These were the true heroes, commended for their faith, yet they lived in hope without receiving the fullness of what was promised them. But now God has invited us to live in something better than what they had—faith’s fullness! This is so that they could be brought to finished perfection alongside of us. Hebrews 11:39-40 (Passion Translation)
In 1875 during a Measles epidemic in Australia, three Fijians there came down with the disease. On returning to Fiji, the colonial administrators elected to not quarantine the ship that the three convalescents had travelled on, a decision that proved disastrous for a previously unexposed population. In 1875–76, an epidemic of measles killed over 40,000 Fijians, about one-third of the Fijian population. (For more info see History of Fiji - Wikipedia)
In August of the same year, a mission to New Britain (largest island of the Bismarck Archipelago, in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, in Papua New Guinea) was launched, just forty years after the first Wesleyan missionaries Cargill and Cross brought christianity to Fiji's shores in 1835. It was just months after the tragic measles epidemic in Fiji. Reverend George Brown the Methodist missionary, appealed to the students of Navuloa Methodist Mission School, to embark on spreading the Christian gospel to their Melanesian brethren. Reverend George Brown, emphasised to the zealous native Fijian converts the dangers involved in missionary work and pointed out that they might well be going to their deaths.
Eighty three students who attended the mission school were present and heard Brown's appeal. They were cautioned to consult with their wives and families in deciding to volunteer for the mission. It is recorded in the Fiji Methodist Church which was then governed by the New South Wales Australia Wesleyan synod, that the whole student body enrolled at Navuloa, offered to go and spread the faith.
The colonial government of the day was not keen on the mounting of the mission, most probably wanting to limit out-migration of natives as the population had been devastated by the measles epidemic earlier that year. So a hand-picked few were finally chosen by Brown and cleared by the colonial government. They left the shores of Fiji, true to their evangelical calling, some never to return. By 1876 the new mission field in New Guinea which originally consisted of fourteen teacher's stations had been divided into two areas, one under Rev. Aminio Baledrokadroka and the other under Rev. Sailasa Naucukidi.
Martyrdom
Two Leaders Who Stood Out
In the year 1878, Reverend Sailasa Naucukidi journeyed inland from the northern coast of New Britain with a small party preaching the Gospel. On April 6th at Tanaka, Reverend Naucukidi was suddenly attacked and slain, and his body dismembered and cannibalized. Consequently, three other Fijian missionaries; Reverend Livai Naboro, Reverend Peni Luvu and layman Timoci Baravi were slain at Talakua in what is now Tungnaparau. Reverend Luvu managed to break free from the ambush after he defended himself with a club he grabbed from one of the attackers. He sadly did not reach his Vunela home as he was met along the way by Chief Talili who after offering him a kalau, beheaded him while he was having a drink. After the tragedy, the remains of the missionaries were later repossessed by Rev. Dr. George Brown, who with local converts carried out retaliatory actions for the murders. At the end of a six-day campaign, those responsible for the killings and cannibalizing of the Fijian missionaries surrendered.
The following list reads like the genealogies in the Bible that we so often pass over but as the writer of this blog, I invite you take the time to read, and even try to pronounce the names (or at least the first names). Let’s thank God for these very brave Fijian men and women who served HIM faithfully in missions many years ago.
Pioneering Native Fijian Missionaries to Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands
1. Aminio Baledrokadroka, departed Fiji Aug. 1875 for New Britain, returned accompanied by wife Lavenia Tupou in 1885.
2. Ratu Livai Volavola, departed Fiji Aug. 1875 for New Britain, returned accompanied by his wife in 1889.
3. Ilimotama Ravono, departed Fiji Aug 1875 for New Ireland, married and married a wife from New Ireland.
4. Peni Luvu, departed Fiji Aug. 1875 for New Britain, martyred in 1878. His wife Lavenia returned to Fiji 1878.
5. Mitieli Vakaloloma, departed Fiji Aug 1875 for New Britain. He died at sea in 1881. His two wives died in New Britain.
6. Pauliasi Bunoa, departed Fiji Aug. 1875 for New Ireland. His wife Seini died in 1883. He returned in 1884 and died in 1918.
7. Timoci Lesei, departed Fiji Aug. 1875 for New Britain, died November 30, 1875.
8. Penisimani Caumia, departed Fiji for New Britain Aug. 1875, returned 1881. His two wives died in New Britain.
9. Sailasa Naucukidi, departed Fiji for New Britain 1876, martyred 1878. His wife Mere returned to Fiji 1878.
10. Peni Raiwalui, departed Fiji for New Britain 1876, died 1881. His wife Naina returned to Fiji 1883.
11. Sociceni Raquru, departed Fiji for New Britain 1876, returned in 1878 accompanied by wife.
12. Sioni Ratunikula, departed Fiji 1876 for New Britain.
Matthew 9: 36-38 (Passion Translation)
When he saw the vast crowds of people, Jesus’ heart was deeply moved with compassion, because they seemed weary and helpless, like wandering sheep without a shepherd. 37 He turned to his disciples and said, “The harvest is huge and ripe! But there are not enough harvesters to bring it all in. 38 As you go, plead with the Owner of the Harvest to thrust out many more reapers to harvest his grain!”
Please take a moment to pray that young Fijians would once again tap into that bravery in their DNA and venture out to the nations with the Gospel.
Further Reading:
The Deep Sea Canoe by Alan R Tippet Chapter 2 The Missionary Call. page 41 - 43
* referring to the story above- Dr Brown head of the mission board.
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