May 22 - Pray for: Fiji

Fiji's social challenges are real - alcoholism and broken homes are major social ills that need to be addressed nationwide. But just as challenging are political issues – the vulnerability of Fiji to coups as well as ethnically-charged and divisive politics. There were four coups between 1987 and 2006. After earlier coups, Indo-Fijians were targeted, but more recently both sides feel themselves as targets of injustice. The current political environment and structures exacerbate the racial divide. Pray that Fijians would find ways to self-govern without military interference, and in a spirit that brings reconciliation and racial harmony rather than strife or prejudice. Many Christians are convinced that the Church has solutions to these problems, but it needs to rise to the occasion. The growing numbers of new believers from Hindu (and also Chinese) backgrounds demonstrates to Fijians that perhaps Christ is the answer, and the growth offers hope, momentum, and expectation.

The Methodist Church has been the de facto state church in Fiji for 150 years as well as the faith of the majority of ethnic Fijians. It has also been tightly aligned with the nation's political structures - to the detriment of the gospel. Methodism's past failure to adequately condemn the endemic racism and racially motivated coups has prompted splits within the Church. A lack of spiritual vitality has spurred a large-scale exodus to newer denominations. But there has also been change in recent years as issues of renewal and reconciliation have come to the fore. Pray for new life and right priorities for this highly influential denomination.

New churches with spiritual dynamism and evangelistic vision have surged in growth in the last decade; Pentecostal groups are the most notable among these. Also within the Methodist, Anglican and Catholic churches are strong evangelical/charismatic movements. There are many claims of great revival in Fiji, and there is undeniable fruit of God at work in remarkable ways, as individuals, communities and even the environment see transformation.

• Mission vision. Fiji was once a hotbed of mission-sending throughout the Pacific. This legacy is being revived as YWAM, WEC and CMF have been prominent in channeling Fijians to mission fields around the world. The Deep Sea Canoe Mission seeks to foster a missions vision. Pray for existing missions and for a greater future of Fijian missionary investment.

Less-reached peoples. The Indians of Fiji form the largest non-Christian community in the Pacific. As few as 3% of them claim to be Christian. The greatest challenges for Indian-majority churches are developing (and retaining) mature and experienced leaders and integrating with the rest of the body of Christ.