Monday, July 9, 2012

The Next Generation of Fiji Methodist Historians

It was a delight while in Fiji recently to find the state of Fiji's Methodist history scholarship in good condition. It was not so long ago that we tragically lost Dr Tevita Baleiwaqa when he was approaching the culmination of many years of fruitful research in his role as History Lecturer at Davuilevu. Now the succession is well under way. The recently retired Head of History at Davuilevu, Rev. Jolame Lasawa (also Deputy Principal at Davuilevu), has now commenced doctoral studies at USP - his topic being the History of Fiji Methodist Church since its independence in 1964.
The new Head of History is Rev. Peni Cabenalevu (pictured at Viwa), recently graduated with a Masters in Theology from Pacific Theological College. Peni's thesis topic was a study of Ratu Ravisa (Varani) and the influence of the island of Viwa on Fiji's political and religious scene from 1848-1855. Peni is also a very  knowledgeable student of his native language.  Teaching alongside Peni is Rev. Ilimeleki Susu - from the western side of Viti Levu (Sabeto). Susu's B.D. thesis on Fijian dissenters from the west (people such as Navosavakadua and Apolosi) covered a lot of new ground with an excellent component of oral history. His Master's thesis was on Methodist Theological Education (PTC) up to 1972.
Completing a talented young quartet is Ms Kirstie Barry, Australian born and with impeccable missionary connections (both Waterhouses and Leleans). Kirstie has become fascinated with the life and work of her great grand Uncle, Arthur Lelean, who served as a missionary in Ra and Ba from 1918 to the end of the 1930s. While obviously influenced by her Christian upbringing, Kirstie brings to bear on her topic a sharp intellectual mind and her writings (currently nearing the end of doctoral study)  will add a fresh and deep dimension to our understanding of Fiji Methodist History.

Sunday, July 8, 2012

Celebrations on Viwa, 13 June 2012

I have just returned from a 7 week stay in Fiji, during which time I attended the celebrations on Viwa for the 200th birthday of John Hunt (born in Lincolnshire 13 June 1812). There were many memorable moments on that day at Viwa, not least the weather which was true to the wet side of the island - rain all day. The locals brushed it off, describing it as an important history lesson in showing what the missionaries had to put up with. The Viwa people were perfect hosts, taking the visitors into their homes for morning tea before delivering them to shelters for the official welcome to Ratu Epenisa, a direct descendant of Seru Cakobau. Also there were chiefs from the major confederations as well as Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi. The church's top executive were in attendance and the whole occasion was hosted by Rev. Peni Cabenalevu, a talatala from Viwa itself.
Highlights of the day included singing from the Centenary Choir, the cutting of a cake to honour the birthday of John Hunt and the unveiling of a plaque commemmorating the ministry of Hunt and his wife Hannah on the island of Viwa from 1842-8. Central to the day was the launch of John Hunt's original translation of the Fijian New Testament, printed by the missionary printer, Rev. Thomas Jaggar, on the island of Viwa in 1847. Hunt was assisted in this translation project by a number of first generation itaukei converts, including the man described by Hunt as Fiji's first theologian, Noa Koroinavugona.

It is heartening to report that the republication of this New Testament has captured the imagination and appreciation of the Church, the talatalas and the people. The New Testament is selling well, not least because of the hard work of Tauga Vulaono and her husband, Save Nacanaitaba. They have jointly financed the first print run of the New Testament and have marketed it through the media. Requests for the New Testament have come from beyond Suva and Tauga and Save will be responding to these requests so that the New Testament gradually becomes known around the islands.




In Suva copies are available from the Methodist Bookshop and the shop will accept orders as well for multiple copies.