Why Fiji First?

Bula Vinaka!

In September 1999, I was making plans to lead a School Intercession, Worship and Spiritual Warfare (SOIWSW) in Fiji. Having problems making arrangements, I had a time of fasting, asking God to speak to me about this school. I heard him say, "Fiji is my treasure. Fight for it!" At that moment, I heard God's heart for Fiji.

Then, near the end of the school, I received a vision (like watching something on a TV screen). I was looking at a bare green hill when suddenly warriors with clubs and spears came running down into the foreground. I noticed that they were mostly Fijians, though some were Melanesians. As they assembled in the front row, I saw a mix of all other Pacific Islanders filling the rows behind until the hill was completely covered. After pondering and praying more, I felt the Lord was telling me to pray, especially for the Fijian men of today, to stand up and take on leadership roles for the great commission. I continue to do that weekly, and invite you to join me if you feel the spirit's prompting. 

Fijians were known as "fierce jungle fighters" for their physical robustness and boundless bravery during World War II. "Fiji's "unsung heroes" of UK Army." BBC One Minute World News. (Tuesday 9 November 2004). 

Map of Fiji, Undated by nathanh100 is licensed under CC BY 2.0

A brief introduction to past missionaries

The first Christian missionaries to Fiji were three Tahitian teachers from the London Missionary Society, (LMS) in 1830.  In 1835, the Wesleyan Missionary Society from Australia started to work in Fiji; they saw fruit from their labour in 1854 when many notable chiefs became Christians, followed by many other converting to Christianity. As the churches grew, they also began to go out as missionaries to other places including northern Australia, Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. "How First Christian Missionaries Arrived in Fiji." Fiji Sun Newsroom, (14 August 2008).

Thomas Baker (6 February 1832 to July 1867) hailed from East Sussex, England and was a Wesleyan Methodist Church missionary to Fiji. He was known as the only missionary in that country to be killed and eaten along with seven of his Fijian followers. The incident occurred in the Navosa Highlands of western Vitu Levu in July 1867. "Nabutautau Village, Navtusila." Fijian History, (updated 22nd August 2020).

The seven Fijians massacred were Setareki Seileka, Sisa Tuilekutu, Navitalai Torau, Nemani Raqio, Taniela Batirerega, Josefata Tabuakarawa and Setareki Nadu. Two other men Aisea and Josefa Nagata escaped the massacre. In 2003, Baker's relatives visited the village for a tradition Matanigasau (reconciliation ceremony). The purpose of this ceremony was for the descendants of Baker's murderers to offer an apology to the deceased missionary's family members. "Eaten Missionary's Family Get an Apology." BBC One Minute World News, (Thursday, 13th November 2003).

For photos of Thomas Baker visit Fiji Museum

Martyred in Fiji, The Reverend Thomas Baker