News from Fiji

Nancy, a young Hindu woman, had been attending the Lautoka Church of Christ on the western side of the main island of Fiji for several months last year. Following a wonderful season of Christmas celebrations in the combined Lautoka and Vitogo churches Nancy chose to be baptized at Lautoka. David and Christie Reddy, who pastor these churches, continue to encourage and disciple her in her commitment to Christ.

 

For the eastern churches Christmas festivities began with a combined service on the 20^th December at Nakasi. The youth, sunday school children and women’s groups of both the Vuci Road and Nakasi churches presented skits, songs and then a message on what is and is not Christmas followed by a fellowship lunch. During the week a series of events were held at Nakasi including carol singing run by the youth and a special Christmas program for the non-believers on Christmas Eve which 28 people attended.

 

Christmas Day and New Year’s Day services along with the church picnic outing on the 3^rd January were enjoyable events and well attended. It was a great delight for Bhimrao Thavare, Director of the Fiji Community Churches of Christ, to baptize Nelson, one of Nakasi Church youth who recently made a commitment to the Lord, on January 3^rd.

 

On February 8^th Muneshwar Gaunder began a two year diploma course including a one year internship at the South Pacific Missionary Training Centre (SPMTC). Muneshwar has served at Vuci Road Church as a trainee pastor for two years after completing a one year certificate with SPMTC in 2007. Fiji Churches of Christ and Global Mission Partners are sponsoring his studies and look forward to him returning to serve the churches on completion of his course. Muneshwar and Stella have recently moved to a rented house near the training centre.

 

Currently the Fiji churches are in a process of review, setting realistic goals for the churches as well as looking for committed local pastors who will help in creating a loving, caring and sharing community of churches in this area. Bhimrao Thavare writes, “We covet your prayers for all the churches and the need of local pastors for Vuci Road and Nakasi churches.”