from w
There are intelligent, outstanding men and women in Fiji quietly going about doing their work and who don't seek publicity. Such a thoughtful person is Fei, the son of our friend Lorini Tevi. Fei says something about the various churches that emphasise numbers, huge buildings. Perhaps they ought to meditate upon some of the words from Isaiah 61.
Isaiah 61:1-11
61The spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me; he has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed, to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and release to the prisoners; 2to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; 3to provide for those who mourn in Zion— to give them a garland instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the mantle of praise instead of a faint spirit. They will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, to display his glory.
4They shall build up the ancient ruins, they shall raise up the former devastations; they shall repair the ruined cities, the devastations of many generations. 5Strangers shall stand and feed your flocks, foreigners shall till your land and dress your vines; 6but you shall be called priests of the Lord, you shall be named ministers of our God; you shall enjoy the wealth of the nations, and in their riches you shall glory. 7Because their shame was double, and dishonor was proclaimed as their lot, therefore they shall possess a double portion; everlasting joy shall be theirs. 8For I the Lord love justice, I hate robbery and wrongdoing; I will faithfully give them their recompense, and I will make an everlasting covenant with them. 9Their descendants shall be known among the nations, and their offspring among the peoples; all who see them shall acknowledge that they are a people whom the Lord has blessed.
from Fiji FBC.
PCC concerned at increasing church groups
Saturday, December 04, 2010
The Pacific Conference of Churches (PCC) has expressed concern at the increasing numbers of new church groups in Fiji. General Secretary – Fei’loa-ki-tau Tevi says many Christian beliefs are coming up and are causing disturbances to the people’s way of life.
Tevi told FBC News – the different teachings are causing people to drift away from the right course of Christianity. He says the fundamental belief of Christianity is social justice in which we should care for the vulnerable, excluded and the poor and not the rich people.
“Your belief as a Christian is more than just praises, the way you understand yourself as a Christian is more than just every Sunday I go to church, more churches are coming, groups and movements and we are not in the business of saying this is ours and you don’t come in , no, what we are saying is to try to improve the lives of people but if you just come in for the sake of building churches and hence having more people and more members, there is no point because you are just doing more harm then doing good.”
Tevi adds Christianity should bring togetherness and oneness to the people and assist on the development of the socio – economical growth in the country.
Report by : Sekope Toduadua
Showing posts with label Fiji churches. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fiji churches. Show all posts
Saturday, December 04, 2010
Monday, May 31, 2010
Kitchens or chapels
from w
Last week there was a to-do about the state of the kitchen at Ratu Kadavulevu School and the school was closed for a week so that the stoves etc. would meet the Health and Safety Regulations. Why wasn't it done earlier? Anyway, now we read that the new $1 million chapel has been opened, no doubt funded by the numerous Old Boys Associations in different parts of the world. It does seem to be huge and will be very good for large gatherings. What is most important though - a chapel or a good kitchen? Obviously RKS needs both. Here's how one Fiji media outlet saw the occasion.
one photo from Fiji media, the other from Matavuvale which has many other pictures of the occasion. Putting God first at school 5/31/2010
The Ratu Kadavulevu School chapel was opened and blessed in a dedication service with an emphasis on God and education. The opening was a family day for the school community. Parents, teachers, students, well wishers and old scholars from all over the world made the trip back to Delanakaikai to witness the event.
The chief guest was Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama. He pledged to the community the importance of education for Fiji. “It’s good to see a lot of familiar faces. We have come along way and I believe that the chapel will bring the best out of the school,” Mr Bainimarama said. “I thank the parents, teachers and old scholars for all their support and contribution. I am happy to be part of the celebrations and thank the Almighty God for giving us life to see this day.”
Old scholars’ association president of the Nadroga branch, Aisea Waka, said the event was anticipated by everyone linked to RKS. “I was in the class of 1972 and in those days we used the dining hall next to our kitchen for church service and social nights,” Mr Waqa said. “I remember that ever since I started attending school here we had been fundraising for the chapel. We had been conducting and collected $5000 and also bought two benches for the church. “To come here and see the church full of students and friends made all the preparations worthwhile.” Mr Waka said they were happy God came first for the school. “We are happy that it is a big chapel and the church comes first instead of rugby. The school is leading by example with the new chapel because if we put God first in our lives, education and sports will bear the fruits. This is our advice to students and future students of this school. We are speaking on behalf of our friends who have passed on and did not live to see this day.”
Jese Dola, a student, said he was happy to be part of the event. “I am happy because now we can look forward to having our Sunday service in the chapel. I envy the future students who will come and use this new chapel.”
Former president of the Methodist Church of Fiji, Reverend Manasa Lasaro, led the thanksgiving and dedication service.
Nawanawa Methodist Church circuit Sunday school teacher, Sitiveni Waleilakeba, also attended the celebrations. “We came in two bus loads to help revive the students here with the Sunday school choir to sing at the new chapel,” he said. The Nawanawa Sunday School choir sang the “Halleluiah chorus” at the new chapel.
The chapel, which began construction in 1992, cost over a million.
Last week there was a to-do about the state of the kitchen at Ratu Kadavulevu School and the school was closed for a week so that the stoves etc. would meet the Health and Safety Regulations. Why wasn't it done earlier? Anyway, now we read that the new $1 million chapel has been opened, no doubt funded by the numerous Old Boys Associations in different parts of the world. It does seem to be huge and will be very good for large gatherings. What is most important though - a chapel or a good kitchen? Obviously RKS needs both. Here's how one Fiji media outlet saw the occasion.
one photo from Fiji media, the other from Matavuvale which has many other pictures of the occasion. Putting God first at school 5/31/2010 The Ratu Kadavulevu School chapel was opened and blessed in a dedication service with an emphasis on God and education. The opening was a family day for the school community. Parents, teachers, students, well wishers and old scholars from all over the world made the trip back to Delanakaikai to witness the event.
The chief guest was Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama. He pledged to the community the importance of education for Fiji. “It’s good to see a lot of familiar faces. We have come along way and I believe that the chapel will bring the best out of the school,” Mr Bainimarama said. “I thank the parents, teachers and old scholars for all their support and contribution. I am happy to be part of the celebrations and thank the Almighty God for giving us life to see this day.”
Old scholars’ association president of the Nadroga branch, Aisea Waka, said the event was anticipated by everyone linked to RKS. “I was in the class of 1972 and in those days we used the dining hall next to our kitchen for church service and social nights,” Mr Waqa said. “I remember that ever since I started attending school here we had been fundraising for the chapel. We had been conducting and collected $5000 and also bought two benches for the church. “To come here and see the church full of students and friends made all the preparations worthwhile.” Mr Waka said they were happy God came first for the school. “We are happy that it is a big chapel and the church comes first instead of rugby. The school is leading by example with the new chapel because if we put God first in our lives, education and sports will bear the fruits. This is our advice to students and future students of this school. We are speaking on behalf of our friends who have passed on and did not live to see this day.”
Jese Dola, a student, said he was happy to be part of the event. “I am happy because now we can look forward to having our Sunday service in the chapel. I envy the future students who will come and use this new chapel.”
Former president of the Methodist Church of Fiji, Reverend Manasa Lasaro, led the thanksgiving and dedication service.
Nawanawa Methodist Church circuit Sunday school teacher, Sitiveni Waleilakeba, also attended the celebrations. “We came in two bus loads to help revive the students here with the Sunday school choir to sing at the new chapel,” he said. The Nawanawa Sunday School choir sang the “Halleluiah chorus” at the new chapel.
The chapel, which began construction in 1992, cost over a million.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
The church in action
from w
The Fiji Sun certainly has some strange stories but here is one sensible one. This is the church in action - sending eye doctors to Fiji to alleviate the distress of eye disease and cataracts.
60 receive eye treatment
5/27/2009
More than 60 people have been treated at the Lautoka Hospital for eye problems by a visiting team of eye specialists from Australia.
The team’s annual visit is sponsored by the Uniting Church whose project director is Dr Christopher David.
Dr Chris is part of the team which consists of five doctors and six theatre nurses. “We have about two and a half more days to go and we hope to have treated about 90 patients during this visit,” he said.
Dr Chris said the most common eye problem they discovered in most of the patients they had treated was the growth of cataracts.
“Cataracts are caused by heat and could also be genetic. Five children between the ages of six and 16 were treated for cataracts and the rest were adults between forty and fifty years of age,” he said.
The team first visited Fiji in 2006 and based their treatment at the Ba Mission Hospital but since 2007, they have based their treatments at the Lautoka Hospital.
Dr Chris said they coordinated with the Ministry of Health every year.
“After our visit each year, the ministry officials visit other centres from Sigatoka to Rakiraki and identify people who come to the clinics that require treatment or surgery for their eyes. A couple of months before we make our visit, the list of names is given to us,” he said.
----------
Compare this with the page one story of the 50 member church in Tamavua where one lady called 'King David' rants against the churches that talk about 'soli' as if.... Her name is Marama Vada but she calls herself King David. Here is part of the article - and keep in mind, this is what the Fiji Sun editors chose to put on the front page!
"I want them to know that churches are not for money-making businesses - people go there to hear the word of God and receive blessings and healing from the Most High."
King David said she believed in purifying her life "every second of the day and every second of the night to glorify God".
"He is pure and clean and if all pastors and believers consider it their divine duty to believe in His healing power, they can pay their hands on the sick and afflicted and everyone shall be healed."
She added it was time all church leaders purify themselves and focus on the power of God.
The One World Healing Church has about 50 members who carry out pastoral duties daily and lay hands on the sick and troubled. They have only one meal a day and place restrictions on outside influences like watching television, reading the newspapers and listening to the radio because "they mess up our lives".
"We believe in the holiness of God and we believe in being pure in the presence of our Holy God," she added.
----------
So do you pray a lot, or do you get going and heal the sick with modern medicine? Or a bit of both? It disturbs me that some of the fringe church people in Fiji carry on a lot without using common sense. This isn't that much different from leading people to rivers with 'healing power' and magic. I like the bit though about not watching TV or listening to the radio as 'they mess up our lives'. How ironic!
The Fiji Sun certainly has some strange stories but here is one sensible one. This is the church in action - sending eye doctors to Fiji to alleviate the distress of eye disease and cataracts.
60 receive eye treatment
5/27/2009
More than 60 people have been treated at the Lautoka Hospital for eye problems by a visiting team of eye specialists from Australia.
The team’s annual visit is sponsored by the Uniting Church whose project director is Dr Christopher David.
Dr Chris is part of the team which consists of five doctors and six theatre nurses. “We have about two and a half more days to go and we hope to have treated about 90 patients during this visit,” he said.
Dr Chris said the most common eye problem they discovered in most of the patients they had treated was the growth of cataracts.
“Cataracts are caused by heat and could also be genetic. Five children between the ages of six and 16 were treated for cataracts and the rest were adults between forty and fifty years of age,” he said.
The team first visited Fiji in 2006 and based their treatment at the Ba Mission Hospital but since 2007, they have based their treatments at the Lautoka Hospital.
Dr Chris said they coordinated with the Ministry of Health every year.
“After our visit each year, the ministry officials visit other centres from Sigatoka to Rakiraki and identify people who come to the clinics that require treatment or surgery for their eyes. A couple of months before we make our visit, the list of names is given to us,” he said.
----------
Compare this with the page one story of the 50 member church in Tamavua where one lady called 'King David' rants against the churches that talk about 'soli' as if.... Her name is Marama Vada but she calls herself King David. Here is part of the article - and keep in mind, this is what the Fiji Sun editors chose to put on the front page!
"I want them to know that churches are not for money-making businesses - people go there to hear the word of God and receive blessings and healing from the Most High."
King David said she believed in purifying her life "every second of the day and every second of the night to glorify God".
"He is pure and clean and if all pastors and believers consider it their divine duty to believe in His healing power, they can pay their hands on the sick and afflicted and everyone shall be healed."
She added it was time all church leaders purify themselves and focus on the power of God.
The One World Healing Church has about 50 members who carry out pastoral duties daily and lay hands on the sick and troubled. They have only one meal a day and place restrictions on outside influences like watching television, reading the newspapers and listening to the radio because "they mess up our lives".
"We believe in the holiness of God and we believe in being pure in the presence of our Holy God," she added.
----------
So do you pray a lot, or do you get going and heal the sick with modern medicine? Or a bit of both? It disturbs me that some of the fringe church people in Fiji carry on a lot without using common sense. This isn't that much different from leading people to rivers with 'healing power' and magic. I like the bit though about not watching TV or listening to the radio as 'they mess up our lives'. How ironic!
Monday, May 25, 2009
Anglicans and Methodists
From the Fiji Sun today - there's an interesting piece about the Methodist and Anglican people in Vanua Levu. Peceli will write something about this after he gets back from golf! I think it's something to do with John Wesley Day - when 'his heart was strangely warmed' May 24th. John Wesley was an Anglican of course but his innovative ideas to use local preachers extensively and go out into the countryside eventually led to a breakaway church. This of course has nothing to do with Vanua Levu - it was in England hundreds of years ago! There are a few posts about Anglicans in Vanua Levu in our Babasiga blog which can be found easily by typing in 'Anglicans Labasa' when you open this blogsite.
5/26/2009 Fiji Sun
The Anglican Church in Vanua Levu has taken a huge step in reconciling with the Methodist Church. Last Sunday, the Anglican parishes throughout Vanua Levu and the Taveuni Episcopal Unit for the first time allowed pastors and lay preachers from the Methodist Church to preach on their pulpits.
At a church service in Savusavu, members of the two denominations were touched by the service.
St Leonard’s Anglican Church vicar, Father Orisi Vuki said they held the service in support of the Anglican- Methodist Covenant that was signed on May 24 in Auckland, New Zealand.
Fr Vuki said they support the Anglicans and Methodists in NZ who have taken a significant step in the healing of that 250 odd year breach between the two churches.
This is traced back to the history of how the two churches separated following the movement of John Wesley and his brother Charles.
Deaconess Nunia Rabaleinare from the Savusavu Methodist Division said they were overwhelmed at the step taken by the Anglican Church to mend a broken relationship. She said the process of uniting the two Christian denominations were all according to God’s plans. She hopes the two churches become committed to this relationship where they reaffirm their faith and covenant. “The two churches have a lot in common will now reaffirmed the statement, united we stand, divided we fall.”
5/26/2009 Fiji Sun
The Anglican Church in Vanua Levu has taken a huge step in reconciling with the Methodist Church. Last Sunday, the Anglican parishes throughout Vanua Levu and the Taveuni Episcopal Unit for the first time allowed pastors and lay preachers from the Methodist Church to preach on their pulpits.
At a church service in Savusavu, members of the two denominations were touched by the service.
St Leonard’s Anglican Church vicar, Father Orisi Vuki said they held the service in support of the Anglican- Methodist Covenant that was signed on May 24 in Auckland, New Zealand.
Fr Vuki said they support the Anglicans and Methodists in NZ who have taken a significant step in the healing of that 250 odd year breach between the two churches.
This is traced back to the history of how the two churches separated following the movement of John Wesley and his brother Charles.
Deaconess Nunia Rabaleinare from the Savusavu Methodist Division said they were overwhelmed at the step taken by the Anglican Church to mend a broken relationship. She said the process of uniting the two Christian denominations were all according to God’s plans. She hopes the two churches become committed to this relationship where they reaffirm their faith and covenant. “The two churches have a lot in common will now reaffirmed the statement, united we stand, divided we fall.”
Sunday, October 21, 2007
A 'Green' Theology - way to go
from w
Though the article in today's Fiji Post website is full of multi-syllabic words and ought to be written in plainer English, the crux of the matter is that religion in Fiji should shift from being man centred to a view of conservation that is inclusive of all living things on the planet. Groups call for Green protection
22-Oct-2007 11:12 AM
REGIONAL religious and environmental organisations say a committed response to a Pacific environment theology is a moral imperative by all who call the Pacific home. The call was made at the end of the inaugural Conservation and Theology Consultation on the Pacific environment that ended on Saturday
The consultation compromised of representatives from Christian Theological Institutions who are members of the South Pacific Association of Theological Schools (SPATS), Inter-Denominational organisations and Fiji-based Conservation Organisations met at the Jovili Meo Mission Centre of the Pacific Theological College in Suva.
A joint statement from the participants of the consultation said there was a need for collaborative action by both the Pacific churches and regional conservation organisations and called on Pacific Island governments and other interested partners to join them in working towards a Pacific environment theology.
“We recognise that this is but the first phase of collaboration aimed at raising theology on the issue of conservation and commit to continuing to engaging further in the next two phases of this effort,” the statement said.
“We recognised that the basis of our “ecological” theology lies in the doctrine of creation and the doctrine of redemption.”
The statement went on to say that, “discerning a trinitarian relationship between God, the land and humankind we acknowledge that when the Land cries, humankind cries, and that when humankind cries the land cries and that when either the land or humankind cry, God cries.”
In their discussions participants identified the weakness of anthropocentric theology as contributing to the current attitudes to the environment.
“We call for a simplifying of ecological theology to enable the complex eco-theological concepts to be understood at the grassroots level and for the creation of an electronic forum through the SPATS website for discussion of issues related to conservation and theology,” the statement said.
“We commit to developing a curriculum on conservation and theology for the member institutions of SPATS and commit to developing a handbook on conservation for the churches of the Pacific.”
Two working groups will be formed (Curriculum and Handbook) to continue to work together on drafting the documents. On completion of the draft curriculum and handbook, a second consultation will be held to finalise the contents of both publications.
The final phase before implementation of these documents will be a “Training of Trainers” phase.
--------
Another article in a Fiji paper today was very practical - about banning plastic bags which can kill fish and turtles. Yes. Supermarkets at least can offer green recycle bags to shoppers.
Though the article in today's Fiji Post website is full of multi-syllabic words and ought to be written in plainer English, the crux of the matter is that religion in Fiji should shift from being man centred to a view of conservation that is inclusive of all living things on the planet. Groups call for Green protection
22-Oct-2007 11:12 AM
REGIONAL religious and environmental organisations say a committed response to a Pacific environment theology is a moral imperative by all who call the Pacific home. The call was made at the end of the inaugural Conservation and Theology Consultation on the Pacific environment that ended on Saturday
The consultation compromised of representatives from Christian Theological Institutions who are members of the South Pacific Association of Theological Schools (SPATS), Inter-Denominational organisations and Fiji-based Conservation Organisations met at the Jovili Meo Mission Centre of the Pacific Theological College in Suva.
A joint statement from the participants of the consultation said there was a need for collaborative action by both the Pacific churches and regional conservation organisations and called on Pacific Island governments and other interested partners to join them in working towards a Pacific environment theology.
“We recognise that this is but the first phase of collaboration aimed at raising theology on the issue of conservation and commit to continuing to engaging further in the next two phases of this effort,” the statement said.
“We recognised that the basis of our “ecological” theology lies in the doctrine of creation and the doctrine of redemption.”
The statement went on to say that, “discerning a trinitarian relationship between God, the land and humankind we acknowledge that when the Land cries, humankind cries, and that when humankind cries the land cries and that when either the land or humankind cry, God cries.”
In their discussions participants identified the weakness of anthropocentric theology as contributing to the current attitudes to the environment.
“We call for a simplifying of ecological theology to enable the complex eco-theological concepts to be understood at the grassroots level and for the creation of an electronic forum through the SPATS website for discussion of issues related to conservation and theology,” the statement said.
“We commit to developing a curriculum on conservation and theology for the member institutions of SPATS and commit to developing a handbook on conservation for the churches of the Pacific.”
Two working groups will be formed (Curriculum and Handbook) to continue to work together on drafting the documents. On completion of the draft curriculum and handbook, a second consultation will be held to finalise the contents of both publications.
The final phase before implementation of these documents will be a “Training of Trainers” phase.
--------
Another article in a Fiji paper today was very practical - about banning plastic bags which can kill fish and turtles. Yes. Supermarkets at least can offer green recycle bags to shoppers.
Saturday, May 26, 2007
Where the Spirit is, there's freedom
from w
Protea flowers are being sold in Geelong as a project of the local Rotary clubs. To me, the colour red is the colour of Pentecost which is today in the Christian calendar.
Our prayers are with the people of Fiji at this time, particularly those whose lives have been disrupted as a consequence of the current disorder. Peceli and I have been viewing a video of a Methodist Conference held at Cuvu in 1984 which is from a long time ago. The Labasa choir and others sang brilliantly, the customs of the vanua were performed with dignity. There was a generosity and an order. Isa lei, is the Pentecost Spirit still alive and well in Fiji?
Where the spirit is, there's freedom,
Where the Spirit is, there is life.
Not by the world can our freedom be nourished,
Not by our things, only by Spirit,
Practice my children to live by the Spirit,
Drop all your masks, take freedom's clothing.
(words by Per Harling, Sweden for World Council of Churches)
A Blessing:
Go with the strength you have.
Go simply,
lightly,
gently,
in search of love,
and the Spirit go with you.
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