February 28, 2025

Missions Representatives Visit Fiji and Kiribati

On December 2, 2024, Missions Representative Dustin Hays and The Evening Light Assistant Editor Colin Shuler began the long journey from the United States to the Pacific Island nations of Fiji and Kiribati. The time had finally come for a follow-up trip to these areas. Just one year before, Brother Hays had accompanied General World Missions Coordinator Robert J. Hawkins, Jr., for the Church’s historical first visit to these nations, where they would share the truth and have the privilege of seeing the Church established in Kiribati. 

The first destination was Suva, Fiji, where several meetings were conducted with the family of Brother Wise and Sister Esther. God provided opportunities to fellowship with them and minister at their home where the doctrine was preached, and they were very accepting of the messages. Many tracts and copies of The Evening Light were left for their study, and, in recent correspondence, they’ve reported that they are greatly enjoying the literature and have passed some out to other families they know. By the end of the visit, it was felt that their hearts were more open to receiving the truth, and the Missions Department looks forward to furthering our relationship with them. With God’s help, we may soon see the Banner of Truth raised in this island nation. 

The last day in Suva was a Sunday, and Brother Wise spoke to a local pastor about allowing Brother Hays to preach in his Sunday service. God opened the door for ministering to what seemed to be an independent congregation. Though they had other missionaries there from the United States, God paved the way for Church of God ministers to bring the message to the congregation—“And the LORD shall make thee the head, and not the tail; and thou shalt be above only, and thou shalt not be beneath…” (Deut. 28:13). While we are not above any man, the message God has given to the Church far surpasses the message of the world, and His favor is upon the Church above all others. The message of total and complete sanctification was preached, and the people seemed to receive it well. Following the service, the pastor expressed that we have an open door and a church home anytime we are in the area. Who knows what God will do? 

From Suva was a flight back to the main airport in Nadi, Fiji, to catch one of the few flights per week to Bonriki International Airport on the island of Tarawa, Kiribati. Brother Ioram and the saints there have been working hard for the Lord and the Church and, as a result, several new faces were in the scheduled meetings. For several days in a motel conference room, the third book of the “Who is She?” BTI correspondence series, “The Church: The Fulness of Christ,” was taught. Additionally, lessons on reporting, tithing and giving, the auxiliaries and helps, and conducting local church business conferences were shared with the eager attendees. All of these topics were necessary for the Church and saints in Kiribati to be equipped to properly operate as The Church of God. It was wonderful to watch the faces of individuals light up with divine revelation when the message of the Church as Christ’s exclusive Body was taught. These are things that only God can do, and it was a great blessing to witness His power moving upon hearts. 

The last day in Kiribati was spent attending the regular Sunday service. With a roof overhead to block the sun and no walls to stop the ocean breeze, the saints gathered to worship in song, prayer, testimonies, and the preaching of the Word of God. Brother Ioram had mentioned that there were some present who wanted to receive the covenant and become members of the Body of Christ. Brothers Hays and Shuler sat with them and explained the 29 Teachings as well as the Advice to Members. Because God had prepared their hearts, they readily accepted all, and three new members were received into fellowship! 

Finally, after all the work was accomplished (and with full hearts and tired bodies), the ministry team began the long journey home on Monday, December 16. 

Please continue to pray for God’s will to be done with the contacts in Fiji, and for the growth of the Church in Kiribati. Both nations need to hear the full message of the Bible, and God has entrusted His Church to carry that message to them.