3 minute read
Community Life in Fiji
Bula my friends, Cassie here.
If we haven't had the pleasure to meet yet my name is Cassie, I am a current student, under the Christchurch Diocese, at St John’s College where I am completing my preordination training. Since becoming a Christian, community has become a very important part of my faith. In all honesty I have struggled to see how it can’t be, as faith and community seem intertwined.
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On my recent four–month trip to Fiji, I not only witnessed radical loving communities but also had the privilege to become a member of such a community. As part of this stay, I volunteered and joined the St Christopher’s orphanage which is run by The Moana Community of Saint Clare, which is under the Anglican Church of Polynesia. Currently two nuns are running the day–to–day life of the home, both practically and spiritually. It is home to 25 children ranging in age from three months to 18 years old.
It was a privilege to spend time with the Sisters. Together we prayed, shared many meals, exchanged many stories and gosh, did we laugh! Most days I would head home almost in tears, in awe and gratitude at seeing God working and moving through the people, and especially through the Sisters. They model a selfless life of faith, love and trust to these children every day. The Sisters explained to me that love is what holds their community together, the call from God to love your neighbour and to love all. Love brings these children together, to the Sisters and to the workers from across Fiji, to become a community and family for people that might otherwise be lost. In Fiji I noticed that community looks and feels deeper than what many people in New Zealand ever experience. Your community is your family, both in the village, in the city and at St Christopher’s home. Community comes naturally, with my new friends explaining to me, “it’s just who we are”, “it’s how God created us to be”. The Fijian people are known for being some of the friendliest and most inviting in the world and I found this to be true. I often would reflect on how biblical it felt. Right from the beginning God created us to need each other. Throughout the Old Testament we read about worship, gathering and living as intergenerational communities. Jesus continues to teach the importance of community, especially when it comes to love.
I witnessed communities with a deep love for God that bound them together, living in a posture of absolute thankfulness. Their possessions might have been few, but together as a community they were thankful for every blessing. I witnessed an attitude of generosity and sharing of resources, food and time without even thinking. It was inspiring to me. Spending time with and creating relationships with the Sisters and the children challenged me about how I and we can support our Fijian community, both physically and spiritually.
Cassie being welcomed by her new nieces in true Fijian style.
I would like to leave you with a question to ponder on: What communities do you belong to? And, are you practising radical love to your neighbour?
Cassie, Sister Lango, Sister Kalo, Marama, Gary, and Alanah at St Christopher's, when Cassie's parents visited Suva and St Christophers and delivered laptops and other fundraised material.
Cassie, Sister Lango, Sister Kalo, and Takape at St Christophers as they farewelled Cassie Rev Amy's farewell at the Mast, Anglican Diocese offices in Suva.
