Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have gathered to celebrate a remarkable milestone, 70 years of the Church’s presence in Fiji, with the launch of a commemorative book capturing seven decades of faith, service, and growth.
The 70th Anniversary Book, covering the years 1954 to 2024, preserves the memories and stories of Fijian Saints who helped establish and strengthen the Church across the islands.
Speaking to fijivillage News, Second Counselor of the Suva Fiji Stake Presidency, Naveen Datt, whose story is featured in the book, highlights the Church’s Home Centred, Church Supported initiative.
He says it reinforces accountability and independence among parents in raising their children — a principle that helps address issues of neglect and strengthen families.
Datt emphasizes that the Church has long focused on the importance of families, founded on the belief that “families can be together forever.”
He shares his gratitude to his father, who joined the Church in 1963, saying that decision greatly influenced his own life and behaviour toward others.
Datt also reflectes on his time as a missionary from 1992 to 1994 in the Fiji Suva Mission, describing the experience as life-changing.
When asked how his two years of missionary service influenced his life, he says,“Two years of mission gives ten years of opportunity.”
He explains that his mission helped him develop communication and interpersonal skills that have been valuable in his professional life, including his work at Communications Fiji Limited.
Meanwhile, Senior Missionary Coordinator, Sulueti Kama, says the book is inspired by the phrase, “We are who we are because they were who they were.”
She describes it as a gift to future generations, a record of faith and sacrifice that will continue to inspire.
Kama emphasizes that reflecting on the faith of early pioneers helps believers live more faithfully today and trust in their divine future.
The book was produced by a small volunteer committee — Elizabeth Sikivou, Mere Diloi, Eileen Waradi, and Ropate Diloi who dedicated long hours over several months to compile and edit the 170-page volume.
Their work began in January 2025 and was completed in May, following many days of prayer, teamwork, and devotion.
Kama describes the project as a “labour of love,” undertaken to preserve the history and faith stories of the Saints in Fiji and remind future generations of their great heritage.
