A turtle and birds have provided unexpected encouragement to the Paddle for Hope team during a challenging first week on the waters of Viti Levu, according to Reverend James Bhagwan.
Mr Bhagwan and fellow paddler, Graham Taylor are paddling along the Coral Coast waters.
The team has spent its first week paddling from the National Sailing Centre in Suva, stopping at communities including Muaivuso, Togoru, Lomary and Navutulevu, before continuing towards Tagaqe
Rev Bhagwan said the five-day journey had been physically demanding, particularly when the team encountered strong winds and currents on Wednesday.
But he said moments of exhaustion were met with what felt like signs of encouragement from nature.
“As we were paddling, getting tired and about to give up, a turtle, a vonu, would pop up as if to encourage us or guide us in the right direction,” he said.
“Or one of the great birds would fly down over us and encourage us, and so it’s been a very special time.”
Rev Bhagwan said the experience had reinforced the spiritual message behind Paddle for Hope — caring for God’s creation and protecting Fiji’s oceans, rivers and coastlines.
He said the team had been warmly received by communities and churches along the way, with members of the Catholic, Methodist and Anglican churches participating in the initiative.
“It’s been a really good five days of paddling, and we are so grateful for all the communities that have supported us along the way,” he said.
Rev Bhagwan said plastic pollution remained a major focus, with the initiative creating opportunities for communities to discuss waste, single-use plastics, recycling and practical ways to protect their environment.
He said the ecumenical nature of the initiative was also significant, bringing different Christian denominations together around a shared responsibility to care for creation.
The Paddle for Hope programme has included coastal clean-ups, recycling training, community talanoa, prayer and reflections on the Season of Creation.
Rev Bhagwan also acknowledged the support of the Pacific Conference of Churches team, land crew and logistics team, who prepare communities and coordinate activities ahead of the paddlers’ arrival.
He paid special tribute to lead paddler Graham Taylor, describing him as the team’s “paddling captain” on the sea.
Rev Bhagwan said the team would continue its journey around Viti Levu with the message “SUP against SUP — Stand Up Paddling Against Single-Use Plastics.”
“The paddle continues,” the team said in its Week One recap, urging communities to protect their waters, reduce waste and inspire action for future generations.
