“Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having been freed from a guilty conscience!”
Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.(Hebrews 10:22,NIV)
Fiji
》 Country Profile
Continent | Oceania
Population | 940,000
Area | 18,274㎢, comprises over 330 islands in southeastern Melanesia, Western South Pacific.
Capital City | Suva (178,000 people)
People Groups | Total 33 groups – Fijians 52%, South Asians 36%, Others (Vanuatuans, Solomon Islanders, Chinese) 11%
Unreached People Groups | 1 group (0.5% of the population)
Official Language(s) | English, Hindustani, Bau Fijian
Total Languages | 24
Bible Translations | Completed 16, New Testament 2, Partial 3
Religion | Christianity 64.3% (Protestant 39%, Catholic 14%), Hinduism 28.6%, Islam 4.3%, Non-religious 1.5%, Ethnic religion 0.3%, Evangelical 26.3% (247,000 people)
》 About Fiji
Fiji was first sighted by Dutch explorer Abel Tasman in 1643. European settlement began in the 19th century during a time of internal tribal conflict. Britain colonized Fiji in 1874, and Fiji gained independence in 1970 as a Commonwealth nation. Indo-Fijians, originally brought as laborers by the British, gradually gained control of the economy. This led to tensions with indigenous Fijians who held political power. Indigenous-led coups followed, and Fiji temporarily withdrew from the Commonwealth. After years of instability, democratic elections were restored in 2014. Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu became President in November 2024.
Fiji is one of the most developed Pacific island nations. Its economy is built on forestry, mineral resources, fish, bottled water exports, tourism, and remittances. Bottled water, mostly exported to the U.S., is its top export. Tourism recovered to pre-pandemic levels in 2023, and GDP grew by 8 percent. Trade deficits have continued to grow. Fiji’s GDP per capita is approximately $6,288.
》 Scripture Focus
| Hebrews 10:22-25, 35-39(NIV) 22 Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. 35 So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. 36 You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. 37 For, “In just a little while, he who is coming will come and will not delay.” 38 And, “But my righteous one will live by faith. And I take no pleasure in the one who shrinks back.” 39 But we do not belong to those who shrink back and are destroyed, but to those who have faith and are saved. |
》 Prayer Points
1. Methodism was once central to native Fijian Christianity, but political and ethnic entanglements caused spiritual decline and church division. In recent years, signs of renewal have appeared within the Methodist Church, while Pentecostal churches have grown rapidly, bringing fresh spiritual energy and transformation. The Fiji Council of Churches, formed after the 2000 coup, continues to lead efforts toward unity and reconciliation. Fiji once sent missionaries across the Pacific and continues to do so through groups like YWAM, WEC, the Christian Medical Fellowship, and Deep Sea Canoe Mission. Let us pray that the gospel takes root deeply in Fiji, freeing hearts from guilt and drawing people to God with full faith.
2. Fijian Indians are one of the largest unreached groups in the Pacific. Though only 3 percent are Christians, more are coming to faith. Let us pray for the gospel to reach South Asian communities, including Gujaratis, Punjabis, Sikhs, and Muslims. CEF, Scripture Union, and Youth for Christ are working among children and teens, while IFES and Campus Crusade are discipling students. Let us pray that young people across the Pacific are transformed by the gospel and rise up in full commitment to Christ and His mission.
French Polynesia
》 Country Profile
Continent | Oceania
Population | 297,000
Area | 4,167㎢, comprises over 130 islands scattered across a vast area in the central South Pacific.
Capital City | Papeete (136,000 people)
People Groups | Total 13 groups – Polynesians 78%, Chinese 12%, French 10%
Unreached People Groups | 0
Official Language(s) | French, Tahitian
Total Languages | 11
Bible Translations | Completed 3, New Testament 1, Partial 4
Religion | Christianity 83.8% (Protestant 22%, Catholic 55%), Non-religious 13.6%, Ethnic religion 1.5%, Islam 1%, Evangelical 6.1% (18,000 people)
》 About French Polynesia
French Polynesia is a French overseas collectivity in the South Pacific. It was first seen by Europeans when Magellan sailed past in 1520. In the 19th century, small kingdoms like Tahiti were gradually annexed by France. The people were granted French citizenship and the territory is classified as an overseas land of the French Republic. France began nuclear testing again from 1995 to 1996, but stopped after international protests.
French Polynesia is a self-governing republic under French sovereignty. The French president is the head of state. Moetai Brotherson has served as President of French Polynesia since May 2023.
The economy shifted after 1962 when France stationed military forces. Tourism, public services, and construction now dominate the economy. From 2015 to 2020, France provided about 80 million US dollars per year to support infrastructure, marine development, cultural heritage, and environmental projects. Japan, the United States, and China are its top trade partners. Tourism provides around 20 percent of jobs. Services make up about 75 percent of GDP. Agriculture and fishing remain mostly subsistence-based with some export of coconuts, pearls, vanilla, and shell materials.
French Polynesia’s GDP per capita is approximately $22,774.
》 Prayer Point
1. In French Polynesia, the Maohi Church, founded by the London Missionary Society, is in decline. Many Catholics have also stopped attending worship. Under the influence of tradition and materialism, the region is facing serious issues such as sexual immorality, prostitution, alcohol addiction, drug abuse, and family breakdown. The Mormon Church has been growing for more than 150 years and now accounts for about 13 percent of the population. Let us pray that the churches will be renewed by the gospel and become channels of salvation and transformation for those who are lost in false teachings, superstition, and compromise with the world. Let us pray for churches to be raised up to preach and teach the gospel to youth, women, and to French and Jewish people who desperately need it. May French Polynesia not shrink back and be destroyed, but become a people who live by faith and are saved.
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