The President of the Methodist Church of Fiji and Rotuma, Reverend Semisi Turagavou, is reinforcing his commitment to reform within the church by urging ministers and deaconesses to set a healthier example by quitting smoking and moderating their kava consumption. He stressed that these personal reforms are crucial for the church’s growth and ability to effectively fulfill its mission. “All church ministers and deaconesses, no one else should be smoking. Get away from it. Manage your kava consumption; some are becoming slaves to kava drinking,” he advised.

Reverend Turagavou’s message aligns with his broader vision for 2025, which coincides with the church’s 190th anniversary. This includes plans to visit every member’s family to ensure inclusivity within the congregation. With current membership standing at 186,865, he expressed a goal to increase this number to 190,000 by the end of the year and aims to reach 200,000 in the near future. He believes that if the Holy Spirit is actively moving within the church, growth should naturally follow.

The church’s initiatives will be guided by two key principles: ecological justice and collaboration with other Christian denominations. Furthermore, Reverend Turagavou commended the government for appointing Mosese Bulitavu as Minister for Environment and Climate Change, expressing a desire for cooperative efforts on environmental issues.

He also emphasized the importance of unity among Christian groups, calling for a collective effort to reach individuals outside the church, particularly to address significant societal challenges like crime and drug abuse. “Let’s take away the name of the church and work together for lost souls,” he stated, encouraging a collaborative evangelistic approach.

Reverend Turagavou’s appeal for more outreach and increased spiritual engagement through daily scripture reading and prayer is a call to action for church members. His leadership reflects a hopeful outlook for the future of the Methodist Church in Fiji, as it seeks to revitalize its community presence and enhance the lives of its members through unity, resilience, and positive reform.

This proactive and reflective approach serves as a reminder of the church’s role in fostering a supportive environment for its members, encouraging them to embrace healthier lifestyles while furthering their spiritual journeys.