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National Revival In Fiji - George Otis Jr.
March 15, 2002
NATIONAL
REVIVAL IN
FIJI
A Sentinel Group Report
About two weeks ago our office received a phone call from Ian Shelton, a respected Australian pastor who had just returned from a ministry trip through the South Pacific.
"Have you guys heard what's going on in Fiji?" he asked. "There is a full-blown national revival out there. It's been going on for months now---and your Transformations video has played and instrumental part in the whole thing!"
With that startling report, we assembled a camera crew in early December and headed down to the South Pacific. During a whirlwind week we were able to discuss the origin and impact of the current revival with Fijian President Josefa Iloilovatu Uluivuda, newly elected Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase, and President of the Senate, Taito Waqavakatoga. We also heard from a number of Permanent Secretaries (cabinet level department heads), key senators, journalists, village and provincial chiefs, and a host of Christian pastors and denominational leaders. (Notable among the latter were Rev. Tomasi Kanailagi, president of the Fijian Methodist Church ---the nation's largest denomination - and Rev Pita Cili, the Deputy General Superintendent of the Assemblies of God in Fiji.) The story that emerged from these discussions is truly amazing.
Like most genuine revivals, Fiji's turnaround is rooted in prayer. When military coup led by rogue politician George Speight threw the nation into chaos in May 2000, a growing prayer movement was pressed into high gear. In towns and settlements throughout the islands the cry of faithful intercessors rose like incense before God. Fiji needed a miracle, and there was only one person who could provide it.
It was during this needy and expectant season that a visiting Australian minister introduced The Sentinel Group's inspiring Transformations video. Almost immediately, its stories of divinely transformed communities triggered a hope-filled rallying cry --- "Why not here?" Many pastors became so convicted of their prayerlessness and lack of unity, they requested meetings with counterparts in other denominations to discuss their situation. In the weeks that followed, a deep and widespread repentance paved the way for the formation of the Association of Christian Churches in Fiji (ACCF). This Kingdom-minded fellowship now links every large denomination and nearly every church in the nation. I also facilitates meaningful transformation partnerships between the Church and the various organs of state government.
In July of 2001, this unprecedented unity was put on display as Christians from across the nation assembled for three weeks of joint prayer and Bible teaching. At the close of this remarkable gathering, a crowd of nearly 10,000 people gathered in Albert Park, a sprawling green adjacent to the nation's statehouse, to hear senior Church and political leaders welcome the Lord into the islands.
Among the impressive lineup of speakers was the then acting Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase. His speech, which included a public apology for the nation's shameful treatment of its large ethnic Indian population (including the racially motivated coup led by Fijian nationalist George Speight), set the nation on a firm path to national reconciliation.
A few weeks later, God answered the prayers of many by giving Mr. Qarase's SDL Party, formed only three months before national elections, a stunning victory. This, in turn, has led to the appointment of many Christians to strategic governmental positions --- including Mr. Apisalome Tudreu, a humble and godly man who became the Permanent Secretary of the newly created Ministry of Reconciliation.
During my recent trip to Fiji, I had the privilege of meeting many of these new appointments. All I can say is, what an impressive lot! Spiritual revival is clearly spreading through the highest levels of government. Many cabinet officers and Parliamentarians are desperately hungry for god, a fact evidenced by their presence at nearly all of my lectures on the history and principles of community transformation.
And this appetite for the presence of God is by no means limited to government officials. A "Revival torch" commissioned by the President and Prime Minister at the Albert Park rally has been slowly making its way through towns and villages on Fiji's 125 inhabited islands. At virtually every stop the torch has been greeted with soberness, often displayed in the form of mass weeping. Many local chiefs have called their villages to seasons of prayer, fasting and repentance. On the final day of my visit I was able to witness this trend firsthand in the village of Sabeto. At seven o?clock in the evening, Chief Kaliova Mataitoga led hundreds of townspeople onto the town square for a time of public humility, worship and prayer --- an activity they would repeat until the favor of God fell upon the community. It was a deeply moving sight.
For months now, Fijians of all backgrounds have been flooding into the Kingdom. It is a glorious torrent that has not only swept up many chiefs and politicians, but also the infamous coup-master George Speight and his fellow conspirators (all saved in prison). On Beqa Island, a longtime stronghold of Fijian traditionalists, and entire community of ceremonial firewalkers was recently converted. When a government agency (led by non-Christians) asked them to perform at a recent international convocation, they politely refused. When the request was sweetened by an offer of $50,000 --- a huge sum for these villagers --- they again refused on the grounds this would displease the Lord. As a consequence of their stand, the community and the island, previously plagued by agricultural infertility, dying coral, fish depletion, and a rash of mysterious deaths, have sprung gloriously back to life.
Indeed, evidence of God's healing hand can be seen all across the nation. Crime rates are dropping at the same time the economy has begun to rebound. A new Christian newspaper was launched in November 2001, and the reach of the gospel radio and television is being extended every month. Righteousness and hope are returning to the nation.
The Bible tells us that when the righteous rule, the people rejoice. It was gratifying, if not surprising, to learn from the President's personal attendant that His Excellency and the First Lady have been rising regularly at four o'clock to pray for the nation. When I spoke with President Iloilovatu Uluivuda in the Government House reception lounge, he honored the Lord at every turn. (He also thanked The Sentinel Group for the inspiration of the Transformations video.) When I asked him if he sensed the hand of God upon him as he sought to govern the nation, he wept. It was an eloquent response.
For the Kingdom!
George Otis Jr.
President/Founder
The Sentinel Group
http://www.sentinelgroup.org
Location: Fiji, Fiji
Website: http://www.sentinelgroup.org
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