FAMILY DAY CELEBRATIONS 2010 RAKES IN $60,000.00

History was created when the dust settled at the Saru Grounds this afternoon. Tears flowed freely and cheers of thanksgiving filled the air when our Acting Senior Pastor and Chairman of the organizing committee, Talatala Kitione Sanoko announced the spoils of our love offering to our God.

Shortly after the announcement, Brother Saiasi led us in worship by singing, "we have overcome" .... a song surely fitting for the occasion. The atmosphere was awesome and all glory is God's and God's alone.

Looking around the ground, I saw people of all ages, ...... sitting side by side enjoying the moment. This are moments that stick because it was meant for all to enjoy. Well, thats exactly what family day celebrations are all about.

Acknowledgements go to the organizers who worked so hard under trying conditions to put together the best family day celebrations yet. We also thank the Civil Servants of Lautoka who took it upon themselves to be guests at the opening of the celebrations. A hearty Vinaka vakalevu goes to the Methodist church choirs who responded to our invitation last night. We also acknowledge the strength of the Divisional Pastors who led their troops so well during the two days. But I surely cannot go past acknowledging the loyalty of the faithful members of LFT.

Since moving to Lautoka in June 1989, one thing that has always touched my heart is the faithfulness of our members. This inner secret has taken us through thick and thin over the years and is manifested in their ability to stand by their Pastor over conditions of all nature to build a mega church that we so proudly worship in today. God has always been their source of strength.

FAMILY DAY 1 CONCLUDES IN STYLE

We arrived home shortly before midnight last night following the late finish of day one of the family day celebrations. Despite the late finish, we still had time to sit as a family to reminisce the manner and spirit of this years celebrations.

I must say, that I was personally impressed with the efforts of the organizing committee. They were given a free hand to map out and organize the celebrations as they wish and what a job they have done.

What made the day even more exciting is the invitation extended to special guests who responded in style. First we saw the Fire Authority personnel come in and do their thing. Im sure you will have noticed them in some of the pictures we posted earlier.

Then came a representative from the Bio Security department. This is the formerly known Quarantine department. At the moment, the country is facing the risk of Termites infestation,... more so in the Lautoka area. The gentleman that came gave us a special presentation and insight into what the department is doing to try and control this recently known pest attack.

But the grand finale was the arrival of the Methodist Church choirs. Oh boy...... what an occasion. The singing was just awesome and we thoroughly enjoyed each others company.

The invite broke down imaginary walls that existed for many years and to provide coverage for everyone, the media department put out a large screen at the grounds outside with the sound system covering miles. Our live webcast on yahoo messenger was provided for those that can not make it and what made the coverage more exciting was the insistence of some British Army solders serving in the Border of Turkey for us to also provide coverage on Skype. Creative as they were, our boys somehow linked yahoo messenger with Skype to allow them this privilege. Upon hearing the voices of the choirs, they felt so uneasy and stood up with the excitement of connecting to home.

Sometimes, denominational barriers limit us to our comfort zone and it takes special people with vision and foresight to break those barriers. Our organizing committee are included in this list.

I also acknowledge Rev Viliame Naivalu's presence at the Division 4 stall. He responded to their invitation to be their guest for the day. He came with Sis Maca and Maggie.

As I'm typing this post, I can hear Mr MC's (Waqa Sanimo) voice in the background running through the programme of Day Two of the celebrations.

Today we will have the Family singing competition, Mens Fellowship Dance competition, Kids sports, Adult sports and the widows queen competition. Oh boy,... will we have fun....

I better pen off here and attend to some delicacies out there in those stalls.

EARLY MORNING GUESTS

In the midst of the Family Day celebrations, our Acting Senior Pastor Rev Kitione Sanoko, hosted the Lautoka Rugby Team to a prayer meeting this morning.

The team plays a power house Nadroga team later this afternoon in the semifinal of the yearly contested national rugby cup championship match.

It was a pleasant sight to see some of our church members in the team and Rev Laisiasa Tora is also part of the team officials.

CHOIR SINGING COMPETITION

NIGHT ACTIVITIES