Reverend Lal Mohammed is making waves on social media, with his insightful sermon even being discussed on the ChatFiji forum, a platform known for its controversial content. His message has sparked contemplation not only within the Methodist Church but across various Christian denominations.
During his sermon, Reverend Lal employed three iTaukei dialects—Lauan, Nadroga, and Bauan—while also addressing the audience in English. He met with a representative from a local newspaper on Friday at the Vodafone Arena in Suva to discuss his experiences and insights.
When asked how he became proficient in the iTaukei language, Reverend Lal explained that he was born in Lau, where he was surrounded by very few Indians, leading him to learn the Lauan dialect. Upon moving to Nadroga, he adapted to the Nadroga dialect and later the Bauan dialect. His childhood in Nakalavo, where his father served as a lay preacher, helped him incorporate the dialect into his everyday life. Despite his family’s Muslim-sounding name, he emphasized that they have always identified as Methodists.
Reverend Lal shared that his sermon preparation was guided by the theme of a recent conference. He reflected on biblical verses that corresponded with this theme and addressed relevant issues that people often encounter, which he feels should be brought to light rather than hidden away. He attributed his inspiration to the Holy Spirit, who urged him to speak to the congregation about restoring faith and reflecting Christ’s teachings.
A lifelong aspiration to become a reverend developed for Reverend Lal after spending time on farms and working in garment factories. This desire grew as he accompanied his father to preaching events, which influenced his call to serve the Indo-Fijian community. Though he initially didn’t speak Hindi, he mentioned that the Holy Spirit guided him in learning the language.
Throughout his ministry, Reverend Lal has served in various regions, including Sigatoka, Navua, Nadi Circuit, Labasa, Rakiraki, Dilkusha Indian Circuit, and currently in the Dudley Circuit.
Regarding his personal life, Reverend Lal revealed that his wife was Hindu when they married, but she later converted to Christianity. They are blessed with two children, a daughter and a son.