The Methodist Church in Fiji is calling on congregations across the country to unite in prayer for rain and drought relief tomorrow, Sunday, as water shortages affect thousands of people across Fiji.
Church President Reverend Dr Semisi Turagavou has declared November 15 a Day of Prayer for Rain and Relief, urging every congregation, circuit and household to pray for rain, affected communities and those responding to the worsening El Niño drought.
In a message to the nation, Rev Turagavou said the latest National Emergency Operations Centre report showed that 19 of the 44 water sources monitored nationally were in a critical state.
He said Vaturu Dam had fallen below its critical level, with water restrictions already introduced for families in Nadi and Lautoka.
Villages in Kadavu, Lomaiviti, the Yasawa Islands and Macuata were also running short of water, with about 26,100 people already affected.
“Our maritime communities are depending on vessels to bring them water,” he said.
Rev Turagavou said the situation should not create fear but should encourage Fijians to prepare wisely, support one another and remain faithful.
“We do not say these things to frighten you. We say them so that we may be wise, and so that we may be faithful.”
He reminded Fijians that the country had experienced droughts, cyclones, floods and sickness in the past, and encouraged people to draw strength from their faith while taking practical steps to prepare.
“Faith and preparation are not opposites. Trusting God does not mean ignoring wisdom,” he said.
He urged households to store water safely in clean, covered containers, use water carefully, follow Water Authority of Fiji restrictions and ensure drinking water was boiled or treated when its safety was uncertain.
He also warned families to maintain proper hygiene during the dry period, saying waterborne diseases such as diarrhoea and typhoid could spread easily.
However, the Methodist Church president stressed that preparation should not lead to hoarding.
“Take only what you need. Prepare, but do not hoard. Your neighbour’s need is as real as your own,” he said.
Rev Turagavou also called on churches and communities to extend assistance beyond their congregations, particularly to elderly people, persons living with disabilities, sick people and families with young children.
He said church halls, parsonages and church water tanks could be used to support affected communities.
“Where your church has water to spare, share it with the whole community, not only with members,” he said.
He also appealed to people with trucks, boats, water containers and tanks to make them available where needed, particularly for maritime communities.
The church president urged Fijians to support Government agencies and frontline workers responding to the crisis, including Water Authority of Fiji crews, the National Disaster Risk Management Office, health workers and vessel crews.
He called on every congregation to pray for rain in the right measure, the restoration of water sources, affected villages and islands, and wisdom and compassion among national leaders.
“I call on every congregation, every circuit and every home to join together in prayer,” he said.
He said prayers should continue beyond Sunday in families and church fellowships as the country faced the prolonged dry conditions.
Rev Turagavou closed his message by reminding Fijians of the importance of unity, generosity and looking after one another during difficult times.
