People need to turn to hope during increasingly difficult times marked by rising inflation, cost-of-living pressures and the ongoing drug crisis.
This was the message shared by New Methodist Christian Fellowship Fiji senior pastor Ophia Sansara Sanday during the church’s Global Conference in Suva.
Ms Sanday said the conference was aimed at bringing hope to people and reminding them to turn to their faith during difficult periods.
“We know that we live in a very difficult time,” she said.
“Things will never get easy. Inflation is up, prices are up, cost of living is up. No matter the good job you have, you still see people struggling.
“If there’s anything that we want to offer, it’s hope.”
Ms Sanday said the church’s message was that people should not feel discouraged or fall into despair when facing family, marriage, children or financial problems.
“We just want to advocate that Jesus is the answer.
“Turn to him. Our parents might not be there, our church pastors might not be there, because at the end of the day, we are all human, but God is there.”
She said the Global Conference was organised differently this year, with a stronger focus on families.
The conference opened last Sunday before moving into a youth program on Monday, which drew more than 1500 young people.
Ms Sanday said Tuesday’s program focused on children, while Wednesday was set aside for a missionaries’ reunion involving those currently serving and those who had served from 2005 to 2026.
She said Thursday focused on men and boys, while Friday night was dedicated to women and girls.
The final official night of the conference was dedicated to couples and also served as the closing ceremony.
Ms Sanday said Sunday’s service (today) would be a farewell service, where members would gather to worship together before leaving Suva.
