Narewa Methodist Church Service Hymns | Sunday 8 September 2024

Nisa Bula (Hello to you all),

Currently in Fiji on a family holiday.

Attended Sunday Holy Communion Service today at Narewa Methodist Church, in the village of Narewa, home of the chiefly and tribal owners of Denarau. The Divisional Head Minister of the Nadi Methodist Division, Reverend Josefa Sewale, preached on the Theme: ‘Standing uprightly in God in the face of today’s challenges’ - Bible reading Acts 20: 1 - 12.

These are some of the Hymns sung at the Service today. Beautiful voices and singing with a lot of reverence. Though all sung in the Fijian language, the tunes and messages are universal for all of us.

The singing reminds me of our pioneer Honiara Wesley United Church Choir Master late Uncle Pana (Panapasa Balekana) and late Aunty Ma (Matila Balekana), both originally from Fiji who became naturalised Solomon Islanders and who composed the National Anthem of Solomon Islands. Together with their daughter the late Sister To (Torika) and their son Atu, they dedicated their lives in serving the people of Solomon Islands in the fields of Public Works, Economy, Education, Public Service and above all in the Church. Brother Atu is the current Honiara Wesley United Church Choir Master.

Yesterday, we had the opportunity to make an emotional visit and pay our respects at the grave sites of late Aunty Ma and late Sister To at Sigatoka. There was cloud cover at the home village of Ratu Tasere (husband of late To) when we arrived. Shortly after we arrived at the grave sites, there was a Ray of Sunshine that shone through the clouds onto the grave sites. There and then, we knew that Aunty Ma and Sister To were happy we were there. We said a short prayer before we left the grave sites.

Vakalougata Taki Iko Na Turaga (God Bless you). Kalougata Na Siga Tabu Ni Turaga Kei Lomani Macawa (Have a Blessed Sunday and a Blessed Week).

Vinaka Vaka Levu (Thankyou Very Much), Moce (Goodbye) Na (and) Sota Ta Le (See You Again).