Fiji Mission celebrates more than 800 baptisms in first half of 2023

The theme for this year, “I Will Go To My Neighbour,” had every local church and member embark on a mission, focusing on reaching out with the Gospel to the Indian communities.

Mission secretary Epeli Saukuru (right) and ministers conduct baptisms in the Wainibuka River on Sabbath, July 29. Forty-seven souls were baptised at the end of a three-week evangelistic series led by Samuela Koro in Nayavu, Wainibuka.

Fiji Mission (FM) has welcomed 804 souls into the Adventist Church through baptisms between January and the last week of July, including 37 Fijians of Indian descent.

The theme for this year, “I Will Go To My Neighbour”, had every local church and member embarked on a mission, focusing on reaching out with the gospel to the Indian communities.

Baptism candidates during the recital of baptismal vows in Drauniivi Village, Rakiraki. Sixty-one souls were baptised on Sabbath July 29.

According to personal ministry director Pastor Uraia Seru, 145 souls were baptised in the first quarter of this year, 179 in the second and 480 by the end of July.

“Evangelism [programs] are still being carried out in parts of Fiji and we are expecting these numbers to change positively,” said Pastor Seru.

“Everyone is involved; even officers at the Mission and TPUM [Trans Pacific Union Mission] are preaching at selected centres in rural and urban areas.”

FM president Pastor Nasoni Lutunaliwa said the evangelism programs were conducted with dedication, fuelled by the spiritual energy that radiated from the transformed hearts of those they had already touched.

Part of the 24 souls baptised last Sabbath at Peria Church, Suva, last Sabbath.

“Within the Indian communities, we are breaking through and hearts are stirred. Souls awakened as they found comfort in the arms of Jesus and the gospel,” said Pastor Lutunaliwa.

“Their decisions to follow Christ were not mere words but true commitments to become disciples and follow biblical truths.”

Pastor Lutunaliwa added that the interest and passion for mission within Indian communities has grown and iTaukei churches are now heavily involved and conducting visitations, health programs and evangelism progams for Indians around Fiji.

FM is “setting the platform this year and will have to ensure this becomes a trend in years to come”, he said.

As evangelistic efforts continue across Fiji, more baptisms are expected in the coming weeks and months.

The original version of this story was posted on the South Pacific Division website, Adventist Record.

- Adventist News Network