A member of Grace Road Church (GRC) has made a heartfelt plea to government authorities for assistance in reuniting with her young children, who remain at a farm managed by the church. The mother, who wishes to remain anonymous, expressed her distress after claiming that her family has been separated for eight years.
She explained that upon arriving in Fiji, she and her husband were immediately separated from each other and their children. Family time has been rare, with visits to their children allowed only once a week or not at all for extended periods. The woman, a Korean American, detailed her difficult experience, having moved to Fiji when her son was just five years old. She has stated that she was promised a life of service and hard work, believing it to be part of a divine plan. However, she described the reality of working long hours, often over 12 hours a day, without any days off.
After the birth of her second child, a daughter now aged four, she revealed that she was only allowed to care for her for a year before the child was placed in the care of others while the mother worked in various church-run enterprises. Living conditions have been harsh, as she shared a room with numerous other women, which ultimately pushed her to flee the farm.
Her escape was driven by a strong desire to prevent her children from living out their lives as what she described as “slaves” on these farms. Although she was permitted to spend more time with her daughter than most mothers in the same situation, the restrictions were deeply painful for her.
In response to her claims, a spokesperson from GRC declined to comment and directed queries to the woman’s husband. In light of these serious allegations, Home Affairs Minister Pio Tikoduadua has urged police to investigate the situation further. Assistant Commissioner of Police Mesake Waqa confirmed that an investigation is already ongoing.
This situation sheds light on the potential difficulties faced by families involved in such organizations, with many hoping that authorities may successfully intervene to ensure the well-being of both the children and the parents involved. It emphasizes the importance of family connections and the right to be with loved ones, while also highlighting the broader need for scrutiny and support in similar contexts.
Overall, while this story reveals challenging circumstances, it also presents a hopeful outlook as community action and investigation could pave the way for resolving the family’s distress and reuniting them.
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