News from Marriage Ministries International New Zealand

Cross Over - Families of Faith
South Pacific MMI Conference

Three couples from New Zealand went to the first South Pacific International Conference in Fiji on 31 August -1 September 2006 and they thoroughly enjoyed the Fijian experience and hospitality as well as the excitement of new direction. The Fijian National Directors, Matai and Mei Niumataiwalu, and their great team organized the conference which had the theme “Crossover, Family of Faith.” Special visitors to the conference were Mike and Marilyn Phillipps, founding couple of Married For Life, from Denver, Colorado, USA. Several couples were also present from Australia, most of them area directors, accompanying National leaders Neil and Jane Rookes.

Those from New Zealand were National and South Pacific leaders, Russell and Kim Lines, Waikato area leaders, Willie and Ingrid Turner, and BOP leaders, Murray and Janet Fookes. It was a first time trip to Fiji for both the Turners and the Fookes but it is not expected to be the last. They had a wonderful holiday time besides the conference, enjoying balmy spring weather with warm breezes. As tourism is Fiji’s second largest industry (second to sugar cane) they are well set up with great resorts and lots of service is available. On the day after the conference a number of attendees went on a boat trip together, organized by Matai and Mei, to South Seas Island where free drinks, a lovely lunch and activities such as canoeing and underwater-viewing of fish, both by boat and snorkeling, were available. There were also massages available, and lots of time to lounge in sun or shade and talk to our heart’s content.

If there’s one word we learned on that trip it was “Bula”. Almost everyone you saw greeted you warmly with “Bula” which means hello but the word was used in many contexts…even the brightly coloured “island” shirts they wear are called Bula shirts! Many of the Fijian couples wore matching Shirts and dresses which are the usual Sunday wear for many. (It was easy to remember who was with who!)

The theme “Crossover, Family of Faith” permeated the whole conference, especially in the testimonies of God’s faithfulness. The aim was to strengthen and empower Marriages and families to cross over to the promises of God. We were all encouraged to hear from God and step out in what He is doing. The Children of Israel had the Red Sea open for them but going into the Promised Land they had to actually step into the water before it ceased flowing. We all sensed He is ready to take the Ministry on.

The symbol of the Conference was an outrigger canoe which was on the T-shirts and sulas (wrap around skirts for men or women) available for purchase there. The two hulls of the outrigger symbolized husband and wife and the necessities they need to pull together to carry their family in the direction God indicates. The family crosses over into full commitment to The Lord Jesus Christ, an exciting journey indeed.

Some snap shots from Fiji.