This article is archived. Some links and details throughout the article may no longer be active or accurate.

Many roads in Fiji are impassible since Category 5 Tropical Cyclone Winston tore through the peaceful region on Saturday and Sunday, making it nearly impossible for Foursquare leaders to contact some of our 76 pastors and workers, or the more than 900 Foursquare members who live in Fiji.

In the worst storm to ever hit the South Pacific, 29 people in Fiji have been reported dead, and many residents have lost their homes, crops and possessions.

“The cyclone changed its course and passed on top of the north and western part of Viti Levu,” says Ron Dinesh, son of National Leader John Dinesh of The Foursquare Church in Fiji. His family home in Lautoka sustained roof damage, and Ron knows it could have been much worse.

“Lots of damage,” Ron says. “It’s the worst Fiji has ever experienced; everything is pretty much in chaos.” Ron reports there is no electricity, and it could take weeks to restore power.

Even if roads were open, trying to reach loved ones is a challenge for anyone, including our Foursquare family, according to John Dinesh. Motorists sit in long lines waiting for fuel, and many petrol stations cannot keep up with the demand due to insufficient backup generators.

But, as the government allows John, his son Ron and others to access public roads again, they plan to drive to each Foursquare church until they have contacted every pastor.

“As Fiji just suffered the most devastating cyclone in its history, we have an opportunity to respond to critical immediate needs of food, water and shelter—all through the local churches in Fiji,” shares Chad Isenhart, international operations chief for Foursquare Disaster Relief.

Foursquare Disaster Relief (FDR) is ready to partner with the Foursquare family and churches to do this. Giving now to FDR allows trained responders and local leaders to respond immediately and to be ready when they get word from our leaders in Fiji about the effects of the storm and the needs on the ground.

Foursquare Disaster Relief and Foursquare Missions International (FMI) Area Missionary Jerry Stott are coordinating efforts to assist John Dinesh and the pastors he serves, as well as victims and their families with immediate needs.

Foursquare churches in the affected communities also will serve as temporary shelters for residents whose homes have been damaged or destroyed, and FDR and leaders on the ground will determine the most effective way for teams to assist with future cleanup and recovery efforts.

Help make a difference for people in Fiji.

Pray for Those Affected by Cyclone Winston

  • Pray for people who are searching for loved ones.
  • Pray for pastors who are reaching out to people who have suffered loss.
  • Pray for first responders who tirelessly work to help people in need.
  • Pray for resources to recover and rebuild this beautiful island nation.

Donate Now to FDR Response in Fiji

Help FDR to mobilize clean water, food and shelter for victims of Cyclone Winston in Fiji. Help reach out and care for our Foursquare family, and others who live near our pastors and churches. Donate now to International Relief in Fiji.

Go With FMI to Help in Fiji

Opportunities to serve in Fiji with short-term missions teams will be posted as they become available. Bookmark this page, and consider going in the near future to share Christ’s love in tangible ways.

Give Now to Fiji

was an ordained Foursquare minister, Life Pacific University instructor and freelance writer.
Advertisement

Leave a Reply