A member of Grace Road Church (GRC) is appealing to government authorities for assistance in reuniting with her young children, who are still residing on a church-operated farm. The emotionally distressed mother, who wishes to remain anonymous, shared her experience of separation from her family after spending eight years in Fiji. According to her, the church imposed restrictions that allowed family visits only sporadically—sometimes just once a week or not at all for months at a time.
She detailed her journey, highlighting that she initially moved to Fiji with her five-year-old son. After her husband joined them, they were immediately separated by the church, which informed families that hard labor and long hours would be expected from them. The mother described working up to 12 hours a day, seven days a week, without any breaks, under the belief that they were serving a higher purpose.
Her situation reportedly deteriorated after the birth of her daughter, now four years old, as she was permitted to care for her only for a year before being separated. The mother expressed her concerns about the adverse effects of limited access to technology and education for her children, coupled with harsh living conditions where several women shared a single room. She ultimately decided to flee in hopes of preventing her children from experiencing a life of labor akin to slavery.
The mother explained that during her time at the church, she was allowed to stay with her daughter because of her English-speaking skills, which were deemed beneficial for teaching other children. However, even then, her opportunities to bond with her daughter were minimal, emphasizing the struggles she faced in maintaining familial connections.
The GRC was contacted for a response, but a spokesperson referred inquiries to the woman’s husband without commenting on the allegations. In light of these serious claims, Fiji’s Home Affairs Minister, Pio Tikoduadua, has requested a police investigation, which is currently underway according to Assistant Commissioner of Police Mesake Waqa.
This situation shines a light on the struggles faced by some individuals within organizations that may restrict personal freedoms and family connections. The ongoing investigation offers a glimmer of hope that answers and perhaps justice may prevail, ensuring the safety and well-being of the children involved.
Summary: A mother from Grace Road Church is seeking help from government authorities to reunite with her children living on a church-operated farm, recounting her difficult experiences of separation, forced labor, and harsh living conditions within the organization. An investigation has been launched in response to her claims.
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