The Methodist Church in Fiji and Rotuma is mourning the passing of the Reverend Iliesa Naivalu who, as general secretary and spiritual leader, worked to strengthen Christian unity in the country.
He passed away on Friday, December 17. Mr Naivalu served as an executive member of the church’s social welfare department and also served as general secretary of the Fiji Council of Churches.
Last year, he was appointed general secretary of the Methodist church.
Methodist Church in Fiji president the Reverend Ili Vunisuwai said the church “has lost a true and faithful servant”.
He said the church was mourning the passing of a committed servant.
He said Mr Naivalu had stood the test of time and left behind a legacy that generations would remember.
“We are hurt by his sudden demise but we thank God for a life well-lived,” he said.
Mr Vunisuwai said his prayer was that God would continue to raise people of such calibre from his family and the church.
He said the funeral gathering would begin at the church residence at Pender St in Suva on December 27.
Mr Naivalu’s body would then be taken to his village in Yalobi, Yasawa, on Wednesday, December 29 before being laid to rest on Thursday, December 30.
He is survived by his wife, four children and seven grandchildren.
