Tragedy Sparks Revival and Transformation in Fiji

By Jay Esteban
CWNews

June 3, 2005

CBN.com – A prayer movement is changing communities worldwide—they call it 'Transformation.'

It's happening around the globe: Christians praying fervently for God to bless their nations—and it's making dramatic changes.

Transformation expert, George Otis, Jr., will tell us more about this phenomenon in a few moments.

Otis says the Polynesian Islands are one of the hot spots of 'Transformation,' and our report begins with Fiji.

In the year 2000, the nation of Fiji began to experience an astonishing spiritual revival. It happened at the height of a crucial social upheaval when the churches united and interceded for God's intervention.

Since then, this mighty revival has transformed not only individuals but whole villages in Fiji. The Fiji people have been witnessing signs and wonders—even to this day God is literally healing their land.

But before these Transformations took place, Fiji’s people faced severe trials, pain, suffering and even death.

The village of Nataleira is just one of the many villages in Fiji that has experienced a mighty move from God. On this occasion, Christians from different parts of the world flocked to the island to personally witness the revival and hear amazing testimonies of signs and wonders that have taken place in Nataleira community.

Women claimed they saw fire come down from heaven one day, after completing a month-long time of prayer and fasting.

Litia Tikoibua is one of the villagers who saw the fire. She said, “On the last day, of the Healing the Land seminar, Pastor told us we will see a flame as a sign of God's blessing. We came back from fishing and my friend said, ‘Look a flame is falling down from heaven!’ When it reached the sea, the whole place was covered with flame.”

Kalesi Liku also saw the fire. She said, “When I saw the flame, I prayed and I believe God is blessing my village.”

Indeed God did bless Nataleira. According to the villagers, the following day, they were able to harvest plenty of fish from the sea.

Marika Dakuwaqa is the Village Chief of Nataleira. Marika explained, “For the past 15 years, there was no fish. These ladies stay in the water 4-5 hrs and come back with no fish. But now when they go, when they come back, they bring thousands of fish!”

In addition, as a whole, the ecosystem of the land has greatly improved. Chief Marika told us, “Now you find crops! The wild yams are just growing everywhere. The corals down there in the reef, they're growing now, they are growing again.”

But even more important than the restoration of the land and the sea is the healing of broken relationships in the community. It was learned that a tragedy moved the villagers to call upon God and it eventually caused the revival in Nataleira.

A few months earlier, Kalesi's 16-yr-old son committed suicide by hanging himself from a tree. Mele, Kalesi's husband, recounts how their son was driven to take his own life.

Mele Ratei is the father of the boy who committed suicide. Mele said, “He was obedient, 16 years old…didn't take drugs or smoke. The villagers said he raped a young girl, 7 yrs. old. They took the small girl to the hospital but the doctor said no rape. That's why he committed suicide—in our customs, that's very bad.”

This was a wake up call for the people of Nataleira. Guilt, and fear of the consequences of the tragic incident, moved the whole village to repent and unite in prayer. God, in His mercy, heard their cries. Today, love permeates in the community.

Mele Ratei told me, “They came up to me and asked for forgiveness. I forgive them.”

And, Kalesi was released from her fears. Kalesi Liku is the mother of the boy who committed suicide.

Kalesi explained, “Before, when I would think of my son, my heart would beat very fast, because of the fear. I even thought of committing suicide. Now, when I look at the picture of my son, my heartbeat does not change. I'm thankful to God; He's taken away my fear.”

Chief Marika said, “We believe, without spiritual intervention, the fabric of society in our village would have been broken into pieces. But now it's been mended by the spiritual awakening that's taking place in my village.”

Now Mele, Kalesi and all the villagers sing worship songs to God, even outdoors.

To Learn More About Transformation Visit the Sentinel Group Web site.

Translate Page