𝗙𝗜𝗝𝗜 𝗠𝗜𝗦𝗦𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗣𝗥𝗘𝗣𝗔𝗥𝗘𝗦 𝗠𝗜𝗡𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗦 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗟𝗜𝗙𝗘 𝗕𝗘𝗬𝗢𝗡𝗗 𝗔𝗖𝗧𝗜𝗩𝗘 𝗦𝗘𝗥𝗩𝗜𝗖𝗘

What is your retirement plan? Are you financially prepared? Have you discussed your future with your spouse? How will you maintain your health and a positive attitude? And most importantly, how will you continue fulfilling God’s calling after retirement?
These were among the important questions raised during the Fiji Mission Retirement Meeting held at the Conference Centre in Suvavou today, bringing together ministers approaching retirement to reflect on their future and prepare for the next chapter of their lives.

Addressing the ministers, Fiji Mission President Pr. Epeli Saukuru presented a message centred on the theme, “Retiring with Grace, Not Disgrace.”
The President emphasised the importance of preparing for retirement spiritually, financially, physically and emotionally, rather than waiting until the final years of active ministry.

The meeting also acknowledged that retirement can sometimes be experienced as a shock or personal crisis, particularly when ministers have devoted much of their lives to serving the Church. For some, the transition can bring uncertainty, disappointment and difficulty adjusting to life beyond formal pastoral responsibilities.
However, the consultation sought to challenge this perspective by presenting retirement as a biblical principle and a natural transition within God’s purpose for His servants.

Rather than viewing retirement as the end of their usefulness, ministers were encouraged to recognise it as a new season of life in which their experience, wisdom and spiritual leadership can continue to bless families, churches and communities.
The meeting also aimed to encourage every minister to develop a practical retirement plan while helping Fiji Mission establish a healthier culture of retirement, where preparation begins early and the transition is approached with dignity, gratitude and faith.

Fiji Mission Ministerial Secretary Pr. Leone Tubuna called on church members to remember retiring ministers in their prayers, particularly those preparing to conclude their years of active service.

He encouraged the Church to support these ministers as they enter a new chapter, recognising that while their formal responsibilities may come to an end, their calling to serve God remains.
The Fiji Mission extends its appreciation and best wishes to ministers retiring this year and those preparing for retirement before the conclusion of the current quinquennium.
Their years of faithful service, sacrifice and commitment to the Gospel remain an important part of the Church’s mission and history.