September spotlight for Fiji

Over here got a good mention from over there this week: featured on the Methodist Church in Britain's weekly e-news update.

Praying for Fiji. 
The Methodist Church in Fiji has particular prayer needs this month, so please pray for: 

• · the election taking place on 17 September: pray for a smooth return to democracy 
• · Revd Val Ogden, our newest mission partner who begins work this month: pray for good relationships 
• · 45 Fijian soldiers serving with the UN are being held captive in Syria: pray for safety and for their worried families 
• · Julia Edwards continues her work on climate change for the Pacific Conference of Churches: pray for her health and happiness

Two names were singled out above and that's much appreciated. But here are one or two others that deserve just as much prayer, recognition and remembrance. 

Click on this Fiji Live link and you'll read the names of the 45 Fijian soldiers detained in Syria, a story and concern much on people's lips and hearts. 

There was a peace vigil held at Centenary Methodist Church which received wide coverage, and at which Methodist Church President-elect Reverend Tevita Nawadra Banivanua said, 

"Our world is full of hatred. Methodist Church prayers will continue for people to do good, to do no harm through our speech and our actions." More coverage from the Fiji Times is here.

Having prayed for two mission partners plus 45 detainees and their families by name, could I trouble you to take a deep breath and pray for our National Election Candidates? Only 250 approx. For 50 seats. The Fiji Elections office proudly declares:

Every Fijian is gaining an equal voice for the first time. 

Every Fijian is gaining a vote of equal value. 

Raise your voice and use your vote for a truly democratic Fiji.

There's much election talk on campus and a community briefing meeting has been called by the Principal this Saturday as election day and its possible implications are anticipated. Memories of the year 2000 are inevitably rekindled. I'm looking forward to being part of that gathering here at the Pacific Theological College to gain a better sense of my new neighbours' hopes, fears, priorities and passions. It has seemed strange to register online myself only this week for a postal vote in the UK when the time comes. Already the London Borough of Croydon seems a world away. 

And happenings in the world of Education by Extension this week?

• I've learnt a lot about the Anglican Church in Melanesia from proof reading a draft Masters' dissertation. The topic of whether missionary initiated and inherited Church structures help or hinder contemporary mission loomed large. It's familiar territory in global mission and makes me scratch my head and sigh a lot. We are where we are and the structures we so often claim are immovable aren't, actually. Not if God-centred, Christ-like, Spirit-filled Church leaders really want change. What precisely IS stopping those with power from being inspirational visionaries, peaceful revolutionaries and Kingdom-bringers? Answers on a postcard.

• I've done some heart wrenching over a young Extension student from another Pacific Island who's longing for all sorts of reasons to remain in Fiji but has no more time left on his visa. He came and shared: respectful, hopeful, anticipatory, bright-eyed. Could I help with a persuasive letter to the authorities on his behalf? He's been enthusiastic and committed in his studies whilst living locally, making the most of PTC and participating regularly in the tutorials on offer. But the nature of our programme means that, in truth, there's no requirement for him to be resident in Fiji. He could study from back home by correspondence and with local support, as so many do. He doesn't want to do that, having other hopes and plans, and I admired him. It was complex. We prayed together. I sought advice from colleagues and didn't write the letter. Would it have made a scrap of difference anyway - who knows? But my heart felt heavy. What would you have done?

• I've attended my first Faculty meeting. This celebrated the conferring of Professor status on our Principal, Dr Feleterika Uili Nokise, Academic Dean, Dr Holger Szesnat and Dr Manfred Ernst of the Institute for Research and Social Analysis, alongside more predictable business. These awards are of huge significance at PTC as the College looks to the future. We were also given a celebratory lunch. Heavens, there was something phenomenally fiery in that chicken. We should feed it to the kind of Church leader criticised earlier. Sadly, Faculty Meeting lunches are only special treats, I was duly warned. More Professorships needed, clearly.

And finally, in the category of  'Gripping Personal News', I've found someone who can deal with dull and boring English hair. Bernadette (Bernie) has five diplomas, updated her beautician and stylist skills in Australia, America, Japan and New Zealand, and was Christmas beauty Fiji Sun girl in 1982. If I ever felt so moved, her salon near the Suva Hotel could thread my eyebrows, deal with my pigmentations and offer me a milk bath. (I don't recall John and Charles mentioning such options when in Georgia). Being a simple soul, I opted for a dry trim for the equivalent of £3.30. That's that sorted then.