The Reverend Behind The Powerful Sermon

Reverend Lal Mohammed has taken social media by storm, and even the ChatFiji forum, known for its notorious posts, is sharing his thought-provoking sermon.

His sermon has left much to ponder, not just for the Methodist Church, but for all Christian denominations and beliefs.

Reverend Lal preached using three iTaukei dialects alongside English – Lauan, Nadroga, and Bauan.

This masthead met Reverend Lal  on Friday at the Vodafone Arena in Suva.

Fiji Sun: How did you learn iTaukei language?

Reverend Lal: I was born in Lau, where there were very few Indians, so we spoke in the Lauan dialect. When we moved to Nadroga, I began speaking the Nadroga dialect, and later Bauan. Growing up in a village setting in Nakalavo, where my father was a qase ni lotu (lay-preacher), we used the dialect in our church and daily life. The iTaukei language was not new to us. My father was born in Lau and went to Adi Maopa Secondary School, where he gave his life to Jesus. Through him, we all became Methodists. Although our name might be Muslim because of our background, we never practiced Islam.

Fiji Sun: How did you prepare your sermon and why?

Reverend Lal: I based my sermon on the theme of the conference, reading through the Bible to find verses that aligned with this theme. Sometimes we stray from God’s spirituality, so I highlighted a few issues we all face. These issues should not be hidden but rather enlightened.

Growing up in the church system, I am familiar with its nuances. The Holy Spirit inspired me to speak the truth of the day urging us to awaken our spirits and restore the image of Christ, especially with the Methodist Church being the largest denomination in Fiji.

I am grateful to God for giving me the platform to preach the truth of Jesus, to reflect, and to embody the image of Christ as we move forward.

Fiji Sun: Did you always want to be a reverend?

Reverend Lal: It was a desire I had from a young age. I worked on farms and in garment factories, and this desire grew stronger. I often accompanied my father to his preaching engagements, which planted the seed in me. There came a time when I felt called to serve my Indo-Fijian brothers and sisters who are lost in the world today.

I asked my father if I could transit from serving the iTaukei Division to the Indian Division of the church. Even though I initially didn’t know how to speak Hindi, the Holy Spirit taught me.

Fiji Sun: Divisions served?

Reverend Lal: I have served in Sigatoka, Navua, Nadi Circuit, Labasa, Rakiraki, Dilkusha Indian Circuit, and now in the Dudley Circuit.

Fiji Sun: Personal life?

Reverend Lal: My wife was a Hindu when I married her, but God touched her heart, and she converted and gave her life to Jesus. We have two children a daughter and a son.

Feedback: wati.talebula@fijisun.com.fj