Fiji Mission

Eradicating Bible Poverty in Fiji: The Third Fiji National Bible Forum

The Fiji National Bible Forum (FNBF) is a collaboration initiative that seeks to bring together churches and Christian ministries across Fiji with one shared purpose: to ensure that the Word of God reaches every community. Whether through Bible translation projects or Bible engagement programs, the Forum provides a platform to unite, discuss, and act on how Scripture can be made more accessible and meaningful for people of all ages and backgrounds. Now in its third year, the FNBF has previously been hosted in Suva for the past two years, before expanding to the Western division in 2025.

On the 10th of September, the FNBF hosted a one-day conference in Lautoka at the CMFI Westfield Harvest Center, drawing 32 participants from across the Western division of Fiji. Collaboration was already visible in the program itself—CMFI Westfield Harvest offered their church as the venue and provided morning tea, while the Namoli Methodist Division contributed by preparing lunch for the participants. The gathering enabled ministry leaders and church representatives to share insights, identify Bible needs in the region, and explore practical ways to engage communities with Scripture. The first collaboration efforts that followed took place on the 20th of September in Nadi, with the Nadi Assemblies of God partnering with the Bible Society of the South Pacific. This included a 100 Steps Family Bible briefing and the distribution of Bibles to parents and church members, marking a concrete step in meeting identified needs.

The response from participants was overwhelmingly positive. Many expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to connect with like-minded leaders and to contribute toward shaping future Bible initiatives. One participant shared, “Glad to have participated in the forum. Looking forward to the next one.” Such feedback highlights the growing anticipation for future gatherings and reaffirms the importance of continuing this journey of unity and mission through the Fiji National Bible Forum.

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Bringing Healing and Hope to Vanuatu

Domestic Abuse Training held at Qwainavoha Village St. Paul's Anglican Church after the Mass on Sunday 30th March 2025.

Renata Netaf, Project Manager for the Domestic Abuse Project with the Bible Society of the South Pacific, has been journeying across the islands of Vanuatu with one mission — to bring the healing power of God’s Word to those wounded by domestic abuse. In March 2025, she set out on an intensive outreach program, meeting church leaders, youth, and communities to prepare hearts for Trauma Healing Trainings. From boat rides to remote villages to late-night youth gatherings, her steps carried the message of hope into places where silence and pain have often reigned.

Convening Session and Trauma Healing Mini (Domestic Abuse) Training with the Moderators and Clerks of North Malekula Presbytery at Hatbol, West Malekula 8th April, 2025.

One moment that deeply marked her mission unfolded at Loqwaru Village. An elderly woman, moved by Renata’s preaching, chose to stay for the Trauma Healing training, joyfully gripping the pen she had been given as a sign of her eagerness to learn. Later that very evening, the village received the heartbreaking news that the woman had passed away. Her final act — a hunger for God’s Word and healing — became a lasting reminder of why this mission matters. The following day, the community gathered to honor her life, while Renata and her team carried on, strengthened in their resolve to bring Scripture’s comfort to those in need.

Renat and local women leader trekked through the jungle to reach the Naqeaqeachurch and braved the weather with umbrellas and even plastic bags to keep dry. Nothing could stop us from sharing hope and healing.

From Ambae to Qwainavoha, Renata’s journey saw women, men, and youth open their hearts to conversations about abuse and healing. Whether in training halls, Sunday services, or intimate visits to elderly homes, she shared the truth of God’s compassion and the Church’s role as a place of refuge. Each session ended with renewed hope, voices lifted in prayer, and lives touched by Scripture’s power. Through every encounter, the project “Bringing Healing and Hope to the Women of Vanuatu” continues to shine a light of restoration across the islands — one story, one heart, and one community at a time.

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Dilkusha Girls School Celebrates Bible Week During Bible Month 2025

As part of the Bible Month 2025 celebrations, Dilkusha Girls School is holding a vibrant Bible Week filled with engaging and creative activities for students. Throughout the week, students enjoyed coloring sessions, crafted colorful bookmarks, and participated in Bible quizzes—lower primary students during recess and upper primary during lunch. The week also featured inspiring poems and Bible verse recitations, helping students deepen their connection with Scripture in fun and meaningful ways.

Adding to the spiritual enrichment, a team from YWAM Sydney visited the school to share the Word of God, providing encouragement and fellowship.

Each day began with morning devotions, fostering a reflective start to the students’ days. The week will culminate into a special service on Friday (25 July), where Mr. Geoffry Miller, General Secretary of the Bible Society of the South Pacific, will be the guest speaker. 

Bible Week at Dilkusha Girls School is a wonderful celebration of faith, creativity, and community during this special month dedicated to the Bible.

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Bringing the Word to the Streets: Public Bible Reading Across Fiji

As part of the Bible Month 2025 celebrations, the Bible Society of the South Pacific – Fiji Mission successfully hosted a week-long Public Bible Reading in Suva, while partnering with churches in other towns across Fiji to hold similar events.

In Suva, the reading took place at the Government Service Centre carpark on Scott Street, from 30 June to 5 July 2025. The open location allowed the Word of God to be read aloud in the heart of the city, reaching passersby, market vendors, and shoppers alike. Over the course of the week, 38 individuals participated in the Suva reading sessions.

One of the faithful participants was Nau Olivia from the Centenary Church Women’s Fellowship, who was also part of the Witness March and Opening Service. Her consistent presence throughout the week inspired many.

On the final day, a group of young boys from Verata, who were wandering the city while their parents tended stalls at the Suva Market, became the youngest participants. They enthusiastically read several chapters from the Fijian Bible, capturing the hearts of those who listened.

A father and son from Nasinu Wesley Church made the Bible reading their week’s mission after hearing about it during their Sunday service. Their commitment to reading daily was a testimony of intentional spiritual practice.

In a moving moment, a man passing by heard the sound system echoing Scripture through the streets. Prompted by the Holy Spirit, he came forward and offered help just in time to fix a technical issue, allowing the reading to continue smoothly.

Another man, in town running errands with his wife, remembered hearing the announcement in his church and decided to stop and join the reading as well.

Participants came from a wide range of churches and ministries, including:

  • Amazing Grace AOG Church

  • Calvary Temple AOG

  • Centenary Church

  • Nasinu Secondary School Chapel

  • Nasinu Wesley Church

  • Campus Crusade

  • Bible Society staff and volunteers

Over the course of the week, 31 books of the Bible were read aloud, including all New Testament books, along with Psalms, Ecclesiastes, Proverbs, and Song of Songs. The reading sessions not only fostered spiritual engagement but also showcased the power of Scripture in drawing people together from different walks of life.

Beyond Suva, other locations also joined in.

  • Calvary Temple AOG hosted public Bible reading sessions from their carpark, a space well-positioned to engage people during peak traffic along Princes Road and Edinburgh Drive.

  • Nasinu Revival Centre AOG held readings from their church extension, ideal for visibility and participation near Kings Road and the Ratu Dovi Road junction.

These moments of open, public engagement with Scripture allowed the Word of God to be heard in the streets, connecting with people in unexpected and life-giving ways. The Bible Society of the South Pacific hopes to make Public Bible Reading a yearly tradition during Bible Month—bringing the Word to the heart of our communities, one verse at a time.

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Witness March & Opening Service for Bible Month 2025

Bible Month 2025 began with a vibrant Witness March and Opening Service on Sunday, 29 June. Close to 200 people from various churches around Suva came together in a public show of unity and faith, marching from the Suva Flea Market to Centenary Church on Stewart Street.

The service featured Rev. Dr. Semisi Turagavou, President of the Methodist Church in Fiji, as the guest speaker. He delivered an inspiring message focused on using the Word of God to see the world, encouraging believers to anchor their perspective in Scripture.

The gathering brought together members of the Fiji Council of Churches, including:

  • Methodist Church in Fiji

  • The Salvation Army

  • St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church

  • Fiji Baptist Convention

Also present were representatives from Pentecostal churches, such as the Assemblies of God, along with members of the Fiji Mission Board.

A major highlight of the service was the launch of the “Rebuild the Mission” fundraising campaign, a Bible Society initiative aimed at renovating and rebuilding the Bible House on Luke Street, Nabua—a vital step towards strengthening Bible ministry operations in Fiji.

The atmosphere was uplifted by the Centenary Choir, who led the congregation in powerful worship throughout the service.

The Bible Society of the South Pacific (BSSP) was represented by Ms. Teupola Waqainabete, Project Officer and Communications Officer, who delivered the BSSP address. She shared key highlights of the Society’s work and upcoming events for the Bible Month 2025 celebration.

The event was also covered by Fiji Sun, ensuring wider visibility and public engagement in this significant start to Bible Month.

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Bringing the Word to the People

As part of its ongoing mission, the Bible Society of the South Pacific continues to spread the Word of God—not just through outreach and ministry, but also by selling Bibles at affordable prices to help fund the printing of more copies. Leading this important work is the organization’s new Distribution and Sales Manager, Mr. Aisea Wainiqolo, whose recent travels have taken him across Fiji and beyond.
 
In Fiji, Mr. Wainiqolo visited several towns, including Savusavu, Labasa, Lautoka, Nadi, and Korovou. In each of these communities, people welcomed the arrival of Bible sales with open arms, grateful for the opportunity to purchase their own copies of the Bible at affordable prices.
 
One heartwarming moment occurred in Savusavu, where a local youth group attending an Easter camp saw the Bible Society’s Facebook advertisement and made their way into town to buy their Bibles. Their excitement and eagerness underscored the importance of this work and the impact of making Scripture accessible.
 
Mr. Wainiqolo also visited Taveuni Island, where he secured a partnership with Post Fiji, a nationwide courier company. Through this agreement, Bibles will soon be available for sale at Post Fiji outlets throughout the country, making it easier for people in even the most remote locations to access the Word of God.
 
His work, however, extends beyond Fiji. In his new role, Mr. Wainiqolo also traveled to the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu, where he visited Bible Society bookshops and familiarized himself with operations in both countries. During these visits, he had the opportunity to meet with local bookshop representatives and discuss their Bible needs. These conversations were not only valuable for planning future distribution efforts but also deeply meaningful for Mr. Wainiqolo personally.
 
“Seeing people buy their own Bibles and being happy to do so brought me real joy,” he shared.
 
His passion for serving communities and his dedication to expanding access to Scripture are already making a positive impact across the Pacific. With a heart for people and a clear vision for growth, Mr. Wainiqolo is helping ensure that the Bible Society of the South Pacific continues its mission to bring the Word of God to every corner of the region.
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Community Visit: Bible Society of the South Pacific – Fiji Mission on Vanua Balavu Island, Fiji.

An old lady participated in the “Taking Your Pain to the Cross” exercise in Vanua Balavu Island, Fiji.

Vanua Balavu Island, a captivating blend of coral and volcanic beauty, spans an area of 53 square kilometers (20 square miles) and boasts a peak elevation of 283 meters (928 feet). The island’s distinct characteristics include towering cliffs with rich volcanic soil, ample water resources, and thermal springs.

Lomaloma, the central village, hosts amenities such as a post office situated in Lomaloma copra port, and a modest hospital. The Lomaloma Copra Biofuel Project, previously a crucial power source for Naqara, Sawana, and Lomaloma villages, is now inactive.

Vanua Balavu Island offers a unique fusion of natural allure, cultural heritage, and essential infrastructure, making it a standout and compelling destination in the region.

The training modules extended to Vanua Balavu encompassed Trauma Healing workshop, Hermeneutics Seminar, and Sunday School Teachers Training.

Four teams, part of the Bible Society of the South Pacific – Fiji Mission team, embarked on visits to various communities within the island. These teams were strategically designated to specific communities, each focusing on conducting impactful training sessions and activities.

After a Trauma Healing Group session at Mavana village, Vanua Balavu Island, Fiji.
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VISION DAY with BIBLE SOCIETY AUSTRALIA

4th – 13th February, 2023.

Vision Day Australia encompassed a dual focus: a showcase of Bible Society Australia’s accomplishments throughout 2022 and an insightful glimpse into what the organization has planned for 2023. Additionally, the event involved productive meetings between our teams and our Australian counterparts, fostering collaboration and exchange of ideas.

I thoroughly enjoyed the insightful five-voices training hosted at the Australian Catholic University in North Sydney. The training was expertly conducted by Penny, the Chief Welfare Officer for the Bible Society Australia. The training program included an 80-question quiz that needed to be completed prior to the session. This quiz serves as a valuable survey aimed at understanding one’s personality, a crucial aspect for effective teamwork within the Bible Society.

The initial session revolved around the theme of self-awareness and appreciating the diverse voices within our teams. From this exercise, I gained a valuable lesson: I plan to take the quiz to Fiji and encourage my team members to complete it. This initiative will enable me to better understand and respect their individual voices, fostering a harmonious and effective team dynamic within the Bible Society.

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Empowering Batiki Island: Bible Society Fiji Mission Team’s Transformative Journey in Lomaiviti

In the beginning of 2022, the Bible Society of the South Pacific-Fiji Missions team received an invitation to visit Batiki, and the visit was scheduled for New Year’s Day 2023 and the subsequent days in January.

Preparations were diligently made, and on December 31st, two teams were formed, comprising two Trauma Healing facilitators and one Sunday School Teachers Training facilitator each, totaling six members. They commenced their journey by heading to Ovalau first and then transferring to Batiki island via a small boat.

The team devoted 7 days to their mission on Batiki (from December 31st, 2022, to January 6th, 2023), during which they carried out the following activities:

1. Trauma Healing Workshops: The team conducted healing groups in all four villages of Batiki, reaching and teaching a total of 65 individuals.

2. Hermeneutics Seminar: This ran parallel to the Trauma Healing training, leveraging the same facilitators. The team successfully imparted knowledge to a total of 65 participants.

3. Sunday School Teachers Training: Two training venues were set up on the island, where a comprehensive total of 35 teachers from Batiki were trained and equipped.

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Empowering Vanuatu Against Domestic Violence: A Journey of Healing and Education

As of December 2022; after the recruitment of the Program Manager Mrs. Renata Netaf, she has met with 14 leaders from Churches and relevant agencies.

As at 30th March, 2023 5 Domestic Workshops have been held, once in Port Vila and four in Santo. A total of 91 people have been reached with the training that have been held so far.

From the 21st – 24th February, 2023 HWT Training of Trainers/Initial Equipping sessions on the (5 Core Lessons) + Domestic Violence was held at the Vanuatu Council of Churches Training room in Port Vila, Vanuatu. A total of 22 participants turned up at this training. The training was also to train the Program Manager Mrs. Renata so she could facilitate future trainings. Representatives from churches, Women’s groups, and other agencies were at the training. The workshop had a mix of experienced and seasoned church leaders and prominent lay members from various. The workshop identified five potential partners and co- facilitators that Vanuatu Mission Branch Domestic Abuse project can call upon to facilitate on a volunteer basis and for collaboration purpose. Participants were eager to take the training to their own communities to share the knowledge and healing with their own people. 18 participants were awarded the Apprentice facilitator certificate at the end of the training and advised that they co-facilitate for the next 24 months.

From the 1st – 7th March, 2023, the HWT Training of Trainers on the 5 Core Lessons + Domestic Violence was held at the Church of Christ hall in Santo, Vanuatu. The Facilitator Mr. Jack Reuben and co-facilitator Mrs. Ledua Turaganivalu and Mrs. Renata Netaf facilitated at this training.

Unfortunately, the Master Facilitator Rev. Apenisa could not join the team in Santo as all the local flights were cancelled as the nation was advised to get prepared for the upcoming natural disaster. That week, Vanuatu had two cyclones one after another in Vanuatu. Category 3 Tropical Cyclone Judy first hit Port Vila from early morning on Wednesday (1/3/23) and followed by Category 4 Tropical Cyclone Gavin on Friday afternoon (3/3/23).

Meanwhile in Santo due to the disruptions of the TC Judy warnings and alerts the training was deferred from the 28th of Feb to 1st March. The training was scheduled to be completed on the 3rd of March but due to the cyclone and earthquake the training had to be cancelled and re-scheduled for 7th March. The turnout of participants was affected. From the 25 participants that were invited, only 9 people attended the training. Nevertheless, those who attended were privileged and blessed to be part of the training. There were lively discussions during group discussions and sharing sessions.

Sharing of hurts and griefs greatly helped the participants healed. Six of the nine participants were awarded the Apprentice facilitator certificate at the end of the training. They were advised that they co-facilitate for the next 24 months to gain more knowledge and confidence in facilitating. We thank God that after the newly trained Program Manager received the training she was able to facilitate the three trainings below with the help of others that received the training in Santo.

  • 19/03 – Domestic Violence workshop was carried out at the Presbyterian Church in Santo. 25 women were participants at this training.
  • 26/03 – Domestic Violence workshop was carried out at the Presbyterian Church in Santo. 12 men were participants at this training
  • 27/03 – Domestic Violence workshop was carried out at the Presbyterian Church in Santo. 23 youth were participants at this training.
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