Bula from Fiji!

Just arrived in Singapore last night from a missions trip to Fiji (which by the way was a fulfilling and fun-tastic experience). I'll be heading out to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia by bus tonight. Here are photos from Fiji. I'll write a diary later since I don't have much time to spare... gotta leave for Malaysia in a bit. Enjoy!

Update (July 23): Fiji is a Christian nation. However, many of its churches have become religious and legalistic; power plays between pastors are common. Two main people groups reside here: Native Fijians and Indians. The Indians are predominantly business-people. It is rare to see the two groups come together for a purpose, since racial tensions have divided the nation. Therefore, it was an honor to witness Fijians and Indians lay aside differences and worship God together at the Clancy's 2-day worship conference in Nadi, a city in western Fiji. The Holy Spirit moved powerfully and changed people's hearts.

Fijians have a heart of servanthood like none other I've seen. Right from a very young age, they are taught how to serve others. It is a shock to them to be served. Our team, comprised of 25 Australians and 1 Canadian (that would be me), went in thinking that we would give and bless. But we came out having been blessed so much more. Speaking of the team, these Aussies are an incredible group of people. Not having met them before, we all bonded together and had such an awesome time. One brave couple took all five of their children with them, ranging from 2 years to 22 years old. Their young ones absolutely loved it. I found out that young kids can have an important role in missions too. When the Clancy's, along with half of the team, went to Suva, all 300 Fijian kids were absolutely shocked that Joy (4 years old) was sharing the stage with Cathie. Children are not as valued there as they are in western countries; so, to see kids sharing anything with adults is quite a shocking thing to them.

The other half of the team journeyed by van and taxi to Tuvua, a northern town one hour away from Nadi. We spent two days with a local church, whose senior pastor is just 27 years old. They had never had a foreign team come in and minister to them before, so when we left, the pastor sobbed because he was so thankful for us. We, in turn, had one of the best times of our lives.

What I miss the most are the people on that team. We all formed a great relationship with each other and a love for one another in a short span of time. Only God can do that. It made me realize how big God's family is... and how huge God is.

Right now, I'm in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and I will update in a few days. Staying in a 5-star hotel has its drawbacks... not much internet time!

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