A member of the Grace Road Church (GRC) who recently escaped from the organization is urgently seeking assistance from government authorities to reunite with her young children, who remain on a farm run by the church. Speaking anonymously to The Fiji Times, the distressed mother, originally from Korea and living in America, shared her heartbreaking story detailing how she was separated from her husband and two children over the eight years spent in Fiji.
The mother revealed that upon her arrival, she and her son, who was five at the time, were quickly separated, with family visits often limited to once a week or even longer intervals. She recounted, “We thought this is the work of God, so yes, we can do this,” referencing the hard labor they were made to undertake, which could last for more than 12 hours a day, seven days a week without any days off.
Her concerns deepened after the birth of her daughter, now four years old, as she faced greater separation from her family. She claimed that despite being allowed to care for her daughter for just a year, the church soon placed the child in the care of others, while she was forced to work across various GRC companies, often living in overcrowded conditions with other women.
The mother expressed her fears for her children’s future, stating, “I did not want my children to spend their entire life working on these farms like ‘slaves’.” With a limited ability to contact her family back home and a lack of access to education for her children, she ultimately decided to flee the church’s environment.
In response to her claims, a spokesperson for GRC declined to comment and directed inquiries to her husband. Home Affairs Minister Pio Tikoduadua has urged police to look into the allegations, and Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Crime Mesake Waqa confirmed that an investigation is currently in progress.
This story underscores the challenges faced by individuals involved in organizations that may restrict personal freedoms and highlights the importance of family connections and support in difficult situations. The ongoing investigation offers hope for a resolution, with authorities seeking to ensure the well-being of the children involved.
In summary, a mother’s desperate plea reflects significant concerns about family separation and working conditions within the Grace Road Church, with government authorities now looking into these serious claims. Positive steps are being taken to address the situation, indicating a commitment to the welfare of those affected.
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