A New Congregation in Fiji

It began in January 1997 with church planter Jai Ram’s testimony of being called by God to return to Fiji and fulfill his ministry. At that time, Jai and Elizabeth Ram were living in Sacramento, California. In June 1997, they returned to Fiji and focused on planting a new congregation in Lautoka on the western side of Fiji’s largest island, Viti Levu.

The Rams rented an apartment and began making contact with church members and friends in the area. They invited people to worship services and other activities in their apartment. Although the response was slow in the beginning, Jai continued to persevere. Over time, several families began to participate in the life of the church, and the Rams’ apartment was soon too small to accommodate everyone. So the Rams rented a house. Within a few months, it too was filled beyond capacity. After three years, with the average attendance now at 33, and no buildings available for rent, church activities were moved outside under a plastic covering.

In the summer of 2000, after a long process, land was acquired through permission of a Fijian village chief and the Native Fijian Board. The Municipal Council provided building permits. A grant from the International Capital Fund of the World Church, along with financial donations from congregations in Hawaii and Florida, were used to purchase the property and build the new church. Individual donors provided kitchen appliances, chairs, and other needed items.

The new church in Lautoka

Jai indicated that the “building will be a multiracial, multireligious, and a multipurpose building.” The new facility in Lautoka will be used for church activities as well as a community center. In addition to worship, study, and other church functions, members look forward to having a place for people to discuss issues, resolve conflicts, and reconcile with one another. It is a place to promote peace and justice, especially during this time of political strife in Fiji.

On September 30 and October 1, 2000, the Lautoka Saints celebrated the dedication of its new facility and committed the church to be the light of Christ. The Saints were very pleased with their new church, which stands in a highly visible location known to the community as Red Hill. Outside, a cross represents this Christian offer of fellowship to all in a community where several faiths are found.

Present to celebrate and rejoice with the people in Fiji were President W. Grant McMurray; Apostle Dave Brock; Pacific Field bishop Malcolm Stephenson and his wife, June, a congregational consultant in Australia; Ralph Aona, Pacific Island Mission Centre director; Moana Faana, youth minister in Hawaii; and Jeffrey Donohew from Ohio.

The celebration began on Saturday morning with a youth activity sponsored by the Coca Cola Company. About 60 young people came to enjoy the fellowship, listen to music, and dance. In the afternoon, a crowd of about 100 observed the landowner, deputy mayor of Lautoka, and President McMurray sharing in a traditional Fijian kava ceremony and then listened as they shared thoughts about what this new building represents for the community.

President McMurray led the crowd to the front door of the church for a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The keys to the building were passed from the construction company owner to Grant, who ceremoniously presented them to local church leaders Silas Ruben and Peter Lawrence. The door was opened and people were invited to see the new building. The celebration continued with entertainment by church members and food prepared and served by the construction company workers.

On Sunday, three busloads of Saints from Suva joined the Lautoka, Nadi, and Ba Saints for the dedication and commitment service. More than 200 people were present. In his dedicatory address, President McMurray stated that this building provides a sense of belonging for people of the church and the community. He said that it is a place to invite others to come to the table and share with us. It is a place for us to live out the gospel of Christ and take it into the community where we live.

Apostle Brock shared his thoughts on God’s presence in the building and the people in his dedicatory prayer: “This is your building. You are the cornerstone of an edifice fitly framed together, and we are its living stones. It is your minerals in the mortar and glass, your wood in the beam, cabinet and pulpit, your metal that reinforces walls, shapes the symbol of the cross, and shelters our heads…so long as this church shall stand.”

Attendees came together to share Communion at a table colorfully presented with various tropical fruits, breads, and drink. Bishop Malcolm Stephenson noted that the gathering included people from varied backgrounds, types of employment, and ethnicities; however, as people of God, we come to appreciate the diversity we share. Afterward, June Stephenson shared a story about remaining bold and committed in sharing the light of Christ.

Following the worship, everyone shared in a meal prepared by the friends of the church. Each congregation entertained during the celebration by performing music, dance, and drama. Moana Faana said that he found a good spirit among the people, a spirit that will move and grow the church in Fiji.

There are now three established congregations in Fiji--two in Suva and one in Lautoka. A new church plant is meeting in Nadi, and another is planned for Nausori. Ralph stated that the growth of the Fiji Church is due to the work of committed missionaries such as Jai, along with many others who responded to a call to minister to the people there. This new edifice in Lautoka is a reminder of our commitment to the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Ralph Aona reporting