With the help of Mere & Kili’s Christchurch family and friends, our church community had the great pleasure to host a wonderful celebration as our Sunday Gathering on 27 January 2019. The Knox Hall was full for the blessing of the marriage of Kili and Mere, and the baptism of their cherished son, Bati. It was followed by a sumptuous Fijian banquet. Many people participated in the service, led by Jill van de Geer (marking the last she will lead in her 3-year ministry with us).
And what a joyous occasion this was, mixing the Kiwi with the Fijian throughout! In particular, I valued the use of traditional mats, upon which Kili, Mere and Bati stood, representing their Fijian homeland, and yet standing also on our current Christchurch Central Methodist Parish turangawaewae in the Knox Hall.
Thank you, Kili, Mere and Bati, for inviting us to share this special occasion with you. I have been richly blessed as a result of getting to know you over these last two or so years.