Reverend Lal Mohammed has gained significant attention on social media, with his impactful sermon even sparking discussions on the ChatFiji forum, known for its controversial posts. His message has provided much to contemplate, not only for the Methodist Church but for all Christian denominations and faiths.
During his sermon, Reverend Lal utilized three iTaukei dialects—Lauan, Nadroga, and Bauan—alongside English. He met with a local news outlet on Friday at the Vodafone Arena in Suva.
When asked about his proficiency in the iTaukei language, Reverend Lal explained that he was raised in Lau, where he spoke Lauan due to the small Indian population. Upon moving to Nadroga, he adopted the Nadroga dialect, and later learned Bauan. Growing up in Nakalavo village, where his father served as a lay-preacher, he was immersed in the iTaukei language through church and daily life. He mentioned that despite having a Muslim background, his family has always identified as Methodist.
Regarding the preparation of his sermon, Reverend Lal shared that he focused on the conference’s theme by searching for Bible verses that resonated with the topic. He emphasized the importance of addressing spiritual challenges in today’s world, stating that his insights were inspired by the Holy Spirit. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to preach the truth of Jesus and called for a spiritual awakening within the congregation, particularly in a church with such a large following.
When asked about his lifelong aspiration to become a reverend, he revealed that the desire blossomed from a young age as he worked on farms and in garment factories. His father’s preaching influenced him greatly, leading him to serve his Indo-Fijian community. He transitioned from serving the iTaukei Division to the Indian Division of the church, learning Hindi through divine inspiration.
Reverend Lal has worked in multiple locations including Sigatoka, Navua, Nadi Circuit, Labasa, Rakiraki, Dilkusha Indian Circuit, and currently in the Dudley Circuit. He also shared about his personal life, noting that his wife, initially a Hindu, converted to Christianity after experiencing a spiritual transformation, and they have two children together.