𝗧𝗘𝗕𝗔𝗥𝗔 𝗗𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗖𝗧 𝗖𝗘𝗟𝗘𝗕𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗦 𝟱𝟬 𝗬𝗘𝗔𝗥𝗦 𝗢𝗙 𝗙𝗔𝗜𝗧𝗛 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗖𝗛𝗨𝗥𝗖𝗛 𝗚𝗥𝗢𝗪𝗧𝗛

The Tebara District of the Seventh-day Adventist Church celebrated its 50th anniversary, marking five decades of faith, evangelism, church planting and the dedication of generations of church members who have contributed to the growth of the Adventist message throughout the district.

Fiji Mission President Pr. Epeli Saukuru delivered the anniversary message, reminding members of the prophetic identity and mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

“Why was the Seventh-day Adventist Church established? We are a prophetic movement,” he emphasised.

Drawing from Revelation 10:10, Pr. Saukuru reflected on the prophetic significance of 1844 in Adventist history, explaining the Church’s understanding of its emergence as a movement raised by God to proclaim His final message to the world.

He reminded the congregation that the Church’s existence is not simply about establishing buildings or increasing membership, but about preparing people for the soon return of Jesus Christ.

“Our Saviour is coming soon,” he declared, calling members to remain faithful to their prophetic mission.

A church planting performance timeline presented during the celebration highlighted the district’s journey of growth over the past five decades.
Records showed that Adventist believers were already present in the area in 1974, before the establishment of churches at Tebara in 1976 and Nakaulevu in 1978. Further developments followed at Dreketi in 1995, Ovea, Drekena and Naqarani in 1998, and Mokani around 2000.

The early years were characterised by gradual but foundational growth, with eight church communities recorded in the period leading up to 2000.
Between 2001 and 2010, two additional churches were established at Nadali in 2001 and Wainibokasi in 2007.

The following decade saw a significant increase in church planting, with nine new churches recorded between 2011 and 2020, including Canutata, Grace, Kiuva, Navaka, Waila, Lokia, Buretu, Naimalaivau and Waivou.
The momentum continued between 2021 and 2026, with seven additional church communities recorded at Naisogovau, Namuka, Vusuya, Vunivivi Indian Church, Nukui, Vuci and Lakena.

The timeline reflected a transition from slow foundational development to a period of stronger expansion, with the district recording more than one new church per year on average during its most recent phase.
Beyond the figures, the anniversary was an opportunity to acknowledge the commitment of pastors, pioneers, church leaders, families and members whose sacrifices helped establish and strengthen the Adventist presence in communities throughout Tebara.

As the district celebrates its history, the message from Pr. Saukuru remains focused on the future: strengthening discipleship, reaching unreached communities and remaining faithful to the Gospel commission.