaravi.
Stewardship (Tuirarataki ni Veikavakaiyau) – Pillar 2
Sa gadrevi talega na yalomatuataki ni
maroroi ni veika eda rawata kei na
veika bula e wavoliti keda kai solisoli ni
Kalou.
I. Mera kila na Tuirara na bibi ni nodrai
tavi kei na kena maroroi nai yau ni lotu.
Ena qaravi na vuli me na vakararamataki ira na Tuirara.
Eda donumaka na gauna ni veisau ka
veisau talega na ka era gadreva na lewe
ni lotu. Sa levu na veivosaki ni kena
vakavoui na so-Kalou ena lotu.
O ira era veiqaravi oti ena Tabacakacaka oqo :
- Rev Sakenasa Rakaria
I. Sa gadrevi vakalevu na nodra tuberi
nai Vakatawa, Dauvunau ena sala ni
nodra sotavi nai vavakoso lotu.
Worship Renewal (Vakavoui ni soKalou) – Pillar 5
Ia ena Koniferedi ni 1985, sa mai digitaki kina ko Rev Sakenasa Rokotunidau me Vunivola ni tabana oqo.
- Rev Sakenasa Rokotunidau
Lako Yani ni Lotu. Me tubu nai wiliwili
ni Soli Bula, ka maroroi mai ko ira era
loma tarotaro, kolaiciba, luvu tu ena
wasa ni druka kei nai valavala ca.
Talatala Buisena Ravoka
LAKO YANI VOU NI TABANA
OQO
Na drua ni Lotu (Logo) sa sokota na
wasawasa voravora, ia, eda marau ni tosoi keda na Yalo Tabu ni Kalou.
E tolu na duru e digitaka na tabana oqo
me cakacakataka kina na Lako Yani Vou:
Salvation (Vakabulai Vakayalo) – Pillar 1
Sa vinakati na veivakabulai vakayalo ena
December 2014
12
I. Ena dua na vuli me qaravi me baleta
na So-Kalou VakaWesele dina.
II. Nodra vuli na Daunisere mera kila
na bibi ni nodrai tavi.
III. Komiti me dikeva na veivakavoui
oqo.
Me’u tinia, kemuni na lewe ni lotu,
kemudou nai tokani dou sa veiqaravi
oti ena tabana oqo, sa tu na vakanuinui
ni na kalougata ka laveti cake tikoga na
Lotu Wesele e Viti ena Lako Yani Vou
sa tu e matada.
All Photos: MCIF Archives
www.methodistfiji.org
Sign posts in the New Exodus
Connexional Plan Launched
T
introduced you to the 12 Pillars of the
Connexional Plan. In this issue we introduce you to the eight Key Strategic Areas which are he specific issues of focus
for the Church.
With its genesis in the 2009 search
for a way forward and after over a
year of reflection, research, analysis
and planning, the plan was imple-
From the strategic planning templates
derived for each pillar’s significant
strength, weakness, opportunity and
threats, the key strategic areas for the
Methodist’s Church for the next five
years were identified. These key strategic areas would be the subject of the
HE dedication of the newly
refurbished and repurposed
Baker Memorial Church, in
Davuilevu on the 10th of
October, heralded the launch of the
Church’s Connexional Plan and the
beginning of the New Exodus, “Na
Lako Yani Vou”.
whilst counteracting the threats.
 KEY STRATEGIC AREA 1 – Salvation of
souls of members
 KEY STRATEGIC AREA 2 – Ensure sustainable performance and growth of
the Methodist Church’s Assets
 KEY STRATEGIC AREA 3 – Environmental Stewardship – the wise, Godly and sustainable use of our national resources
 KEY STRATEGIC AREA 4 – Family
Counselling and Enrichment
 KEY STRATEGIC AREA 5 – Healing of
the Nation through Strengthening
Relationship Intra / Inter Church and
Inter Religion
 KEY STRATEGIC AREA 6 – Worship
Renewal and Revival
 KEY STRATEGIC AREA 7 – Human
Capital Development of the Church
 KEY STRATEGIC AREA 8 – Finance,
Management and Administration
KEY STRATEGIC AREA 1 – SALVATION
OF SOULS
Intent:
The Connexional Plan project team present the completed Connexional Plan for
the Tavua Division to the Church Leadership during the 2014 Annual ConferencePhoto: Naomi Naituivau- MCIF Communication
mented in a pilot project in three
divisions (Suva, Tavua, Macuata) this
year. At the same time the Connexional Office Secretariat departments’
had been working on aligning their
work plans with the Plan’s pillars and
Key Strategic Areas, with targets and
scorecards for measuring achievements.
church’s focus to take full advantage of
its strengths, purge its weaknesses, sensibly and Godly exploit its opportunities
December 2014
Sustainable Utilization of Spiritual and
Biblical Sources to Assure the Salvation
of all Members to be Effective Christian
Witness in the Church and Society
The assurance that each member is
certain that she or he is a Child of God.
Ensure the permeation of the Gospel
message through all strata of the community through the use of technology
As part of the dedication ceremony
of the Baker Memorial Church and in
a process of concluding the Church’s
Golden Jubilee celebrations and
launching the mission to the next 50
years, Connexional Plan project manager, Meli Nacuva made an emotional presentation of the work done so
far and the next steps of the Connexional Plan as part of the Church’s
New Exodus, before handing
over the Connexional Plan pro- Heart and Soul: An emotional Meli Nacuva before
handing over the Connexional Plan project to the
ject materials to the Church.
In the first issue of Nai Tabe, we Church. Source / Photos: MCIF Archives
Nai Tabe Issue 2
That Members are Strong, Matured
Spiritually, Biblically, Assured Of their
Salvation and Active in their Christian
Witness in Church and Society
13
This is the heart of the Body of Christ –
and it must include Missionaries or Mission work. This should also include worship and revival as just another form of
guiding, reminding in ensuring salvation
of souls.
KEY STRATEGIC AREA 2 - ENSURE SUSTAINABLE (DEVELOPMENT) PERFORMANCE AND GROWTH OF THE METHODIST CHURCH’S ASSETS (RESOURCES)
Intent:
Effectively and efficiently develop and
diversify the Methodist Church’s
www.methodistfiji.org
(resources) buildings, land and other
physical assets through partnerships
with key Government Ministries, the
Vanua and its congregation to induce
sustainable returns for the church and
its congregation (being mindful of its
effect on the environment)
Increase revenue base and the financial viability of the Church through prudent management of its capital resources
God’s intention for Adam was to relate
to God his creator – and for us to do
the same – relationship is very important to God. Love the Lord your God
and Love thy neighbour as yourself.
This KSA relates to our dependence in
the Lord and our interdependency
straight from creation. We must also
relate to living things and our environment as prudent stewards under
our care.
That all families within our church receive proper training on how to develop and enrich strong Christian family
Life for healthy nation building.
That all families are strengthened in
their worship, discipline and moral living.
The Bible demands us to ‘Go.... and
Teach...’ The Missionaries emphasized
this second only to the Word of God/
Salvation of Souls. We must educate
our members and others through Biblical principles and values for Eternal Life
which is the Ultimate destination/
Vision. All these is uplifted by what our
hands can do – we must work our faith
by using our God given gifts and skills.
Body as the Temple of the Lord. This is
anything to do with proper functioning
of the body to perform well or as intended for the Lord – air, light, food, water,
exercise, etc. The body was created as
skeleton or vehicle to carry out the
Lord’s Word/Work.
KEY STRATEGIC AREA 6 – WORSHIP RENEWAL AND REVIVAL
Intent:
That the church demonstrates openness
to the diverse types of Christian worship
Encourage worship renewal and revival
and make services appealing especially
to the younger generation
That all Divisions to participate in transforming Bible studies, preaching and spiritual revival
That our present form of worship both traditional and contemporary be assessed and
improved with new developments based on the biblical
and new forms of worship relevant to our members in this
modern age.
KEY STRATEGIC AREA 3 – ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP – THE WISE,
GODLY AND SUSTAINABLE USE OF
OUR NATIONAL RESOURCES
Intent:
KEY STRATEGIC AREA 7 – HUMAN CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT
OF THE CHURCH
Effectively Develop a Biblical Based
Policy/ Rules and Regulations for Disposals and Exploitations and Ensure
Member’s Active Participation on
Preserving Environmental Sustainability
Intent:
To enable the church to fully
utilise the educational potential of its members
Effective and sustainable use of natural resources to ensure good health as
top priority for the families of Fiji
Diversify the skills taught at
our Church institutions towards meeting the development as well as the spiritual
needs of the community.
Emphasis must be on the family as
the first institution to govern to ensure strength grows from here upPresident-elect, Rev. Banivanua receives the Connexional
wards. It must be nourished spiritual- Plan project material. Photo: MCIF Archive
That the Methodist church
ly and physically for a healthy growth,
maintains viable Christian EduKEY STRATEGIC AREA 5 – HEALING OF
performance and achievements. It
cation curriculum that reflects the misTHE NATION THROUGH STRENGTHENmust be counselled when something
sion character of education in our variING RELATIONSHIP INTRA / INTER
goes wrong.
ous schools and prepare quality teachers
CHURCH AND INTER RELIGION (CIVIL
for better deliveries.
KEY STRATEGIC AREA 4 – FAMILY
SOCIETY AND GOVERNMENT)
COUNSELLING AND ENRICHMENT
KEY STRATEGIC AREA 8 – FINANCE,
Intent:
MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION
Intent:
That the Church encourages its memIntent:
That committed Christian families form
bers to have greater understanding and
the foundation of Fijian society
The Lord has given us resources, gifts
fellowship with other communities .
and talents to grow and multiply it for
Enhancement of Family Christian life
Acknowledgement of God’s Presence in
His Will. We are therefore obliged to
and worship through the utilization of
Advocating Solidarity through the
safely keep and properly manage and
new technologies, books and literaWhoe Nation by ensuring democratic
invest to enhance His Kingdom. We are
tures and the establishment of family
governance.
to put in place proper financial, manageMinistry and legal Framework to enrich
Encourage healing and reconciliation in ment and administrative policies for the
family Life.
Fiji beginning with members of the
efficient and effective operation of the
To revitalize family worship and ChrisChurch
Church.
tian family Life Teachings
That a more down to earth process of
For more on the Church’s Connexional
That all young people of our church
healing and reconciliation be implePlan please visit our website: http://
who have reached the age of 21 be
mented to foster better understanding, www.methodistfiji.org/connexionalprepared with the Christian Underspirit of goodwill, mutual respect and
plan.html
standing of Marriage and Family Life.
tolerance
Nai Tabe Issue 2
December 2014
14
www.methodistfiji.org
SNAPSHOTS
Baker Memorial Church Dedication
The refurbished and renamed Baker
Memorial Church was dedicated on Fiji
Day (10/10/14) by the General Secretary of the Church in a service that also
included the launch of the Church’s
Connexional Plan, conclusion of the
Golden Jubilee celebrations and the
blessing of Rev. Dr. Waqairatu’s grave.
Former Lelean Memorial High School Principal , Richard Uddy, (centre) was among guests at the dedication. Photo: Naomi Naivtuivau—MCIF Communication
John Hunt Prayer Chapel - Viwa Island
A special prayer chapel has been built on Viwa Island on the site
where missionary Rev. John Hunt used pray. The chapel was dedicated by Deputy General Secretary, Rev. Dr. Epineri Vakadewavosa.
Photos: Naomi Naituivau—MCIF Communication
Nai Tabe Issue 2
December 2014
15
www.methodistfiji.org
GRADUATION 2014
The end of the year brings not only the end of training but the
beginning of ministry for our lay pastors, deaconesses and ministers. Below are photo highlights of graduations at the Methodist
Lay Training Centre, Davuilevu Theological College and the commissioning service at the Deaconess Training Centre. Photos: MCIF
Archive. For more pictures, visit our Facebook page:
www.facebook.com/MethodistChurchFiji
MLTC Graduation
DTC Graduation
Deaconess Commissioning
Nai Tabe Issue 2
December 2014
16
www.methodistfiji.org
PACIFIC YOUTH CAMP 2014
Over 1000 young Methodists from Fiji, Samoa and Tonga converged in
Davuilevu for the triennial Pacific Youth Camp with the theme “Our God is
Tougher”. Speakers and elective sessions focused on issues affecting Christian youth in the Pacific. Photos: MCIF Archive. For more pictures, visit our
Facebook page: www.facebook.com/MethodistChurchFiji
Nai Tabe Issue 2
December 2014
17
www.methodistfiji.org
Vigil for the “Golan 45”
News of the capture of the 45 Fijian peacekeepers in Golan was
made public on Friday August 29th, the final day for the 2014
Annual Methodist Church Conference. The Conference stopped
its proceedings to pray for the safety of our peacekeepers and
their release and for peace and strength for their families and
comrades in peacekeeping duties around the world and in the
RFMF.
A few days later, on Tuesday 2nd September, the Church coordinated an ecumenical prayer vigil for the Golan 45 at Centenary
Church, which was attended by family and friends of the captured
peacekeepers, and members of different faith communities and
society at large to pray for or reflect on the safe return of our
brothers in Golan, be in solidarity with their families and pray for
all who serve the cause of peace.
The prayer vigil included the lighting of 45 candles to symbolize
the 45 peacekeepers and their families.
Top right: Fiji Council of Churches president, UN representative and
Methodist General Secretary light the vigil candle; Below: Rod Drummond, British High Commissioner lights one of the 45 candles; Right:
Emotions ran high during the vigil—MCIF Archives
The Reason for the Season
Nai Tabe Issue 2
December 2014
18
Before the Christmas shopping fever takes hold,
the Evangelism Department of the Church held a
week-long Christmas Carol Singing programme in
Ratu Sukuna Park with choirs, action songs and
preaching. Photos: MCIF Archives
www.methodistfiji.org
Na Lotu kei na Vanua
E Vola Ko Ratu Jone Lalabalavu
E SA tatadra ni matanitu vakaturaga
na Tovata me cakacakataki vakagumatua ka vakatotolo sara na loma ni
Kalou ena noda bula kei na noda
vanua me vukea na kena basika vinaka mai na rarama ena loma ni butobuto.
Qase Levu ni Lotu era sa mai ;takali yani.
Oqori e dua na nodra tama ni vosa
ena vakatatabu vakaturaga ni Matanitu Tovata na gone turaga mai Lalagavesi ko Ratu Jone Lalabalavu ena
vukudra na Turaga na Tui Cakau ena
soqo ni kena marautaki na jiupili koula ni noda lotu ka a vakayacori mai na
Furnival Park mai Turaki ena Siga
kei na matanitu me ratou cakacaka vata me
Vakaraubuka nai ka 22 ni Okosita ni
tara cake kina na nodra bula na lewe I Viti.
yabaki ga oqo 2014.
“Ena 1980-1983 e a vakatavora kina na
Oqori e vica na ka era a tukuna:
noda Peresitedi ko nai Talatala Inoke Nabu“ Ni da marautaka toka na veika sa livou na yavu ni veiqaravi : sai koya na bula
mai rawati ena loma ni 50 na yabaki vakayalo ni lewe ni lotu, na veivakalotutaki
ni Jiupili Koula ni Lotu Wesele, ena vei ira era sega ni lotu vakarisito vakabibi
macawa oqo, ena yaga me da na va- ko ira na Idia kei na veimata tamata tale eda
kananuma vakatitobu talega na bula veicurumaki kaya.
veiyabaki sa tu e matada. E vuqa na
“Ena loma ni veimama ni yabaki sa oti au a
ka sa vakayacora tiko na Lotu Wesebau kalougata ni keirau mai veitalanoa kei
le ena loma ni yabaki oqo ka wili kina
na noda Peresitedi ka sa mai vakacegu enai
na kena sa vakarautaki na Connextekivu ni yabaki oqo, Rev. Dr. Tuikilakila
ional Plan ena so na Veiwasewase ni
Waqairatu, ka mai wasea tiko vei au na
Lotu Wesele e Viti.
nona tatadra me baleta na noda Lotu We“Au gadreva me’u taleva kina na nona sele, sai koya na nona vinakata me vakavoui
tatadra nai matai ni noda Peresitedi, nai vakarau ni sokalou ena noda lotu me
Nai Talatala Setareki Tuilovoni, sai lako vata kei na gauna eda bula donumaka,
koya ‘Na Lotu Wesele e Viti me me rawa ni vakatubura na bulabula vakayalo
na toso vata kei na gauna, ka me ni sokalou, ka me vuavuai vinaka na lewe ni
kakua ni na vesuki ena so nai lotu, vakauasivi ena nodra bula nai taba
vakarau makawa, kevaka e sega gone. Au vakabauta ni keirau a sega ni
ni na vukea na nodra tubu vaka- tadra ruarua ni na sega ni na mai raica o
yalo na lewe ni lotu. E nona I koya na vakavotukanataki ni nona tatadra,
kaukau sai koya na v akavoui ni de sai koya beka oqo na sala me’u mai
lotu kei na kena vakatuburi va- vakadewataka kina vei keda raraba ka sa tu
kayalo, na duavata ena loma ni kina na noda I tavi.
lotu kei na kena tubu vakaiyau
“Ena loma ni 27 na yabaki sa oti e solega tu
ni noda lotu.’
na noda vanua lomani na yavalati ni noda
“Ena 1972-1974 e a vakadreta kina vanua, yavalati na lotu, yavalati na matanitu,
na noda Peresitedi ko Rev. Stanley yavalati na noda dui bula yadudua; de na
George Andrews na duavata ena yaga me da na dikeva na veiyavu lelevu era
lotu. E a kerea kina na vanua, na lotu sa mai vakarogoya oti toka na noda vei
Nai Tabe Issue 2
December 2014
19
Me vaka na vosa nei Nai Talatala Setareki
Tuilovoni, ka au sa bolei keda kina ena
mataka ni kua, ni da vakanamata ki na dua
na Viti vinaka ni mataka, Viti e tudei,
kaukauwa ka sautu vakayalo, vakayago, sa
na yaga me sa biu eso na veiyavu makawa,
me da toso vata kei na gauna me vukea na
noda tubu vakayalo. De sa rairai yaga me
da na dikeva vinaka tale mada na noda dui
tavi ena lotu, ena vanua kei na matanitu ka
me da sa gumatuataka na veika ena
vakaqaqacotaka na noda veiwekani kei na
veilomani.
“Au vakatura e matada ena siga edaidai na
vosa ni Parofita ko Aisea 58:10-12 me yavutaki kina na noda raica na noda i tavi na
matanitu Tovata ena veisiga ni mataka ka
vakakoto oqo na kena rorogo :
Ia kevaka ko dau loma soli vua sa viakana, ka
sa vakamamautaka na yalo I koya sa rarawa,
ena qai cadra na nomu rarama ena btobuto,
kei nanomu bogi loaloa me vaka na sigalevu.
Ia ko Jiova ena tuberi iko tikoga, ka vakamaumautaka na yalomu ena gauna ni dausiga
ka vakaukauwataka na suimu, ko na vaka na
were sa vakasuasuataki ka na vaka nai
vurevure sa sega ni yali na kena wai.
Ia ko ira na nomu era sa tara tale na veikoro
sa lala makawa,ko na tauyavutaka tale na
yavu ni tabatamata e liu sara, ia ko na vakatokai koya ka vakavinakataka na tikina sa
kabasu, o koya ka vakavinakataka tale na
sala me tawa na vanua.”
Photos: MCIF Archives
www.methodistfiji.org
CHRISTMAS MESSAGE
Mary: Faith,
Mentoring and
Motherhood
By Tevita Nawadra Banivanua
A
often we need to have all the
information before we can
make a decision or take action. That, perhaps is what
makes this young girl’s decision to say,
“Yes,” “let Your will be done,” is such a
great testimony of her faith in the God
that she, her parents and family believed
The message that she was the chosen
one came as a surprise to Mary. The hon- in, for us.
our to become the Saviour’s mother and
the fact that she was just a young girl,
betrothed to be married, all contribute to
the mystery of God’s calling.
S we approach the commemoration of the birth of our Saviour, Jesus the Christ, let us
focus our attention for a moment on Mary and the women in this
important event.
There were great movements down
in the valley in Galilee, but Nazareth
was so much out of reach as never
to be affected by them. In the Gospel of John (1:45-46) Philip says to
Nathanael, "We have found Him of
whom Moses in the Law and also
the Prophets wrote-- Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph." Nathanael
responds, "Can any good thing
come out of Nazareth?"
Deuteronomy 22:23-24 speaks of the
consequences of a virgin who is betrothed to someone sleeping with another man - that they both be stoned to
death at the gates of the town. This
would have been part and parcel of
Mary’s life then.
The message from Archangel Gabriel to
tell her that she was the chosen one was
quite a complex one taking all these
things into consideration. Most of us, on
receiving such a message would have
asked the angel for more information,
more details, but Mary, even not fully
understanding the implications of this
task, said yes.
As we approach Christmas, let us pause
to reflect on the complexity of the choices we face each day in our lives today
and our need to ensure that we have all
the details before we make our decision.
Mary’s story is a story of faith. It is a call
for those of us in the Christian community to give space for our faith, to be willing
to act out of faith, to take leaps of faith,
confident that God will look after us and
help us in whatever perplexities of life
are presented to us in this day and age.
The world of Mary, two thousand years
ago, is vastly different from our world of
today. Our world is more complex, and
Nai Tabe Issue 2
of no use. The tree is gone. And so this
little village of no significance, high up
off the main roads at the foot of the
mountains; along which the great merchants of Greece came; along which
Roman legions marched, and the
priests passed; was held in contempt.
Mary’s experience speaks to our young
people and those who may be going
through a time of self-questioning or
faced with difficult decisions to trust in
God and believe that God will take care
of them. As a Church that is a very valid
thing for us. Perplexed as we are, not
knowing the full story, and yet we move
on, trusting that God will take care of us.
Mary also came from a small, littleknown village in the north of Palestine.
The Jewish Talmud and the writings of
the Jewish historian Josephus both list a
number of cities, towns and villages.
Nazareth however is not even mentioned. The name Nazareth came from
the old Hebrew "Netzer," which means a
sprout, and so was something to be held
in contempt. When a tree is cut down
only the stump remains. One morning
the passer-by sees just one green sprout
coming up from the stump; "netzer." It is
December 2014
20
At the same time, the significance of
the meaning of “netzer” as “sprouting
off” signifies a new beginning, a second
chance of life.
This small, unknown, humble village
was chosen by God as the setting for
opening act in the greatest story ever to
be told. A girl from this obscure place
was chosen to be the mother of our
Lord. This “worthless” green shoot, became a branch to offer a new hope to
the people of Palestine and a tree of
new life and hope for all people. What
do we learn from the humility of this
little village and the hope that it signified?
For us in our small island nation of Fiji,
made up of little villages and communities, let us hope that God is and will
continue to use this place to stand out
in the midst of all the others. The dis-
www.methodistfiji.org
proportionate contribution Fiji makes in the
world, through our peacekeepers, our rugby
players and even recently in our government’s
hosting of leaders of the two largest nations in
the world and facilitating meetings with them
for the other leaders of the Pacific, even with
the questions this raises for some of us, is a sign
of this hope. As Christmas signifies hope, perhaps our Christmas season began a little earlier
for us in Fiji this year. The hope is that these
significant events and contributions will positively impact the poor and lowly among us.
elevation of women from this position of marginalisation. Some of our
communities continue to ignore this.
While some Protestants may be critical of the devotion of Mary by our
Catholic brothers and sisters, we still
need to remember that after Jesus, it
is Mary who has the most intimate
relationship with God. It is Mary’s
womb that was the carrier of the
divine. More emphasis needs to be
given to the
Mary and the
As we continue to reflect on Mary, we look at
role of women
the significance of her journey to visit her elder
and their pocousin Elizabeth in the hill country of Judah. As
tential within
soon as she had experienced this mysterious
our Christian
event, still perplexed and not knowing the full
community.
answers to the questions in her mind and she
This is particuheads to her much older cousin to share her
larly true in
story and seek advice. When she arrives with
the issue of
her amazing story and condition, she finds a
ordination of
similar story awaiting her.
women ministers, which we
The fact that a young girl, not knowing the analong with a
swers to her very personal questions – quesfew other
Mary and Elizabeth’s relationship is a remindtions and a situation that many of our young
churches in Fiji
women go through today: pregnancy, having a er of the role of the church as a safe space for practice but needs more support.
sharing and a call to mentoring relationships
child before marriage and such – was able to
find a safe space and someone with whom she All photos: www.thenaitivity.com
Mary was also a good mother. For
could share her difficult situation in confidence
nine months she carried the Godand without judgment, someone who would
However with Mary, the opposite oc- child, feeding him in her womb,
love and support and nurture her is significant. curred.
probably singing to him. Then, havThe Bible does not say whether Mary let her
The first person to hear Mary’s story
ing given birth in a very lowly place,
mother know. The first person that we are told was her older cousin and mentor, Eliz- becoming a political refugee with an
that Mary goes to is Elizabeth. It would have
abeth. The same was also true of Eliza- infant, Mary as a young woman still
been a difficult journey for Mary to undertake beth and her story of being miracunurtured this little boy who was to
alone for over a week, covering around 130
lously pregnant beyond the expected become the Saviour of the world.
kilometres of rough terrain on foot and on don- age. Mary’s visit helped Elizabeth
She remained steadfast in her nurkey. A long distance to travel to find someone come to terms with her situation. The ture of Jesus, urging Him to perform
she felt she could trust and count on; someone hope for the young people of our com- what was to be His first recorded
she knew would understand her.
munity is that they have the courage miracle, and continued to care and
to share their stories, as they may in
support him right up to His death.
The relationship between Mary and Elizabeth – fact end up empowering the older
Our women – be it our birth mothwho, while her cousin, was much older, beyond generation to face their fears and
ers, our aunties, older sisters and
even child-bearing age – raises the issue of
share their stories. God uses these
wives – provide much needed nurmentoring, in particular our women of the old- very personal situations to enable us turing to our families and our comer generation mentoring our young women.
to be pastorally responsible for one
munities.
This is something that seems to be fading out in another. The Church needs to build up
our communities today. Given the rapid social the trust between the generations to The world we live in is need of this
changes occurring in our world today, it some- enable young and old to freely share type of mothering today. In an age
times seems that it is the older generation who and learn from and support each other marked by patriarchal, male domineed mentoring by the younger more savvy
through the various difficulties we face nated aggressiveness, legitimising
generation. However, in the context of Mary
in life.
violence and war as options for reand Elizabeth’s relationship, we can see the
solving conflicts, the place of women
value of such mentoring, especially within a
The other aspect is of course the fact in the area of peace and security is
community of faith such as the church. The
that God used a woman to play such
essential. It is important that this
Church needs to be a safe place with open
an important role in the divine plan of Christmas we emphasise the role of
doors and be the first place to where our young salvation. Women were marginalised Mary, mother and nurturer of the
women in difficult situations can run – and find in first century Palestine. Yet Gabriel’s King of Kings, and of the importance
a listening ear, love and understanding and
appearance to Mary was a sign of the of women in God’s plan of salvation.
Nai Tabe Issue 2
December 2014
support for their stories, their difficulties and their problems.
Many parents are often the last ones
to know when their children are facing
difficulties or troubles. Perhaps this is
because the expectation of sharing is
only one way and parents are reluctant, for whatever reason, to share
their difficulties with their children. Or
perhaps they do not share their stories
because they fear being criticised.
21
www.methodistfiji.org
Banking on the Lord
PROFILE
By Isimeli Koroi
S
UDDENLY reading the
shocking news in a letter
from a father that ‘Mum’
and ‘Dad’ had separated, for
a young form five boarding student a
long way from home, should have
detonated an explosive downward
spiral for such a tender and fragile
life. But it was not to be. Far from it!
“Oh sure at first it was like a dark
bomb exploding spelling the end,
but it was my turning point,” Methodist Church Accountant Rev Sekaia
Tavusa Ratumudu revealed to Nai
Tabe.
“When I was going through those
very difficult times at QVS (Queen
Victoria School) in 1980 I gave my
life to the Lord.
“I told myself, now that Mum and
Dad were not a family any more,
with God’s guidance I was going to
go all the way and have a successful
life and keep a solid family of my
own.
“I had in fact decided then not to
return to Macuata, where Dad was
from or to my mother’s Tavua village.”
Rev Ratumudu explained that his
father, Sekaia Ratumudu Senior, was
a geologist with the then Emperor
Gold Mining company at Vatukoula
where he met his mother Laite Salaivalu of Tavualevu, Tavua.
“I went to primary school in Tavua
from class one to eight then went
on to QVS,” the church’s top money
man said.
“I believe that God had plans for me
because when that bad day arrived I
was already an active member of the
school’s CF (Christian Fellowship).
“The Lord helped me not to look
back but instead work hard to con-
Nai Tabe Issue 2
tinue with my life and aim to survive on
my own and fill the emptiness and void.
“I had decided from early in my life to
be successful and always continue to
look for greener pastures.
“I had decided from there and then that
I didn’t want what happened to my father and my mother to happen to my
own family.”
This Nabavatu villager of the Dreketi
Tikina of Macuata in Vanua Levu has
done exactly that to date.
Rev Ratumudu belongs to the mataqali
Nakorovatu of the yavusa Uluitoga and
is happily married to Taraivini Tawake
of Mualevu, Vanuabalavu in Lau.
From Queen Victoria School this determined lad went on to USP where he
graduated with a Diploma in Commerce
in 1986.
Rev Ratumudu from there went on to
serve as a teacher in Vaturova Junior
Secondary School from 1987-89 before
returning to USP where he graduated
with a Bachelor of Arts majoring in accounting in 1991.
“I was an accountant by profession at
the time and worked with NLTB for
three years,” he said.
“I then became financial controller at
Pacific Harbour with Axiom Investment
Group for three years.
“You must remember I was always aiming for greener pastures.”
His journey continued on to being SPC
Nabua manager finance (GTZ).
“All through this my life with God Almighty was stronger than ever,” he said.
“I was a member of the Caubati church
and went on to be its first ever lay pastor.
“But it is important for me to share that
whilst we were at Deuba something
December 2014
22
strongly challenged me.
“I observed that there was something in
the Makosoi’s Talatala’s family that my
family did not have.
“They had this peace.
“I remember coming to the then general
secretary Rev Ratu Sireli Caucau asking
for advice if I could become a Talatala.
“I was going for full circle. I was ready to
leave my job. Not to be just a lay official
but to become a Minister.
“He told me if I invested in Christ my children would harvest the fruits and enjoy
the benefits.
“I was a bit frustrated.
“So with my wife’s support I fasted for 40
days and 40 nights.
“All I had was a spoonful of honey in the
morning and at night for 40 days.
“If it was really God’s calling for me to
become a Talatala God will reveal it to me
after my fasting period.
“Two things happened.
“I was named as one of the 13 lay pastors
selected to become Talatalas by conference after going through the interview
process.
“My housing loan was paid for by my insurance cover after the electrical fire that
on-off thing at Monasavu in the coup
www.methodistfiji.org
2000.
“We gained $12000 and that was our
money to Davuilevu.”
Rev Ratumudu was posted to become
the first Bucaisau Circuit minister in
Vanua Levu and served there for three
years.
The church’s standing committee recalled Rev. Ratumudu to finish his
Masters programme at university as
former church accountant Viliame
Gonelevu was approaching 70, he said.
Rev Ratumudu got his Post Graduate
in professional accounting in 2010 and
his Masters in Commerce in 2011.
“When I used to come as a Talatala
during the Bose Ko Viti I had always
told myself I could do a better job
with the finances of the church if given
the opportunity,” he revealed to the
Nai Tabe.
“I thank God that I have been given
that responsibility and faced with challenges.
“From 2012-2014, note this is our
jubilee year, the Methodist Church has
broken through in three areas: from
Plastic to Ice to Liquid.
Giving account: Rev. Ratumudu presenting the Church’s financial status to the Annual
Conference this year. Photo Naomi Naituivau—MCIF Communication
“In our jubilee year we have broken
through 2014.
“The church is now running on credit,
no more overdraft.
th
“Today is the 5 of August as I’m being
interviewed, the church has credit in the
bank the amount of $520,566.07.”
Rev Ratumudu said with God the possibilities for the church from a financial
viewpoint are endless.
“The Accounting system was fully
manual or semi manual – plastic to
liquid. Our accounting system in 2014
is fully computerised – MYOB.
“We will have to put into place systems
that will ensure financial security and
better financial environments for our
people in the coming fifty years,” he said.
“For plastic – the last 30 years the
church was running on a overdraft,
year in and year out.
This proud man of God is on course to
hold firm his dream from those dark and
bleak moments many years ago at
Nukuvuto.
Radini talatala Taraivini is a registered
Valuer and is currently General Manager Lands for Central/Eastern.
They have three children: Adimeki,22,
is a student at Alafua USP, Mosese,
19, is a civil engineering student with
FNU and Apikali,16, is at Adi Cakobau
School.
Rev Ratumudu gives all credit to God.
He was the first vakatawa of Caubati,first Talatala from his tikina and
his vilage first Talatala to Bucaisau,
first ordained minister to become
Church Accountant and first church
rep to the Fiji Institute of Accounting.
“I firmly believe and hold on to Rev
John Wesley’s statement,” he said..
“But best of all. God is with us.”
LESSONS IN OVERSEAS MISSION
John Kadiba presents a detailed account of
the Fijian Methodist missionaries who
worked in Arnham Land, North Australia
and who played a significant role in the
development of the Aboriginal communities
in the Northern Territories. Beginning in
pre World War Two era of mission, the
book sets their missionary work in the
broader changing social, economic and political contexts. Despite the changing and
sometimes competing priorityies, the Fijian
missionaries, according to Kadiba always
kept the spreading of the gospel of Christ
as their priorities.
Nai Tabe Issue 2
December 2014
23
This book is a must for anyone who is giving
thought or has heard the call for overseas
mission. It tells the stories of men and women who faced challenging odds and yet remained true to their calling, even in the face
of war.
“Without the Fijians,” writes Kadiba, “the
Methodist Mission would have found the situation in the mission stations most difficult, if
not impossible.”
“Fijian Missionaries in North Australia” is
available from the Methodist Bookstore and
their selected outlets.
www.methodistfiji.org
REACHING OUT: MISSION AND EVANGELISM
T
he Overseas Mission
and Evangelism Departments collaborated
in September to hold a
two-day training
workshop on “Mission to the
Unreached” at Wesley City Mission Church in Butt St. Suva.
Programme was facilitated by
Eliki Drodrolagi and Geoff
Nainoca of the Fiji chapter of
World Evangelization for Christ
and included a presentation by
United Methodist Church (USA)
Long Island West District Superintendent, Rev. Kenny Yi.
The workshop focused on how
to reach out unreached communities and the importance of
understanding other communities of faith. Issues covered included the types of mission now engaged in such as “Tent Making
Missions” where missionaries must be able to support themselves and have a skill to share with the community.
Source: MCIF Communications / Photo: MCIF Archive
Siga Talei kei Ra
By Isimeli Koroi
K
EVAKA beka e dau
rawa ni maroroi e dua
na tiki ni gauna koula
ni noda bula na tamata
me dau I divi tudei ni noda veigauna, ena dua bulu ga na tiki ni siga
era na toqa na 12000 vakacaca na
lewe ni vanua vakaturaga ni Yasana ko Ra ena Siga Tabu nai ka 10
ni Okosita 2014 mai na rara ni
koronivuli na Ra High School.
E a vakaturu wai ni mata vei
keimami na vica keimami a bau
vulagi yani na neimami vakadinadinataka na nodra yaco vata mai ena
nodra duavata vakayalo na lewe ni
veitikina ko Nalawa, Rakiraki, Saivou kei Nakorotubu
ena kena
laki tini vakalotu nai tuvatuva vakalou ni vakacabe rarama ka ra qarava voli mai ena loma ni vica vata
na vula balavu.
Ena sega ni taqusi rawa na lagilagi
ni kena I rairai na nodra sa dui
Nai Tabe Issue 2
gole mai vakatikina vata kei na nodra dui
cina ka caucaudre tu mai ena veiliutaki
ni nodra dui qase ni lotu kei ira na
turaga bale ni vanua.
Era tokara kece tu na kena I sulu vulavula vakadua taucoko ka lalata tu na loma
ni rara na domo ni sere sa voqa matata
wale tu ga kina na lagilagi ni veisereki kei
na veivakararamataki ni noda Kalou Levu.
E qai ka talei ka rawa ni tukuni ni
kunekune vakayaloka ni Dilio na
nodratou veisemati vinaka tu ena
cakacaka vakaitamera oqo na lotu, vanua
kei na matanitu.
Era tiko taucoko na I liuliu ni veimatalotu va Karisito e 31 ko ira kece nai Talatala Qase ni noda lotu Wesele kei ra
nai talatala kei na qase ni lotu kece,
bikai vinaka tu nai dabedabe vakaturaga
kece e Ra, ra qai veivakadeitaki tu na
veitabana kece ni matanitu me yaco sara
ena kena ulu ni veiliutaki na PA Ra ko
Kelepi Kubunameca kei na Special Ad-
December 2014
24
ministrator Rakiraki Ralulu Cirikiyasawa.
Sa vakilai votu sara ga na matata ni nodratou
cakacaka vagumatua na veikomiti ka ra dui
goleva na nodra I tavi duidui ka na yaga me
cavuti na nona gugumatua na Tuirara Levu
ni Wasewase ko Ra kei ira na vo ni veituirara levu era a cakacaka vata tiko mai
vakaukauwa sara.
E a se tekivu sara vakamataka lailai na porokaramu ena Siga Tabu talei oqo
Ni qai rauta na walu e na mataka e a sa laki
qaravi kina e dua na lotu bibi ena mata ni
nodra I tikotiko nai Liuliu Ni Wasewase ko
www.methodistfiji.org
Ra ena loma ni koro vakaturaga ko
Rakiraki oya ena kena cereki e dua nai
vakananumi ka bola va na vatu oqo me
vakaraitaki kina na veitikina vakaturaga
ena vanua ko Ra.
tiko na kena davui kau me kacivaka tiko
na nodra sa tadu yani nai vavakoso lotu
cokovata ena loma ni rara.
E a dua tani vakadua na draki ni siga oya.
E a keteketenibici tu na lomalagi
ka la’ki ruguarugua vakalailai ni
sa toso tiko na kena vakarau
tekivu na lotu.
Era a vulagi dokai ena siga vakalomalagi
oqo, ena nodra veisureti na vunivola
levu veivuke digitaki ni Lotu Wesele
ko Rev Ili Vunisuwai,
nai Liuliu
Vakacegu ni Veivakalotutaki kai Talatala tiko e Nauluvatu ko Rev Apete
Toko.
E tiko na kedra I sema vakavanua
voleka sara ko Rev Toko kei na vanua
vakaturaga ko Ra.
Eratou a dui tara tu na vatu ni
nodratou dui Tikina vakaturaga na I
liuliu ni vanua e va ena gauna e a cabori kina kivua na Kalou ka sa dua tani na
kena bibi vei keimami na a bau vakadinadina kina ena Siga ni Turaga oya.
Ni qai mai cava ga yani oya keimami sa
sasaga sara yani ki na Ra High na vanua
era sa wawa tu mai kina na udolu vaka
udolu na lewe I Ra.
E sa bau totoka na nodra dui tayabe
yani vakatikina ka liutaki ira ki rara e
dua na lori era vodo tiko kina na uvuca
E a la’ki miri sara na kena uca,
ka ra suasua na dabe tu ena
loma ni rara levu oqo, ia e a
sega ni dua me yavala se toso. E
a veitalevi vakavivca na uca ena
kena sa toso tiko na lotu me
yacova ni sa qai masulaka sara
ga e dua vei iratou nai talatala ni
veimatalotu duidui
me vakatalai vakadua.
E sega ni vanua rawarawa ko Ra.
Ia na nodra duavata, lomavata,
cakacaka vata ka veilomanitaka ena
yalo dina taucoko na veivakararamataki ni noda Kalou sa vakadeitaka tu
ga ni sa cabe e dua na rarama vou ena
vanua ko Ra ka na sega ni se kilai rawa
na veika uasivi sa tu mai ena veisiga ni
mataka sa tuva oti tu na Daunilewa.
E a sa qai mai cegu vakadua
na uca ia na lotu ka ciciva
tu na vica vata na aua oqo
me yacova sara na yakavi e
sa qai toso cake ga na kena
totoka kei na kena talei
kivei ira na wekada mai Ra.
Na vosa kece, na vunau
kei na nodra I tukutuku
ena siga oya e sa tukuna
vakadua tu ga ni sa yaco
mai na gauna vinaka ni Kalou e Ra me
vakadinadinataki kina na nodra a masumasu ka vakatatabu tu mai ena loma
ni vica vata na vula ena yalo dina kei na
duavata.
E dua nai wase vinaka ni vavakoso era a
tucake ena siga oya mera yalataka na
nodra tosoya tale na nodra vakatatabu
ni yavutaki ena veika vinaka sa yaco ena
nodra bula, nodra dui vuvale kei na
nodra vanua lomani.
E taura rawa na nomuni niusiveva ni
Nai Tabe Issue 2
lotu oqo na Nai Tabe ni gauna ni
vakatatabu nei Ra e lutu sobu vakadua
sara ki ra na basu lawa, cavu I sausau
na levu ni dovu e musu rawa ka
cavuisausau talega na levu ni suka e
rawa mai na dovu ka gole yani ena I
qaqi ni suka mai Penang e Rakiraki.
December 2014
25
E dua ga na ka sa matata.
E sa na toqai tu me yacova ni rusa na
vuravura na yacadra na qase ni lotu,
turaga ni vanua kei ira na vakailesilesi
vakamatanitu kei ira na lewe ni vanua
raraba ko Ra ni sai ira e a lesia na
Kalou Levu ko Jiova me ra yaya bula
ni kena tekivutaki e dua na Ra vou.
Na Ra o koya e donu vua na Kalou.
All photos: MCIF Archives
www.methodistfiji.org
Sa Mai Yabaki 160 na Cabe
ni Lotu e Dreketi
E Vola Ko Isimeli Koroi
E
RA dau kaya na qase e liu ni
draki eda sotava e dau tukuna
na veika e rawa ni na yacovi
keda mai.
Ena rawa beka ni dina oya niu vakasamataka na draki keitou a sotava ena
neitou gole tiko ki Dreketi mai Macuata ena mua ni vula ko Sepiteba e se
qai sivi ga oqo.
Ni vo vakalailai walega me kele yani
ki Nabouwalu na waqa, e a se lutuka
tu ga na wasawasa e dua na tamani
kabu levu ka sega vakadua ni laurai na
vanua.
Ia ni qai talave cake ga sa votu
mamaca sara tu ga nai kelekele ni
waqa ka tatibi tu mai na dela ni kava
ni veivale ena koro ni lotu ena vanua
vakaturaga ko Bua mai Wainisevu.
A se baci tukutuku tale na draki vei
keitou ena neitou sa tadu yani ena
nodra vanua na Turaga Vunivalu e
Dreketi ena koro vakaturaga ko
Nabavatu ena kena tauci keimami e
dua na uca levu ka tau tiko me vica
vata na aua.
“Sa oti qo e va vinaka na vula sa qai
tau tale tu na uca e Dreketi,” e a
vakaraitaka ki na Nai Tabe nai Talatala ni Tabacakacaka e Dreketi ko
Rev Luvu Domolailai.
Ena gauna vata talega oya e sa kaya
nai luliu ni neitou I lakolako ko Rev Ili
Vunisuwai, nai Liuliu ni Soqosoqo ni
Turaga ni noda Lotu ka Vunivola Levu Veivuke digitaki, “sa yaco mai na
veivakalougatataki ni Kalou.”
Ia ni qai kida mai na mataka ni Siga
Turaga nai ka 28 ni Sepiteba, era sa
domodua mai ma veika bula kei na
draki mera kaya ni sa sobuti ira e dua
na matanisiga vou ka lutu mai lagi na
kena I serau.
Ni qai curu yani ki Nabavatu nai golegole yani mai valenivolavola sa osodrigi tu na lewe Dreketi raraba ka ra
biubiu mai na nodra vo ni koro e
ono kei nai tikotiko ni matanitu ena
‘Irrigation” e Dreketi.
E a sa sinai vutucoqa tu na valenilotu
e Nabavatu, oso tale tu ga na kena
vakatunuloa levu e tautuba ka ra
vakarorogo lotu tu mai na lewe ni
vavakoso cokovata ena kena veiruku
ni vunikau ni cabe malua na matanisiga ka savasava vuka na karakarawa ni
lomalagi.
E vica na ka bibi e cokoti vata ena
Nai Tabe Issue 2
lotu cokovata ka bibi oqo.
Dreketi.
O koya na ka levu duadua e marautaki oqo Na soqo oqo era vakadinadina kina e sivia e
oya na nodra sa lomavata na qase ni lotu
lewe lima na drau na lewe I Dreketi.
kei na turaga ni vanua me ra sa biuta vakati- E kilai votu sara ga na kena lutu e dua na draki
kitiki mada na nodra duidui ka solia na
ni vakacegu titobu vakalou ena nodra bula nai
nodra bula kei na nodra vanua kivua na
vavakoso cokovata ni mai suka na lotu ka sa
Kalou me vakasavasavataki ira ka vakaduav- votu levu sara talega na nodra veilomani kei na
ataka na nodra vanua.
nodra veiyalayalati me sa tudei na rarama vou sa
“Era vakadinadinataka na turaga na Vunivalu cabeti ira.
kei iratou na vei liuliu ni veiyavusa ena vaE vitu na koro e Dreketi ka ono na kena yavusa.
nua ko Dreketi ni sa luluqa mai ka sa tekivu
E tolu na tabacakacakavakaivakatawa ni noda
tasere tiko yani vakatotolo na kedra I vau
lotu.
ka a vauca taumada na Kalou Levu, ka ra
Ena siga Monite sa mua cake ki loma ni vanua
raica ni dua na ka e sa tawasei ira vakaca
nai lakolako ki na koro ko Vunisea ka laki vakasara ga na nodra dui lewena na
veimataisoqosoqo lewe ni lotu Vakarisito e yacori kina e dua na lotu ka cereki talega kina na
vitu ka tiko ena loma ni vanua ko Dreketi
nodratou vatu ni vakananumi ni jiupili koula.
E dina beka ni se sega ni yaco yani ki Vunisea na
raraba,” e vakaraitaka ko Rev Domolailai.
livaliva, ia na nodra bula sa tu kina e dua na raNa yalo bolebole e a toka vua nai talai ni
Kalou oqo, ka cavutu mai na dela ni vanua rama talei ka sa bau dredre dina na veitalatala
ko Nakuruvakarua mai na koro vakaturaga mai na koro ka tara toka ena dua na delana oqo.
ko Laselase, kei na nona vakararavi
E a vakaraitaka ko Rev Domolailai ni kalougata
vakaukauwa sara kivua na noda Kalou, e a
vakalevu na vanua ko Dreketi ni dau nanumi ira
qai laki vakavotukana ena nodra sa duavata ka dau talevi ra vakawasoma ena veitokoni
na veimatalotu mera sa toso vata mai ka
taucoko sara na Dauniyau Levu ni noda Lotu ko
cakacakataka na nodra duavata vakayalo ka Rev Sekaia Ratumudu, e dua dina ga na gone ni
Dreketi mai na koro vakaturaga ko Nabavatu ka
vakayago talega.
Ena loma ni macawa tolu vinaka era a sa qai a lewe voli talega ni lakolako vakavalenivolavola.
cokovata na vei timi ka ra lewena na dui
Ena siga Tusite e sa vakarau tale nai lakolako
qase ni veimatalotu ka ra butuka na vitu na lesu ka a vuka taumada lesu ki Viti Levu ko Rev
koro vaka Dreketi masu vata, lolo vata,
Vunisuwai.
veiwasei vata ka vakatatabu vata ka yavutaki Ni a sa vakalou tu ga mai ena kena I tekivu e a
ena nodra veivakatusai ni ra goleva na veiv- yaco me tukutuku tale na draki ena mataka ni
akasavasavataki sa dau basika votu kina na
veitalatala.
noda Kalou.
E a tukuna ni sa donu mai lagi ka sa na biu tu
E a vakaqera wai ni mata ena Siga Tabu
yani na vosa ni veivakalougatataki ni Kalou ena
oqo, ni oti na nodra vosa ena vuku ni Kalou kena miri malua tale e dua na uca vakaciriloloma
e nai vunau ko Rev Vunisuwai, na nodra sa
dui duri yadudua na I liuliu ni yavusa kei na mei divi ni dua na gauna vou kei nai nuinui vou.
Turaga Vunivalu mera dui vakatusai ira kei Veikidavaki ena uca, veitalatala ena uca.
Sega li ni o koya na uca taumada kei na uca tauna nodra vanua.
muri?
Ni oti ga oya sa ra qai tucake na liuliu
ni veisoqosoqo lotu me ra ia talega na
vakatutusa.
E talei ni da sarava na nodra dui tucake
na lewe ni veiyavusa kei na lewe ni
veisoqosoqo lotu e loma ni valenilotu
kei na tautuba ena gauna e vakatutusa
tiko kina na nodra I liuliu vakavanua se
vakalotu, ni a veivuke vakalevu sara na
biulivaliva ni wa ni vosavosa ka a kuruseta tiko na koro turaga oqo ena
Nona Siga na Turaga ni Turaga.
Ni mai cava oya sa qai golevi na kena
cereki nai vakananumi ni jiupili koula ni
noda lotu ka qai musuki talega e
ERATOU duri tu oqori ena mata ni vatu ni vakananumi ena
dua na kena keke totoka me ma- koro ko Vunisea e Dreketi ko Tuiraralevu Ulaiasi Navuaka,,
rautaki kiona na kena sa mai
Rusiate Rokosiga, nai liuliu ni yavusa Navuturerega, kei
yabaki 160 na cabe ni lotu e
Lusiana Tavaga. Photo: Taniela Ligairi – MCIF Communication
December 2014
26
www.methodistfiji.org
Important Dates for 2015
Yabaki Vou/ New Year:
01/01/2015
Trinity Sunday:
31/05/15
Macawa ni Veivakavoui/ Renewal Week:
05 - 11/01/15
Macawa ni Veivakalotutaki /Evangelism
Week:
01 - 07/06/15
Siga Tabu ni Veiyalayalati/Covenant Sunday:
11/01/15
Macawa ni Vale ni Bula /Hospital Week:
22 - 28/06/15
Deaconess Day:
Macawa ni Vola Tabu / Bible Week:
28/6 - 05/07/15
10/02/2015
Vukelulu ni Dravusa/Ash Wednesday:
18/02/15
Matai ni Siga Tabu ni Lede/First Sunday in
Lent:
22/02/15
Macawa ni Sevu/ Harvest Week:
23 - 28/02/15
Siga Tabu ni Sevu kei na Karua ni Siga
Tabu ni Lede /Harvest Sunday and Second Sunday in Lent:
01/03/15
Macawa ni Bula Raraba / Social Services
Week:
13 - 19/07/15
Macawa ni Tama / Fathers’ Week:
07 - 13/09/15
Siga Tabu ni Tama / Fathers’ Sunday:
13/09/15
Macawa ni Dilkusha/Dilkusha Week:
14 - 20/09/15
Katolu ni Siga Tabu ni Lede / Third Sunday in Lent:
08/03/15
Siga Tabu ni Cabe ni Lotu/ Mission Sunday:
11/10/15
Ka Va ni Siga Tabu ni Lede / Fourth Sunday in Lent:
15/03/15
Macawa ni MYF / Youth Week:
11 - 18 /10/15
Macawa ni Sunday School/ Sunday School
Week:
22- 29/03/15
Siga ni Veilomani/ Veilomani Day:
31/10/15
Siga Tabu ni Curu Vakatui/ Palm Sunday:
29/03/15
Siga Tabu ni Veilomani /Veilomani Sunday / All Saints Day:
01/11/15
Macawa Tabu/ Holy Week:
30/03/15- 05/04/15
Siga Tabu na Karisito ni Tui/ Christ the
King Sunday:
22/11/15
Siga ni Mate/ Good Friday:
Matai ni Siga Tabu na Namaki ni Lako
Mai /First Sunday in Advent:
29/11/15
03/04/15
Siga ni Tucake Tale/ Easter Sunday:
05/04/15
Macawa ni Vuvale: / Family Week:
20 - 26/04/15
Macawa ni Tina / Mothers’ Week:
04 –10/05/15
Siga Tabu ni Tina / Mothers’ Sunday:
10/05/15
Ascension Sunday:
In addition to the above public holidays, Cabinet has also approved a
National Sports Day public holiday.
The date of this public holiday shall
be finalised by the Minister for Labour, Industrial Relations and employment, and the Minister for Youth
and Sports.
The ten public holiday dates shall be
gazetted as Public Holidays for 2015
by the Minister for Labour, Industrial
Relations and Employment.
Source: http://www.fiji.gov.fj/About-
Katolu ni Siga Tabu na Namaki ni Lako
Mai /Third Sunday in Advent:
13/12/15
Ka Va ni Siga Tabu na Namaki ni Lako
Mai /Fourth Sunday in Advent: 20/12/15
Siga ni Sucu Christmas Day:
25/12/15
17/05/15
Macawa ni Penitiko/ Pentecost Week:
18 - 24/05/15
Siga Tabu ni Penitiko kei na Siga ni Jone
Wesele / Pentecost Sunday and John
Wesley Day:
24/05/15
Nai Tabe Issue 2
Karua ni Siga Tabu na Namaki ni Lako
Mai /Second Sunday in Advent: 6/12/15
The dates for the 2015 public holidays are as follows:
· New Year’s Day - Thursday, 1st
January
· Prophet Mohammed’s Birthday Monday, 5th January
· Good Friday - Friday, 03rdApril
· Easter Saturday - Saturday,
04thApril
· Easter Monday - Monday, 06thApril
· National Sports Day - Friday, 26th
June
· Fiji Day - Saturday, 10th October
· Diwali - Wednesday,11th November
· Christmas Day - Friday, 25th December
· Boxing Day Holiday - Monday, 28th
December
OUT NOW! ONLY $4
AVAILABLE FROM THE
METHODIST BOOKSTORE
AND SELECTED DISTRIBUTORS
December 2014
27
www.methodistfiji.org
Na Vale Ni Vuli Makawa, Na
Vale Ni Lotu Vou
E Vola Ko Isimeli Koroi
KEIMAMI a kalougata na a bau tiko
rawa ena I sevu ni lotu ena Siga Tabu
ena Valenilotu na Baker Memorial
Church e Davuilevu ena I ka 12 ni
Okotova 2014.
digitaki, ko Rev Dr Epineri
Vakadewavosa, me ra soli vunau
ka golevi kina na ulutaga me baleta na cava eda na kitaka ena vuku
ni lotu kei na kena I tavi ena
veisiga kei na veiyabaki veitaravi
Era a tiko kece na veiliutaki ni noda
eda sa vakanamata yani kina oqo.
lotu ka ra yali ga na Turaga Qase
Levu Vakatawa ko Rev Laisiasa Rat- E tolu ga na ka bibi era a goleva
abacaca ni ra a qarava tiko mai Tu- ko Rev Vakadewavosa ena nodra
bou, Lakeba na kena vakananumi na I vunau:
kena cabe na lotu ena Siga Tabu
“Matai ni Vakasama: Me da
talega nai ka 12 ni Okotova 1835.
nanuma dei na noda Kalou
Vutucoqa vinaka na valenilotu na ena Viti Vou eda sa curuma
Baker Memorial, ka ra osota yani nai ena limasagavulu na yabaki ka
talatala, qase ni lotu kei na lewe ni tarava, ia sa na tekivu sara ga
lotu raraba ena noda Vitia na valelaca edaidai.”
levu kei na kena bolabola ena delana
E vakadeitaka toka vakai Vola Tabu ko
mudremudre kilai ena noda koro ni
dauvunau na nodrau veitataunaki na Tui ko
lotu lomani.
Tevita kei Solomoni na
luvena: “Solomoni na
Luvequ, mo dau nanuma
na Kalou I Tamamu.”
E vakaraitaka toka ko Rev
Vakadewavosa ni ka ena
maroroi Viti sai koya ga
na ka eda sa vakadinadinataka oti ni a maroroi
keda ka vakabulai keda,
sai koya sara ga na noda
nanuma ka kila deivaki
tikoga na noda Kalou
Lomani.
Na ka bibi ka uto ni sokalou oqori
oya na kena tavo na raivotu ni Lotu
Wesele e Viti me baleta na 50 na
yabaki ka sa tu e matada.
Era a lesi na Turaga Vunivola Levu
Nai Tabe Issue 2
E a I katolu ni ulutaga bibi na:
“Na Lotu Wesele ena limasagavulu na
yabaki ka tarava , e dodonu me vakabibitaka na bula veilomani kei na bula
duavata ena noda vanua”
Era vakaraitaka ni da sa kacivi na lewe ni
lotu meda I dewadewa ni bula veilomani
kei na duavata ena vuravura tatawasewase
eda sa bula kina edaidai.
E talei ni ra vakayagataka toka ko Rev
Vakadewavosa na masu nei Jisu ka basika
ena Kosipeli nei Joni ena nona cavuta tiko
na Turaga:
Nai karua ni vakasama e a
vaka koto oqo:
“Tamaqu, mera duabau na lewe I
vuravura me vaka edaru sa duabau.”
Me sa Lotu dauveituberi ka dauveivakatavulici na Lotu Wesele ena limasagavulu na yabaki ka tarava
Kivei au mada, au kila ni keimami yalodua
nai talai kei ira nai vavakoso lotu me
keimami dei tiko ka vakavulici ira ka tuberi
ira na gone muri mai mera yalo bolebole ki
nai tavi eda sa kacivi kina se cava ga e tu e
matada ena veigauna sa tu yani ki liu.
Photos: MCIF Archives
Eratou a talaci tale tikoga ena Siga ni
Turaga oya na wekada I Talatala mai
Mereke ka ratou a mai vunau wavoki
voli e Viti ena loma ni dua na macawa.
me basika kina vaka 96 enai Vola Tabu Vou
na nona kacivi e na yaca Qasenivuli se
Teacher.
E dusia na Turaga Vunivola Levu digitaki ni
veisau ni gauna eda sa curuma yani kei na
kena sa toso totolo na ka vakavuli e vuravura sa dodonu me vagatari koya kina na lotu
me dua na yago dauveituberi ka dau veivakavulici. E vakaraitaki ni ka oqo e a kena
dau sara ga na Turaga ko Jisu ka sa rauta
December 2014
28
“Dou kila, niu sa tiko vata kei kemudou ka yacova sara nai vakataotioti kei
vuravura.”
www.methodistfiji.org
Methodist “Connexions”
WOMEN MEAN BUSINESS
LEADERS of Methodist Women's
Fellowship groups around Viti Levu
are learning the basics of starting a
business in a week-long workshop
at the Methodist Head office. The
programme was facilitated by the
National Centre for Small Micro
Enterprises Development and organised by the Methodist Women’s
Fellowship Department.
ONE FOR THE BOYS
“Veilomani” means Love, and
this is what the only Boys
Home in the country which is
located in Namosau, Ba have
been receiving and been
blessed for in the past 40 years
as a daily routine. The home
does not only cater for Rehabilitation programs for the
under privileges but it also has
a Vocational College as well,
and this what makes it unique.
November 1st 2014 (Saturday)
marked the annual Veilomani
Boys Home Open Day which all
aspects of life, denominations,
and culture come together to
celebrate the day with the
boys to remember the establishment and achievements of
the home.
The home also got a chance to
showcase what it had to offer
from making coffee tables to
producing honey from bee
hives.
Superintendent of the Home:
Reverend Sarwesh Kumar
Singh
Guest Speaker: Mr Mosese
Naivalu (Chief Magistrate, Ba
Magistrate Court)
Snapshots from the Veilomani Day: Children celebrate, Chief Guest makes a point, Veilomani products include the famous honey.
Photo: Maravu Naivalu- MCIF Communication
Nai Tabe Issue 2
December 2014
29
www.methodistfiji.org
Locally Global “Connexions” In Pictures
UN BONDS WITH
DILKUSHA
Staff of the United Nations organisations based in Fiji, celebrated
“UN Day” with a visit to Dilkusha
Girls Home. They held a working
bee, provided lunch for the children and staff and also brought
gifts for the children and tools and
a donation for the home. In return they left with a “Happy
Heart”!
Photos: MCIF Communication
A “PEACE-FULL”
SUNDAY
In support of the Fiji Council of
Churches and Christian Church
leaders’ 2013 commitment to
commemorating the International
Day of Peace annually, the Methodist Church in Fiji, in partnership
with ECREA and the UN created a
space for an Church Service to
mark the 2014 International Day of
Peace - Peace Sunday on 21st September fom 3pm to 5pm. The
theme for the service was “Living
the Peace of the Kingdom”. At the
conclusion of our national elections and look to the future, it was
a moving opportunity to come
together to recommit this nation
to being a just, peaceful and inclusive society, where God's shalom
can flow freely.
Photos: MCIF Communication
Nai Tabe Issue 2
December 2014
30
www.methodistfiji.org
“From Naroi to WCC” continued from back page
(Continued from back page…)
ecumenical institutions at various times
until his passing away.
His contributions were always towards
building a better ecumenical life that is
sustainable. He continued on through his
ecumenical spirit and conviction to
reach out in a new way of visibility
that is sustainable.
In his interview with the Fiji Islands Business titled, “Waqairatu’s Change Plan”
he shared these different areas of working together:
 The green church idea for the use of
plastic and disposal of rubbish in advocating environmental protection
 The reaching out to non-Christian
faiths by doing projects together on
critical social issues. I believe this has
been going on with the Churches
critically working together on issues
affecting Fiji and the Pacific.
way to educate our future ecumenical leaders. He himself was a product
of this ecumenical education and formation. It is a process of mutual
learning from other faiths and cultural
traditions in the body of Christ. Later
he became Deputy Chairperson of
the Pacific Theological College Council and he was also President of the
South Pacific Association of Theological Schools which is deeply involved
in those areas of planning and teaching. Rev. Dr. Waqairatu continued to
be involved in guiding us through this
journey, which was inspired by the
Holy Spirit, to seek our visible unity
as Christians. To summarise this
point, I can only say what has been
said already, that his deep spiritual
source enabled him to articulate
clearly the needs of this visibility and
how solutions could be reached.
I must thank and congratulate those
very important people who shaped
his young life, and
those who continued to journey
with him until his
untimely death.
This is where I
believe his ecumenical spirit was
developed
and
was
nurtured.
Attending
the
Pacific Theological College was a
way to reaffirm
his ecumenical life
and commitment,
but as ever, he
remained a faithful Methodist.
Lessons Learned
I believe we have
learned so much
from his rich ecuBishop Qiliho and late Rev. Dr. Waqairatu at the Pacific Conference menical life. I
thank God that
of Churches General Assembly in Solomon Islands in 2013.
He transformed
Photo: Netani Rika/PCC
and empowered
him in that part of his life. I learned
Ecumenical learning/formation.
so much from him but the one lesson
The Rev. Dr. Waqairatu was a strong
that stood out was “his ecumenical
advocate on ecumenical education in the
spirituality” and the humility that enaformation for our Pacific Churches. In
bled him to speak and do all in our
the last PCC Assembly he actively ensearch for visible unity, which is
couraged the Assembly to continue supporting theological education as the only God’s gift.
Nai Tabe Issue 2
December 2014
31
Present experience and Activity
In respect to our ecumenical past it
needs to contribute to our present
ecumenical experience and activity. My
only suggestion is to pick up and continue his legacy. Three areas that I like
to suggest may contribute to our ongoing ecumenical activity:
 To identify young ecumenical leaders
for ongoing learning and formation.
 Ecumenical learning and Formation
to be provided as a tool for crossdenominational engagement.
 New way of visibility that is sustainable. Fiji and the Pacific need the
Churches to stand together against
the outside forces. The Rev. Dr.
Waqairatu already alluded to this. In
searching for unity we can become
the Churches serving the people of
God together.
 Lastly, to honour the ecumenical life
and work of the late Rev. Dr. Tuikilakila Waqairatu and all our past
Church leaders, this may be a good
time to consider how to commemorate and celebrate together their
ecumenical legacy.
Conclusion
Vinaka saka vakalevu for giving me the
opportunity to express my sincere
thoughts on behalf of the Anglican
Church on our Co-worker and a
friend the late Rev. Dr. Tuikilakila
Waqairatu. I speak from the heart
because I have also travelled the same
path for some years now. I was appointed to assume his place as Deputy
Chairperson of the PCC Council when
he vacated it and I have always remembered him for that, as my predecessor.
Finally a big vinaka vakalevu to the
Methodist Church in Fiji and Rotuma
for your trust and confidence in proposing my name as Deputy Moderator
in the Cook Islands PCC Assembly, in
American Samoa as Moderator there
as well as my recently concluded term
in the Solomon Islands.
“That they may all be one. Father! May
they be in us, just as you are in me and I
am in you. May they be one, so that the
world will believe that you sent me” John
17:21.
www.methodistfiji.org
From Naroi to the WCC
By Bishop Apimeleki Qiliho, Anglican Diocese of Polynesia
The following reflection was presented by Bishop Qiliho in Centenary Church at an Ecumenical Service to celebrate the contributions of the
Late Archbishop Jabez Bryce (Anglican), Archbishop Emeritus Petero Mataca and Rev. Dr. Tuikilakila Waqairatu to the search for visible unity
among the churches in Fiji and the Pacific, held on 7th December, 2014.
I
am very happy this afternoon to
be among you and to represent
the Anglican Church to this ecumenical worship and celebration. I
bring greetings from Archbishop Winston Halapua and the Anglican Church
of the Diocese of Polynesia that includes God’s people in American Samoa, Samoa, Tonga, New Zealand, Fiji
and six other small Island Countries in
the Oceania. The Archbishop is away
overseas for a meeting and he asked
me to come in his place.
viction that New Testament provides
for us, ‘unity belongs to the nature of the
Church.’ This unity of the Church that
we are searching for is a matter of our
Christian faith and confession, not a
mere utility. St Paul helps us to reaffirm
this in his letter to the Ephesians 4. 5,
‘There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism...’ The Church in its unity is indestructible. This insight is part of our
Christian faith and confession. And the
search for a visible unity of the Church
is looked upon as God’s gift.
As an ecumenist I am so thankful today to join with you to continue the
search for a visible unity that our Lord
prayed for, “that they may all be one.
Father! May they be in us, just as you
are in me and I am in you. May they
be one, so that the world will believe
that you sent me” John 17:21.
The late Rev Dr. Waqairatu position on
the question of ecumenism as God’s
gift is clearly witnessed through his
ecumenical work and commitment to
the ecumenical journey. I invite us to
read the story of his ecumenical life,
work and journey that is made available
to us to celebrate and learn from.
We love and respect the late Rev. Dr.
Tuikilakila Waqairatu as a co-worker
and a friend. I take this time to thank
you for honour given to your sister
Church (The Anglican Church) to
share and celebrate his ecumenical life
and journey with you. The late Rev.
Waqairatu was a friend and a coworker in our ecumenical journey. His
deep ecumenical spiritual experience I
always loved and admired and brought
out new thoughts that challenged my
comfort zone and ecumenical commitment. In one of our friendly encounters, I asked him, “Tau, (we both
agreed to use this nickname because
of his better half being from Kadavu
and I from Nadroga) are you still considering doing your PhD in the UK?
He looked at me in our dialogue, and
with a bright smile he said, “Tau I love
knowledge but I prefer wisdom. It
helps me in discerning the will of God!
And besides I’m over the age to study
in the UK.” In this way, amongst others, he constantly challenged and
broadened my ecumenical journey.
With that brief summary of his enormous ecumenical spiritual life
The task of “ecumenism” then, is to
allow this God-given unity to become
visible. The late Rev. Dr. Waqairatu
was committed in his ecumenical spirituality; he came out with various
thoughts to facilitate and engage in the
process towards visible togetherness.
In other words he was already ahead in
this regard, when compared to most of
us who are involved daily with ecumenical institutions.
Ecumenism is God’s gift
All ecumenical thoughts and actions
are founded on the fundamental con-
Nai Tabe Issue 2
There are three major examples that
come to mind:
1) When he walked across to embrace
and welcome the Assembly of Christian
Churches in Fiji (ACCF)
2) He became the President of the Fiji
Council of Churches to help bring together a common understanding between the two respective groups.
3) His determination during the Pacific
Conference of Churches General Assembly in Honiara in the Solomon Islands, to strengthen the ecumenical spiritual base of PCC.
He spoke with passion about the Pacific understanding of God in the Scriptures in the context of ecumenism.
He personally encouraged ecumenical
December 2014
Remembering his brother in Christ: Bishop
Apimeleki Qiliho spoke on the contribution
of the late Methodist Church in Fiji president, Rev. Dr. Tuikilakila Waqairatu to the
Ecumenical Movement. Photo: Jacob Rayawa—MCIF Communication
theological learning to be a must in the
context of ecumenism. I was chairing
the Assembly then, and I was privileged
to have listened when he shared his
conviction on the ecumenical journey.
Visibility has been used in ecumenical
thought, but the intention is the same:
to preserve the distinction between
God’s action as a gift and human actions
as responses, the difference between
the unity given and the unity sought.
Looking and thinking about the spiritual
energy that he used to express his ecumenical thoughts and work, we can
clearly and honestly say that the late
Rev. Dr. Waqairatu is truly a visionary
leader, whom God set aside and
equipped for this particular work. I also
believe that the same spiritual energy
was with those Church leaders whom
God inspired to start this ecumenical
life and journey in Fiji and the Pacific.
We thank God today and to celebrate
some of the tangible results in our
search for a visible unity. In our working
together under the Fiji Council of
Churches, the Pacific Theological College, the Pacific Conference of Churches
and the South Pacific Association of
Theological Schools. And the late Rev.
Dr. Waqairatu was a member of these
Continued on page 31…..
32
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district communique september 2014 no 1

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