Methodist Church In Fiji And Rotuma & Comunidad Evangelica Metodista Del Paraguay

This week our prayer journey takes us to two very different regions of the globe — the vast Pacific islands of Fiji and the heart of South America in Paraguay — where Wesleyan Methodist communities are faithfully following Jesus and serving their neighbors.

Methodist Church in Fiji and Rotuma

The Methodist Church in Fiji and Rotuma is the largest Christian denomination in the country, shaping the spiritual and cultural life of the nation. It grew out of the Wesleyan movement in Australia and became autonomous in 1964. The Church has held significant influence and is considered one of the three “pillars” of Fijian society, alongside the Vanua (traditional chiefly system) and the Matanitu (the state). With approximately 212,860 members worshiping in around 2,860 congregations served by 430 pastors, they have five main emphases: evangelism, education, economic development, ecological justice, and empowerment. 

Under the leadership of President Reverend Dr. Semisi Turagavou, the church is currently focused on “elevating the standard” of its service to the people. From managing over 50 schools to addressing critical social issues like drug abuse and domestic violence, the Methodist Church is woven into the very fabric of Fijian life. This year, they are celebrating 190 years of Methodism in the islands, moving forward with a vision to “move Christ’s Church to another level.”

WME has a wonderful history of collaboration with the Methodist Church of Fiji and Rotuma. Most recently, we held an evangelism seminar in 2024 where over 1000 people gathered for in person training, and over 120,000 joined for the live stream.

Comunidad Evangélica Metodista del Paraguay (CEMP)

In South America, the Comunidad Evangélica Metodista del Paraguay represents a growing Methodist witness led by Bishop Eligio Genes Fernández. The Evangelical Methodist Church of Paraguay grew out of missionary work in the 1940’s, and the first Methodist worship gathering in Paraguay was held in 1988. Since then, the church as an autonomous body saw a significant new beginning in 1989 following the end of the national dictatorship. The church has grown into a community of roughly 1,025 baptized members, with a wider community reach of about 2,499 through ministries, congregations, and outreach efforts.

The CEMP focuses on holistic ministry that combines evangelism with other ministries such as education and health services. They are a “hands-on” church, known for their medical clinics and community kitchens (comedores) that serve children in the streets. Because a significant portion of the Church consists of youth and children, particularly young new believers, there is a strong emphasis on discipleship and leadership development. Like most Churches in our Wesleyan Methodist family, the CEMP follows the Wesleyan-Arminian theological tradition, emphasizing the authority of the Bible and a “holiness message” that focuses on the power of the Holy Spirit in a believer’s life. Bishop Genes often speaks of the church’s current season as one of “re-learning” the doctrines of John Wesley — refocusing on the unique Methodist balance of personal piety and social action.

A Prayer

Gracious God, we thank You for the many congregations in Fiji and in Paraguay. Though they are separated by the vast Pacific, they are united by the same “warmed heart.” Bless their leaders with wisdom and discernment. Encourage their congregations as they follow Your call to serve and love. May Your Spirit continue to guide them in discipleship, outreach, and justice and may their witness continue to transform their nations from the inside out. Unite us across continents as one global Wesleyan family, rooted in grace and sent in mission. Amen.