Fiji

A. Introduction

Fiji is a group of islands belonging to south Pacific Ocean situated in Oceania continent. It is made up of 332 islands. Its location is about 2/3 of the distance from Hawaii to New Zealand. Viti Levu and Vanua Levu are the two main island. Capital is Suva, second largest city is Lautoka and both are located in the Viti Levu. Our church evangelical and pastoral work is concentrated in Suva city as well as the western part of Viti Levu island in the cities of Lautoka and Nadi. The international airport is located in Nadi of Viti Levu.

As of 1 December 2019, the population of Fiji is 892,718 with two main ethnic groups—Fijians (Melanesians and Polynesians admixture) and Indians. The age range of the populations are quite young, 50% of which are below the age of 25. About 60% are living in the rural areas. It belongs to the southern sea tropical marine climate which has no extreme hot or cold weather. Occasionally, tropical typhoon may be possible between November and April of each year.

B. The development of the True Jesus Church

 Lautoka

In the mid-90s, Bro. Chen Kuo Rung and his family immigrated from Chiayi, Taiwan to Lautoka, Fiji for their sea cucumber and perfume business. IA has sent preachers to pastor them and evangelize to the workers and their families. Initially, there were 9 members who were all sisters. From April to October of 1999, another 8 sisters were baptized which totalled to 17 Fijian believers.

When the workers came to pastor, believers who attended the services would stay beside Bro Chen’s house or at the nearby Matavalu village. Even though we can witness God’s grace on the believers, their belief and faith were not rooted. In April 1999, the first batch of voluntary workers went to contact them and found that they did not have a firm interest on the Word of God. On the contrary, they were looking and requesting material needs from the workers as well as Bro Chen.

 Suva

At the end of 1999, the Australia Coordination Board has adopted Fiji to be responsible in assisting the work development there. More voluntary workers were being assigned to come here. In February 2000, via evangelism from house to house, they came across a family in Suva who were Indian. They have shown their willingness to accept the Truth. At the same time, they have introduced their friends and relatives to our workers. After plenty of spiritual warfare, they were still able to continue to hold family Sabbath services. After that, voluntary workers or preachers would be sent here every 2 months to assist in pastoring work. In June 2000, this couple in Suva received the Holy Spirit and in August, 11 people were baptized.

 Navua/Nadi

In 2011, we have seen an increase in the number of Fuqing members emigrating to Fiji to do business. Over time, the faith of the Fuqing members has grown and they started their own keeping of the Sabbath with the assistance of recorded sermons from ACB and via live streaming of sermons. A few families are also helping to defray car rental costs and provide accommodation during visits by voluntary workers.

TJC was registered in Fiji

After 2 years of application and waiting, the True Jesus Church obtained approval from the Fijian government and is officially registered as a religious group in Fiji on 15th August 2017.

We have about 35 baptized adults and children spread over 5 locations. The 5 locations are Suva, Navua, Lami, Nadi, and 2 places in Lautoka.

Presently, FMC has found a suitable property to be used as a place of worship. Please continue to pray for the work in Fiji, that the light of the Gospel can reach more people.