‘Thus speaketh the Lord of hosts, saying, this people say, the time is not come, the time that the Lord’s house should be built. Then came the word of the Lord by Haggai the prophet saying, it is time for you, O ye, to dwell in your ceiled houses, and this house lie waste? Now therefore thus saith the Lord of hosts; consider your ways.’ Haggai 1:2-5

Our newly formed group in Fiji, the Qelekuro Church has for some time wondered how the damage to their church roof would be repaired after the cyclone struck. Counting the cost, it was evident that they would just have to wait for a miracle because they could just not afford it.  As I have explained in my last contribution to this column, they had nowhere to turn to just when they needed help. Through God’s providence our group of missionary workers came in just in time and facilitated all the arrangements with the Union office for the church materials, which has now resulted in the repair works being accomplished. Though too little even to be considered, yet something that means so much for us, memories of which are treasured through many years to come.

I have here an English translated version of the group’s letter of thanks and acknowledgement to the church & the Union.

Qelekuro
SDA Church
06-07-2016

Dear Sir,

To the headquarters of the International Missionary Society Seventh Day Adventist Church Reform Movement, we wish to express our sincere appreciation and thankfulness to the leadership, for extending a helping hand to assist the members of the Qelekuro Church in sending over the materials needed for the repairs to the destruction done to the church during Cyclone Winston.

Thank you so much for your courtesy, which was provided to us  by your church members in Suva; from the leader, the assistant, Missionary leader, the deacons and all the members of the church.

I wish to repeat this again, Thank you, and Thank you so much for your great show of courtesy. What we have so much longed for is now realized in our midst.

From this time onwards, we have no doubt of joining with your church group in Suva (Nadawa), the evidence of which six (6) of us have already been baptized.  We are so thankful to have been remembered by you, visited and to be included as part of your family. 

Thank you so much for the wonderful service you have done.

It is our prayer that the blessing of our Heavenly Father be showered upon the Leadership of the church.

Sincerely Yours
Asena Nakove
Church Secretary

It took the group a week to dismantle the damaged structure which had survived 52 years, and replace it with the new. At the conclusion of the work, the elderly leader Bro Josevata said, ‘I am confident that I can now go should the Lord decide, for I can leave this group in good hands….’ We praise the Lord for this assurance.  The members are happy that once more this old church building is given an extended lease to continue to be a shining light and a fortress, where more are to find a refuge and be prepared for eternal life.

S.R. Kenivale

Fiji Islands