Wasewase Ko Viti Kei Rotuma, Celebrates 10 Years!
As one of the speakers at the inception ceremony of Wasewase ko Viti kei Rotuma I Niu Siladi, in 2013, I was invited to preach 10 years later, in a Service of Worship and Thanksgiving, to begin the Day. Co-director of Mission Resourcing Rev Siosifa Pole blessed the occasion with prayer.
In the late 1980s, the Fiji Advisory Committee (FAC), was initiated to oversee the journey of only a few Fijian Methodist families. More than 20 years later, the FAC became Wasewase ko Viti kei Rotuma I Niu Siladi. I acknowledge the leadership of the late Past Vice President Susau E. J. Strickland QSM, who was the Convener of FAC for many years.
Susau, a few years later, started a Prayer Group for the Rotuman Methodist families in Auckland, which grew into the Kingsland Rotuman Methodist Congregation. In sharing this story it is important to highlight history repeating itself. The FAC and Rotuman Methodist Congregation, has sprouted a shoot from the house of the late VP Susau Strickland. In 2023 her granddaughter TeRito Peyroux-Semu, became the second Vice President of the church, from the Rotuman and Fijian whanau of Te Hāhi Weteriana.
The FAC would not have been able to plant the seeds from which we bear fruit today, without the loving commitment, support and sacrifices of outstanding leaders. We pay tribute to Rev Kuruwere, Rev Mosese Naivolasiga, Rev Mike Yasa, the late Rev Jone Lagi, and the late Rev Dr Sevati Ilaitia Tuwere. We salute them all and their families as we celebrate the fruit of their labour.
In 2010 the Rev Peni Tikoinaka and his family arrived in New Zealand and joined the leadership of FAC. Rev Peni took upon him the call into ministry in Aotearoa, travelled the motu to take services and offer pastoral care, and looked after congregations in Whanganui, Wellington, and Christchurch.
At the inception of Wasewase ko Viti kei Rotuma I Niu Siladi in 2013 at Wesley Taranaki, Wellington, Rev Peni Tikoinaka was inducted as its first Superintendent. Rev Peni has since, faithfully led the National Synod with passion, and ensured that Wasewase nurtured young men and women to become Presbyters and lay leaders of the Fijian and Rotuman communities and within Te Hāhi.
In 2022, Rev Peni and Wasewase celebrated the Induction of Rev Alipate Livani as the first NZ trained Superintendent of Wasewase ko Viti kei Rotuma. Under the jurisdiction of Wasewase at its inception, there were four parishes nationwide, with seven congregations. Synod Superintendent Peni had the assistance of two Presbyters, Rev Dr Tuwere and the Rev Rupeni Balawa, both since deceased.
At its 10th Anniversary, Wasewase celebrated growth into six parishes, with 19 congregations. There are now six Presbyters, five of whom were trained in NZ. With one final year Ministry student, Wasewase is hopeful of working with seven Presbyters in 2024.
Looking ahead, Wasewase is committed to making changes, to be relevant. A three-year Strategic Plan theme is “Building Capacity of Growth, Impact and Sustainability”. A Vision Statement says, “A community of believers practising their faith to bring about the desired Spiritual, Social and Economic Change.” And a Mission Statement says, “We will strengthen our structure and operation to create a conducive environment for a better relationship with God and displaying our faith through work to bring others to Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit.”
God bless Wasewase ko Viti kei Rotuma with many more decades to come.
