'Quit Smoking, Don't be Slaves to Kava'

The President of the Methodist Church of Fiji and Rotuma, Reverend Semisi Turagavou, is calling on church ministers and deaconesses to lead by example by quitting smoking and managing their kava consumption.

"All church ministers and deaconesses, no one else should be smoking. Get away from it. Manage your kava consumption; some are becoming slaves to kava drinking," he said.

Reverend Turagavou stressed that personal reform is vital for the church to grow and fulfil its mission.

"If the Methodist Church can achieve this, we will see growth and many lives saved for God's glory."

As part of its 2025 vision, the church plans to visit every member's family to mark its 190th anniversary, ensuring no one is left behind.

"We want to visit all families of church members this year. Not one family should be left behind," he said.

The church, with 186,865 members at the close of 2024, aims to increase membership to 190,000 by the end of the year and eventually reach 200,000.

"The church is supposed to grow. If the Holy Spirit is moving, the church should be growing as well," Reverend Turagavou added.

Two major pillars will guide the church's efforts in 2025: ecological justice and collaboration with other Christian denominations.

He also commended the Government for the appointment of Mosese Bulitavu as Minister for Environment and Climate Change.

"We are thankful for this appointment and hope to work closely with him," he said.

Reverend Turagavou also urged greater unity among Christian groups to reach those outside the church.

"Let's take away the name of the church and work together for lost souls," he said.

The president called for increased evangelism to tackle pressing societal issues such as crime and drug abuse while growing the church's influence.

"We need more outreach. There are many outside the church who need our help," he said.

He encouraged members to use the Year Planner, engage in daily scripture readings, and embrace a prayerful life to strengthen their spiritual journey.

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