Published in the Fiji Times on Friday, May 08, 2009
My son, Francisco-Xavier, has a bedtime prayer which he prays every night and often adapts for his morning prayer: "Oh Angel of God, my guardian dear, to whom God's love commits me here. Ever this night/day be at my side; to light and guard, to rule and guide. Amen."
At first when he started to recite this prayer, it was at his hyperactive pace, which is often quite close to the speed of light. However as he started to teach his little sister Antonia, he began to slow down and I was able to hear the words clearly for the first time.
Too often we forget that God has his divine agents at work in this world as well as the many humans who committed their lives to serving him. In doing so we neglect the fact that much of the good we do is not merely our own doing and that those gentle nudges and prods and perhaps the odd firm push in the right direction in our moments of indecision, lack of faith and lapse of courage are the work of angels.
It is easy in an age where angels and the mystical elements of the Divine are subjected to the same treatment as science fiction, to overlook the metaphysical elements of the bible.
In Psalm 34:7 it is written, "The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them." (New International Version)
There was a prophet in the Old Testament, the prophet Elisha. At a certain time he was in a city besieged by a large alien army that was there to take him, to capture him. His servant went up on the roof and pointed out to him the tremendous numbers of the opposing army, but Elisha prayed for that young servant and said, "Lord, open this young man's eyes." And when He opened his eyes he saw the armies of God around about the prophet, far greater in number and infinitely greater in power than those invading alien armies (2 Kings 6: 14-17).
Luke writes, in the Acts of the Apostles, of the angel freeing the apostles from prison and commanding them to continue to preach and teach in defiance of the Pharisees and Sadducees. (Acts 5:17-25).
Derek Prince writes, "Do you believe in angels? I want to tell you that I do. I believe there are myriads and myriads of good angels who are given charge over God's people.
Another passage says that God will give His angels charge over us to guard us in all our ways. I tell you, I believe we need the guardianship, the protection and the support of angels. I'm glad to know that wherever I go there's an angel of God that encamps around about me and he delivers me. I believe that if God could open our eyes we'd see it's true today. Those that be with us are more than those that be with them. We have a great unseen army on our side."
Whenever we feel, alone, dejected and disempowered, be encouraged, take heart and open our senses to the presence of the Lord's angels encamping round about us to deliver us.
May your week be blessed with love, light, peace and the awareness of God's angels in our midst.
* Reverend Bhagwan, an award-winning radio and television producer and writer, is a Librarian and Assistant Lecturer at the Methodist Davuilevu Theological College. All
* Opinions expressed in this article are personal and do not necessarily reflect the opinion and policies of the Methodist Church in Fiji or any organisation that Mr Bhagwan is affiliated with. Email: padrejamesgmail.com
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Response to the recent Fiji blogs reporting on tensions between the military and the Methodist Church in Fiji and Rotuma.
13 May 2009
1. UnitingWorld is in close open communication with the leadership of the Methodist Church in Fiji and Rotuma (MCF) and is regularly briefed on the unfolding situation. This close communication will continue.
2. The MCF has determined to pursue a path of dialogue with the military leadership of Fiji.
3. In the absence of a free and uncensored media much of the news coming from Fiji originates from unofficial blogs. Information purporting to be news may be based on rumours and cannot always be authenticated
4. We are reliably advised that the reported detention of Reverend Manasa Lasaro, former President of the MCF, has not occurred at this time.
5. A statement reported to have been made by the Methodist Consultative Council in the Pacific (MCCP) immediately after Easter is not from the MCCP.
6. We continue to stand in solidarity with the leadership of the Methodist Church in Fiji who we believe have acted responsibly and carefully in very difficult circumstances.
7. We invite members of the Uniting Church in Australia to uphold the President, the Reverend Ame Tugaue, the General Secretary, the Reverend Tuikilakila Waqairatu and the Deputy General Secretary, the Reverend Tevita Banivanua, in prayer.
8. The Uniting Church in Australia must allow the MCF leadership to manage their response and not exacerbate a very complex situation.
Kerry Enright Bruce Mullan
National Director Associate Director (Pacific)
UnitingWorld UnitingWorld
1. UnitingWorld is in close open communication with the leadership of the Methodist Church in Fiji and Rotuma (MCF) and is regularly briefed on the unfolding situation. This close communication will continue.
2. The MCF has determined to pursue a path of dialogue with the military leadership of Fiji.
3. In the absence of a free and uncensored media much of the news coming from Fiji originates from unofficial blogs. Information purporting to be news may be based on rumours and cannot always be authenticated
4. We are reliably advised that the reported detention of Reverend Manasa Lasaro, former President of the MCF, has not occurred at this time.
5. A statement reported to have been made by the Methodist Consultative Council in the Pacific (MCCP) immediately after Easter is not from the MCCP.
6. We continue to stand in solidarity with the leadership of the Methodist Church in Fiji who we believe have acted responsibly and carefully in very difficult circumstances.
7. We invite members of the Uniting Church in Australia to uphold the President, the Reverend Ame Tugaue, the General Secretary, the Reverend Tuikilakila Waqairatu and the Deputy General Secretary, the Reverend Tevita Banivanua, in prayer.
8. The Uniting Church in Australia must allow the MCF leadership to manage their response and not exacerbate a very complex situation.
Kerry Enright Bruce Mullan
National Director Associate Director (Pacific)
UnitingWorld UnitingWorld
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Alipate slapped and kicked out of home for wearing the Black Arm Band
Alipate ITIRD (not his real name) was slaped by his father and kicked out of his own home for wearing the Black Arm Band, on the 2nd May 2009. His father a very high ranking military officer, and famous for his firery speeches and warnings through the media, warned him to take off the BAB at a 'church' meeting. Alipate decides not to, and when they get home, his own father slaps him, swears at him and chases Alipate out of the house. Alipate has since contacted us here at FYU, and we have varified his true story. There are people like Alipate, out there. Making a difference and impacting lives. They know that to claim their future and prove that they can be leaders of today, they have to stand up to the injustices, even if the injustice is in their own home. This is a peaceful protest. And it runs from the 29th of April to the 29th of May. It involves brave people with black arm bands, on the 'Heart' (left) arm. No SPEECHES and no VIOLENCE. Just the start of peaceful resistance. We salute Alipate and the many people out there that choose to wear the BAB. You are all brave people. WEAR the Black Arm Band today.
Friday, May 1, 2009
Fiji-Gold Coast flights suspended in downturn
ABC Pacific News
Last Updated: Fri, 01 May 2009 11:00:00 +1000
Air Pacific says flights between Nadi, in Fiji, and the Gold Coast, in north-east Australia, are being suspended.
The company's chief executive, John Campbell, says the economic downturn has resulted in poor demand and increasing losses.
"We started the service only from the beginning of December in 2008 against what was a reasonably difficult economic climate and the route has never had the chance to establish itself properly," he said.
"They normally take about six to eight months to be established and unfortunately the economic circumstances in both Fiji and Australia have deteriorated further over that time."
He says Air Pacific hope to recommence flights when the economic conditions improve.
Mr Campbell says customers who have already made booking on flights between the Gold Coast and Fiji will be rebooked on the company's daily flights to Brisbane, capital of Queensland state.
Last Updated: Fri, 01 May 2009 11:00:00 +1000
Air Pacific says flights between Nadi, in Fiji, and the Gold Coast, in north-east Australia, are being suspended.
The company's chief executive, John Campbell, says the economic downturn has resulted in poor demand and increasing losses.
"We started the service only from the beginning of December in 2008 against what was a reasonably difficult economic climate and the route has never had the chance to establish itself properly," he said.
"They normally take about six to eight months to be established and unfortunately the economic circumstances in both Fiji and Australia have deteriorated further over that time."
He says Air Pacific hope to recommence flights when the economic conditions improve.
Mr Campbell says customers who have already made booking on flights between the Gold Coast and Fiji will be rebooked on the company's daily flights to Brisbane, capital of Queensland state.
Bainimarama deputy defends poll rejection
ABC Pacific News
Last Updated: Fri, 01 May 2009 14:41:00 +1000
Fiji's acting prime minister, Aiyaz Sayed Khaiyum, has defended the refusal of the country's military leader to abide by an election deadline set by the Pacific Islands Forum.
The regional body says elections must be held this year, or Fiji will be expelled from the forum at midnight on Friday.
Military leader Commodore Frank Bainimarama has said he has no intention of meeting that deadline.
Mr Sayed Khaiyum told Radio Australia's Pacific Beat program it is not the right time for elections in Fiji.
"What we are actually being told by Australia and New Zealand in particular - you must have elections irrespective of the fact that the electoral system is skewed, have elections now and that means democracy," he said.
"Democracy is not simply having elections, in particular when the elections are based on the electoral system that is skewed and does not give you full suffrage. "
Last Updated: Fri, 01 May 2009 14:41:00 +1000
Fiji's acting prime minister, Aiyaz Sayed Khaiyum, has defended the refusal of the country's military leader to abide by an election deadline set by the Pacific Islands Forum.
The regional body says elections must be held this year, or Fiji will be expelled from the forum at midnight on Friday.
Military leader Commodore Frank Bainimarama has said he has no intention of meeting that deadline.
Mr Sayed Khaiyum told Radio Australia's Pacific Beat program it is not the right time for elections in Fiji.
"What we are actually being told by Australia and New Zealand in particular - you must have elections irrespective of the fact that the electoral system is skewed, have elections now and that means democracy," he said.
"Democracy is not simply having elections, in particular when the elections are based on the electoral system that is skewed and does not give you full suffrage. "
Fiji leader defies forum deadline call
ABC Pacific News
Last Updated: Fri, 01 May 2009 14:33:00 +1000
Fiji's military leader has again said he has no intention of meeting a demand from the Pacific Islands' Forum to hold elections this year.
The forum has set a deadline of midnight Friday for Fiji to agree to the poll or face suspension from the regional body.
Interim Prime Minister and coup leader Commodore Frank Bainimarama has made it clear there will not be elections until 2014.
He has told Sky News it is Australia and New Zealand that should be expelled.
"If it was up to me, we would remove Australia and New Zealand from the forum," he said.
Ready to talk
As well, the commodore also says he is prepared to take part in a summit with the two countries.
Both Australia and New Zealand ruled out talks with Fiji's coup leader.
Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd says Fij's's recent actions means he is not taking the offer seriously.
Mr Rudd said: "I don't regard that as a basis for business as usual."
New Zealand's Foreign Minister Murray McCully says an official announcement of suspension from the Pacific Islands Forum is likely in the next couple of days.
But Mr McCully says that doesn't mean that the door will be permanently closed on Mr Bainimarama.
If the suspension goes ahead, it will be the first time in the Pacific Islands' Forum's 38-year history that a member nation has been suspended.
Last Updated: Fri, 01 May 2009 14:33:00 +1000
Fiji's military leader has again said he has no intention of meeting a demand from the Pacific Islands' Forum to hold elections this year.
The forum has set a deadline of midnight Friday for Fiji to agree to the poll or face suspension from the regional body.
Interim Prime Minister and coup leader Commodore Frank Bainimarama has made it clear there will not be elections until 2014.
He has told Sky News it is Australia and New Zealand that should be expelled.
"If it was up to me, we would remove Australia and New Zealand from the forum," he said.
Ready to talk
As well, the commodore also says he is prepared to take part in a summit with the two countries.
Both Australia and New Zealand ruled out talks with Fiji's coup leader.
Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd says Fij's's recent actions means he is not taking the offer seriously.
Mr Rudd said: "I don't regard that as a basis for business as usual."
New Zealand's Foreign Minister Murray McCully says an official announcement of suspension from the Pacific Islands Forum is likely in the next couple of days.
But Mr McCully says that doesn't mean that the door will be permanently closed on Mr Bainimarama.
If the suspension goes ahead, it will be the first time in the Pacific Islands' Forum's 38-year history that a member nation has been suspended.
World Association for Christian Communication (WACC) Statement for World Press Freedom Day May 3, 2009
The potential of media in fostering dialogue, mutual understanding and reconciliation is the theme of the UN World Press Freedom Day 2009.
WACC recognizes – along with many others – that freedom of the press underlies democracy and enhances freedom of expression. The capacity of the ‘fourth estate’ to hold governments and public institutions accountable, to inform and alert the world’s people is indispensible. And never more so than in an age of 24/7 digital communication.
Press freedom is essential for the media to foster dialogue, challenge violations of human rights and the rule of law, and expose corruption. Press freedom is a matter of life and death. Already in 2009, Reporters Without Borders has recorded the deaths of 18 journalists and the imprisonment of 143 journalists and 66 cyberdissidents. Article 19 recently highlighted the plight of women journalists in Yemen, who are subject to censorship and slanderous attacks ‘simply because they are women’. Journalists everywhere must be able to practice their profession without fear and censorship. The resurgence of official censorship in Fiji is of particular concern on this World Press Freedom Day.
Good governance and informed democratic participation depend on a free press. They also depend on diverse and pluralistic media that follow high professional and ethical standards of accuracy and inclusiveness, and that are not beholden to special private or political interests. Only the observance of high professional standards enables the media to hold or gain credibility with the public. A public well served by a highly professional and ethical press is a public that will see value in press freedom.
Thus, media responsibility and accountability in combination with press freedom lie at the heart of democratic processes. With this in mind, civil society media observatories have begun to monitor media content and to critique media ownership and control. Media reform movements in Europe, Latin America and North America underscore the need and desire for an inclusive, diverse, vibrant and fair media free from political and commercial special interests.
When the mass media are free, independent, responsible and accountable can they contribute meaningfully to the life and liberty of the populations they serve. A free press that gives voice to minorities and marginalized groups promotes dialogue and mutual understanding among the different groups in society.
Press freedom in combination with media professionalism and responsibility enables spaces in which to inform and be informed, to debate public-policy making and the way powerful public and private institutions are run. Together they enable alternative points of view and – ultimately – truth-telling in matters of public concern.
WACC stands for communication rights in a pluralistic society. We believe that press freedom in combination with media professionalism, responsibility and accountability is vital to open dialogue and debate in a world of diversity. Media practitioners and civil society can work together to bring this about.
The Rev. Randy Naylor
General Secretary, WACC
____________________
WACC promotes communication for social change. It believes that communication is a basic human right that defines people's common humanity, strengthens cultures, enables participation, creates community and challenges tyranny and oppression.
WACC recognizes – along with many others – that freedom of the press underlies democracy and enhances freedom of expression. The capacity of the ‘fourth estate’ to hold governments and public institutions accountable, to inform and alert the world’s people is indispensible. And never more so than in an age of 24/7 digital communication.
Press freedom is essential for the media to foster dialogue, challenge violations of human rights and the rule of law, and expose corruption. Press freedom is a matter of life and death. Already in 2009, Reporters Without Borders has recorded the deaths of 18 journalists and the imprisonment of 143 journalists and 66 cyberdissidents. Article 19 recently highlighted the plight of women journalists in Yemen, who are subject to censorship and slanderous attacks ‘simply because they are women’. Journalists everywhere must be able to practice their profession without fear and censorship. The resurgence of official censorship in Fiji is of particular concern on this World Press Freedom Day.
Good governance and informed democratic participation depend on a free press. They also depend on diverse and pluralistic media that follow high professional and ethical standards of accuracy and inclusiveness, and that are not beholden to special private or political interests. Only the observance of high professional standards enables the media to hold or gain credibility with the public. A public well served by a highly professional and ethical press is a public that will see value in press freedom.
Thus, media responsibility and accountability in combination with press freedom lie at the heart of democratic processes. With this in mind, civil society media observatories have begun to monitor media content and to critique media ownership and control. Media reform movements in Europe, Latin America and North America underscore the need and desire for an inclusive, diverse, vibrant and fair media free from political and commercial special interests.
When the mass media are free, independent, responsible and accountable can they contribute meaningfully to the life and liberty of the populations they serve. A free press that gives voice to minorities and marginalized groups promotes dialogue and mutual understanding among the different groups in society.
Press freedom in combination with media professionalism and responsibility enables spaces in which to inform and be informed, to debate public-policy making and the way powerful public and private institutions are run. Together they enable alternative points of view and – ultimately – truth-telling in matters of public concern.
WACC stands for communication rights in a pluralistic society. We believe that press freedom in combination with media professionalism, responsibility and accountability is vital to open dialogue and debate in a world of diversity. Media practitioners and civil society can work together to bring this about.
The Rev. Randy Naylor
General Secretary, WACC
____________________
WACC promotes communication for social change. It believes that communication is a basic human right that defines people's common humanity, strengthens cultures, enables participation, creates community and challenges tyranny and oppression.
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