So an update aobut Fiji is in order, we did not have much time there to write about what we were doing so here is a belated update!
Fiji, paradise on earth, incredible landscapes, abundant supplies of food, fruit, and everything you need to live a life of contentment. A Christian nation, were the national pastime is going to church!
Seems like a holiday right? What kind of ministry could we possibly get up to there.
Well, as it turns out, and not surprisingly, there is a dark side to Fiji, that when uncovered, was shocking in its depravity.
AS the Lord says to the Israelites in Ezekiel 5:5-7
“This is what the Sovereign LORD says: This is Jerusalem, which I have set in the center of the nations, with countries all around her. Yet in her wickedness she has rebelled against my laws and decrees more than the nations and countries around her. She has rejected my laws and has not followed my decrees. “Therefore this is what the Sovereign LORD says: You have been more unruly than the nations around you and have not followed my decrees or kept my laws. You have not even conformed to the standards of the nations around you."
This Christian nation is living as the Apostle Paul states, "having a form of Godliness, but denying it's power." On the outside, the nation is so incredibly awesome and wonderful, but the more we delved and talked with people, the more the truth came out, that there are some things going on here that are most definitely not as the Lord would will. There are those who are fighting for the lost, who are going for it with all their might in God, I do not wish to paint such a picture of despair. In fact we met many over our travels who inspired and encouraged us with their faith and lives.
Sadly this is not the norm, even with such a majority attending church. We resolved to encourage these people int he Lord, and a lot of our ministry to the Fijian community was spent showing them that following God is not an addition, it is not a event on a sunday, but it is your life given to Him. We tried to show throguh our love actions and words that there is a world out there that needs their help, that God is calling them to rise up, take ahold of their faith and show others the message of hope that they have been told.
There is also a huge Indian population in Fiji, due to the British colonialists bringing them in to do the manual labour back when, and now they have exploded onto the scene. They are the most hardworking and diligent people I have met, and are incredibly kind, generous and warm to all. Yet theirs is the religion of Hinduism. That believe in millions of gods, for every plant, tree, rock and animal there is an aspect of god. The cycle of karma rules their life, and traps them in its bondage. We had great fruit among these people, witnessing the hope of Christ, as the one true God, who came to liberate us from the systems and false religions of this world, and give us love, joy, peace, and life to the full. They were excited to hear of such a hope and responded well.
It was a crazy time, but it was an incredible time. We spent 5 days in a village in Fiji, and without it, I can honestly say that my trip to Fiji would be hollow. Having that time living with them in their traditional way of life opened our eyes and finally gave us understanding into what it means to be Fijian. It was not particularly comfortable to our sense of comfortability, yet it was a time to put ourselves aside for the sake of others and seeing how we could help ALL peoples.
This is a taste, and I hope to talk more about it, please do not hesitate to bring any questions or comments!
Peace to you!
Daniel