More than 1,130 women gathered for the annual Fiji Mission (FM) Women’s Ministry Congress on August 29–September 3, 2023. The event was held on Koro Island, where the Dorcas Ministry introduced Seventh-day Adventism to Tavua Village many years ago.
Themed “A Woman Inspired to Aspire,” the congress aimed to motivate, inspire, and ignite change.
The event featured a line-up of speakers and workshop facilitators. Pastor Eliki Kenivale, a theology lecturer at Fulton College, provided both practical and spiritual insights as a guest speaker.
Pastor Maveni Kaufononga, president of the Trans Pacific Union Mission, opened the event, emphasizing a spiritually enriching journey ahead. Pastor Nasoni Lutunaliwa, FM president, was also present and closed the congress, highlighting the significance of the gathering.
Diverse workshops were available during the congress, ranging from outreach programs to self-care. “The congress was more than an event; it was a transformative experience that deeply resonated with the islanders,” said Alice Kaisuva, FM Women’s Ministries director.
Kaisuva revealed that prior to the congress, church representatives, including herself, visited all 14 villages on Koro Island. They followed customary Itaukei traditions, gifting items as a sign of respect and informing the communities of their presence.
“The gifts provided were chosen thoughtfully and intended to benefit every household on the island,” Kaisuva said. “We were well received and welcomed into the island, especially in these villages.”
According to Kaisuva, the event had a very positive effect. A new church signboard was erected, and approximately FJ$10,000 (approx. US$4,400) were raised to assist the local church, which included purchasing a motorbike for Semiti Koto, a young minister.
Pastor Lutunaliwa praised the event’s organization and acknowledged the broader contributions. “Adventist presence [was] amplified during the congress,” he said. “Village businesses prospered, village trucks were fully engaged for transportation, and children set up stalls to sell produce, but the genuine interaction between congress attendees and islanders truly showcased Adventism for a week.”
Lutunaliwa added that being on the island as witnesses of Jesus was the highlight of the weekend.
“The congress is one to remember for most women. They are being challenged to seize every opportunity to echo the resounding call ‘I WILL GO,’” said Kaisuva. She added that the women and organizers were determined “to build on this success” and had envisioned extending similar opportunities to the men of the Adventist community.
The original version of this story was posted on the Adventist Record website.