CWM-TIM 2023

We all come from churches, so we all have expectations and understandings of church from our own contexts. On our first Sunday, we head to Centenary Methodist Church. It is a large church and we are a bit early. This gives us a chance to settle and observe.  TIMs are encouraged to become disciplined at ethnographic participant observations. This means, we always ask the questions afterwards: - what did you see? - what did you hear? - how did you feel? - what did you observe? etc...   At Centenary, one of the key features is the choir, who blessed us with a rendition of Lift up ye heads from Handel's Messiah. We joined in the hymns and were welcomed. Amelia brought a greeting and Fijian blessing. Most of the beautiful singing was a capella (unaccompanied) but full of rich harmonies. The preaching was by the Past-President, who very graciously gave us a summary of his sermon in English. He was reminding us that we are in the Pentecost season and encouraging us to live in the Holy Spi

 A SPIRITUAL CONNECT TO THE FIJIANS PICTURE: Fayaka in front of Ratu Finau Canoa      AS I entered this place, immediately I felt   a   chilling breeze right on my flesh, and my     soul was certain that this place is sacred. One of the members from one of the groups that are also attending a workshop in PTC asked us about the experience we had as he claimed that "I heard that you went to the Museum... how was it..?" Involuntarily, the first words that came from me were that - "You should go. We met the ancestors of the Fijian indigenous people there, they are welcoming!" "Wait! What..?! Are they mummified??! He exhaled! In laughter I responded; that no! What I meant actually is that when you enter the Voyagers Fiji Museum you immediately feel a wind running on your skin as if you've entered a sacred place (if you know what I mean), and actually, that's how the museum is treated by the people of Fiji - Sacred Place. For me, in the Museum my attention wa

 As teachers, we would always believe that a child should always have toys to play with at an very early age. This allow them to use their creativity while developing the dexterity, imagination and emotional strength. Seeing this in the Fijian museum amazed me and with a thankful heart to the missionaries, they knew and acknowledged the needs of the children present during their teaching.  Imports and Exports were not exercised at the time hence the use of what was available from the surroundings to build these beautiful handmade dolls. Reminiscing on my younger days, the joy of receiving a Barbie doll to play with was all I wanted for Christmas.  Therefore, imagine the joy that I had when playing with my dolls and the joy these young Fijians felt when they saw  these hand-made dolls by the missionaries. It is an experience that I will always remember!

If you want to know about culture and tradition of a country, you must visit the museum of that country at least once. In this way, you about a country in less time. So when I went to the museum in Fiji, the thing that I like the most is the atmosphere there. It was very clean, quiet and beautifully decorated. Here, the independence of Fiji, which country they were under, how their livelihood was, all that was written and arranged. In particular, there was an idea about their life was with nature. And if you go a little inside, you can see  information about Indians. They came to this country, and we see how they got a place to live here, Some information about their life journey is also given in that small room. The saree caught my attention because it is a part of our native culture. So after seeing everything, when I went to the exit door, I saw a shop there too. Apart from 📚, there are also some local items that you can buy. We had a good time there and learned a lot.

 Leaving home was never too easy however God's blessings comes in different forms. Opportunities always comes with blessings and along the way there will be obstacles, these obstacles tests my faith on whether  I am a firm believer of our Lord Jesus Christ or a sinner whom will never allow Jesus Christ in her life. A goodbye to Parents, families and friends was hard whilst strengthened me to serve God's calling believing he's always there to provide. What an amazing God we serve! From Samoa to Fiji was a God's call within another call consequently a priority was set straight and had to focus. Arriving in Fiji confused me in ways and as always, everything was set accordingly to his plan.  Thankfully the support system i received provided me  comfort and care as they were my own blood. On another note, Fiji's surrounding and green scenery overwhelmed  and gave me the thought of an enjoyable 6 months ahead with my brothers and sisters in Christ. Looking forward to what

From King Williams Town (SA) to Suva (FIJI) ------------------------------------- We  often think that opportunities in life are set to be received and enjoyed by a particular group of people, those whom we may identify as the privileged in all sort of ways. My so beloved late Grandmother Nontobeko Fayaka, gave me an inheritance that no man can take away from me; Faith in Jesus Christ . Through troubles and tribulations she would say to me when I start to loose hope in Xhosa; "Umzingisi akanashwa" which is translated to mean "Those who persist knows no misfortunes". ------------------------------------------------------- Picture A: UPCSA - Amathole Presbytery Fellowship of Youth Bro. Fayaka Send-Off & Special Senate @ St. Andrews ------------------------------------------------------------------------ The cancelation of the TIM 2020 was a blow for me because it meant a turning point for me in my life, my family, and those who supported my journey because they be

The first time when I saw Shark Rattle, I thought it served the same purpose as Bear Bell. In Taiwan, when we go mountain climbing,  especially some higher mountain, we were suggested to bring the bear bell. When it make noise, bears will know there are people here and won't come close. But when I searched for shark rattle, it serves a completely different purpose. A Shark Rattle made from eight coconut shell halves threaded on a stick loop. When we placed it in the water and shaken vigorously, the noise is said to sound like a shoal of fish. These will attracts sharks to come. So the fisherman can catch them.

Museum talks about our people's past, reminds the present generations of the their ancient cultures and traditions. Many times we forget our roots, cultures and indigenous elements which are overridden by modern elements.  This museum is really a eye opener and wonderful place. Lot of historical things, cultural items, their ancient boats, vessels, clothes etc were preserved in that museum. Fijian history and it's relations which was influenced by colonization of British empire had a great impact on Fiji in all ares and levels of live which is observed through things displayed.    Came to know about Indio- Fijian relationships in the past and how Indians came to Fiji and settled down here, transfer of knowledge and other skills and techniques. How Fijian people accommodated foreigners in their land, their cultures, their traditions etc. Most importantly caught my attention, missionaries who came to this small beautiful island to share the gospel of Christ- a burden, urge and co

                                               ALL GLORY AND HONOR TO GOD ALONE In all our anxieties, confusions, worries we tend to doubt "is it possible/ will it happen". In our vulnerable moments we as humans doubt  ourselves  and even God. But the one who chosen us has everything in his control, it's not me, it's God. God's Love, grace, mercy surpasses all my understanding and leaves all others at wonder. I applied for CWM TIM 2023 program and eagerly waiting for the results to come- some where the doubt, will my dream of going to Fiji comes true? Is it possible?. Somewhere deep inside inner voice comforting me by saying If God want me to go ,then i will go, if He doesn't want, then it will not happen.  All the through the process i can feel the invisible hand of God who is guiding and leading me and protecting me.  Its my first international travel as alone, from Kolkata to Singapore to Nadi to Suva. After seeing other participants at Singapore airport ga

I was very excited about this TIM program, but my family was more excited than me. They kept asking me about this program, then about my passport and visa.  It was hard to my family, but after coming here, I really liked the way the people here took to themselves at first. At first, there were problems with food and weather, but with time everything got better. Hopefully, I can apply what I am learning here to my personal life and my church.

 By Tai-Li (Taiwan) & Tamatoa (Māòhi Nui, French-occupied Polynesia) Tamatoa's personal perspective: Leaving home and coming to join TIM Program is both excited and sad for Tamatoa.  To participate in a whole new journey is excited, but it's also hard to leave from family for a long time. Especially the members who have a strong connection with Tamatoa. But when they keep encouraging and praying for Tamatoa, it can keep Tamatoa moving forward for God's Mission. His prayer:  God, thank you for having brought us safely in Fiji, in our new place and met all these people. May You God, guide us everyday during this journey. Tai-Li's personal thought: Having applied for TIM in 2020 but canceled because of Covid-19, Tai-Li felt very worried to attend the TIM 2023 because of changing plans, context and mentality. Thank God ! When he arrived in Fiji, everything is perfect.  Tai-Li wishes God can keep leading him during his whole program in TIM especially for his English.

Story of Indo - Fijian Experience  Girmit - The Agreement Life in India for many people at the time was tough. Babies born during that time could expect to live, on average, for just 24.5 years. Lack of rain and poor management of resources by the British Government resulted in widespread famine. Food and jobs were scarce. The Indo-Fijians arrived in Fiji in 1879 with 463 laborers, and between 1879 and 1916, over 60,000 Indians landed in Fiji for Girmit. The agreement was for five years of indentured labor, and after five years with many choosing to remain in Fiji and become their home, leased land from iTaukei and developed their own sugarcane fields or cattle farms.   

 On Saturday night, the PTC Family welcomed us with a warm welcome, showcasing Fiji's Kava culture. They welcomed us with a Bula garment, garland, Sulu, oil, and perfume. We introduced ourselves and enjoyed a delicious dinner together.

  I was waiting for that day. Although I know I will miss my family very much, I am very excited to meet my new friends over there in Fiji.  I had a good journey through out the flight especially in Fiji Airways got a sleeper coach.  Once we arrived in Nadi had wonderful welcome with the song with Bula (welcome) after that in Suva we were welcomed by a shell ornament. It’s a wonderful first experience for me.