A testimony by SITIVENI KALOu
Cherish every moment, Savour the experiences, Take note of the lessons,Serve willingly, Give liberally, Love unconditionally; it will never be in vain.
"Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity."
(1 Timothy 4:12)
Please describe yourself briefly? Tell us about Mr. Sitiveni Kalou
I will be 38 on August 6th. I hail from Bureta, Ovalau, and "vasu" to Waiqori, Oneata. I'm the eldest of seven siblings. My interests include reading non-fiction, especially news and life interest publications. I also enjoy the odd movie with friends, but haven't actually been to the movies this year.I also love bus riding (if that's a proper term) ; and to de-stress, I sometimes just hop on the Nasese bus, and take a 30 minute ride along the scenic route; before going back to the office. I have mostly worked in the finance industry, and until recently was employed with a micro-lending company. Currently, I am engaged full-time with a political party. I made the decision to follow Jesus Christ as a Form Five student on December 5th, 1992; at a Scripture Union Camp, and have never regretted that decision. I worship at Wesley City Mission Church.
You were a member of SUIS in High school (1992-1995) and continued to serve at SU consistently until this year, what was the reason for your continued involvement with Scripture Union?
SUIS or CF as it was known back then, was a sanctuary for me. Being a student leader at high school; I found that SUIS/CF was the one place, where I could find encouragement from the Word, have true friends (who not only had my back, but cared enough to tell me what I needed to hear; even if it meant a rebuke), and a feedback on how I was functioning in my role.When I left high school, I joined the School Working Group in the Central Division with some school mates as most CF school leavers do after the Annual SUIS Camp. I very quickly saw that Scripture Union was an organization that was doing a whole lot of good and was making a real impact in people's lives; I was after all, an example of this work. As I became more involved, I made strong and life-long friendships; I gained valuable experience; I came to respect the denominational doctrines of others, whilst strengthening my own. God allowed me to witness the impact and difference my own involvement had on life of others. I truly believed that I had found my mission field
You have been the Chairman of Scripture Union Council, what are some of the changes you have seen in SU during this time?
I'd like to think that alot has happened during my time on Scripture Union Council, but the fact is that there is still more to be done. Scripture Union is free of debt, and there are more people wanting to be involved in the work. For most of my tenure, the Council was spending most of it's time trying to arrest and reverse the mounting debt that the ministry was struggling to exist under. I praise God that it was under the leadership of my predecessor; concrete steps were taken that has now resulted in a positive balance sheet. The ministry is now at a place where it can freely and boldly implement long term plans.
What are some challenges that SU faces in terms of its ministry and how has the Ministry addressed that?
Finance remains an ongoing challenge. I believe that the ministry has strong and able leadership that has identified measures that has and continues to address this. The development and maintenance of a strong, committed, and engaged partnership with the wider Church and it's members is key to the viability and sustainability of SU; not only as a going concern, but more importantly as an effective vehicle in the Great Commission.
The strengthening of capacity and systems is another area that is slowly being addressed. Scripture Union's presence or lack thereof, in the regions is a cause for concern. The ministry has resolved to commit itself to having staff presence in the Western and Northern regions in the not too distant future, and strengthening the capacity of it's personnel (staff and volunteers) to meet and and address the challenges; present and future.
Whatever the present or future challenges; I believe that God has placed people in the ministry who able to meet them.
You are now entering politics come the September elections, was it an easy decision to make?
This was one of the hardest decisions that I had to make. Although, I always knew that national politics was something that I would be involved in; I wasn't convinced at first, that this was the right time for me.I was heavily engrossed in the work of SU, and didn't want to leave things half done. I was actually looking at 2018, and resisted many invitations to be involved in this coming elections. A close relative challenged me saying "God has been preparing you for the last thirty odd years for this time; He is calling fore-runners to raise a standard in this election.If you do not consider yourself a fore-runner, then that's fine". I went back home and really prayed to God to give me peace. I made my decision soon afterwards. I want to be a fore-runner; raising a standard for the Kingdom of God.
How has your time serving in the ministry of SU influenced your decision for politics?
I believe that Christians by nature will be interested and even passionate about Government and how policy affects us and things around us. Many choose to portray a public image of disconnection from the general business of government; I was one of them. But deep inside, we all care, we're all concerned. Through my involvement with SU, I have come to witness the slow yet definite erosion of the freedom to propagate the message of Jesus Christ in Government controlled institutions. SU is a training ground for leaders, so it will come naturally that Fiji and the world see more and more leaders come from SU. It is not a new phenomena.
What is your advise to young people serving in the Ministry?
Cherish every moment, Savour the experiences, Take note of the lessons,Serve willingly, Give liberally, Love unconditionally; it will never be in vain.
"Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity."
(1 Timothy 4:12)
Many would find serving especially in a voluntary capacity and in a ministry like SU (with its many challenges) to be for a short while, however you lasted this long (21 years) in terms of serving with SU. Why?
I reminded myself everyday of the reason(s) why I got involved in the first place. I asked God to help me see things and people through His perspective. It helped me through the good and not so good times.
Any other comments.
(1) I committed my life to the Lord Jesus Christ, on the morning of the 5th of December, 1992; at a Scripture Union camp. I have since then also considered myself committed to the propagation of His teachings. These principles include, but is not limited to; the protection of creation, the respect for human dignity, the love of justice, the forgiveness of others, and compassion for the struggling.
Fiji is at an important cross-road in her history. What the people decide this September will have an impact for countless generations.
(2) I would like to share a well known bible verse that has encouraged during some of the darkest and most trying times in my life.
"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart". (Jeremaiah 29:11-13)
Thank you.
God bless Scripture Union
I will be 38 on August 6th. I hail from Bureta, Ovalau, and "vasu" to Waiqori, Oneata. I'm the eldest of seven siblings. My interests include reading non-fiction, especially news and life interest publications. I also enjoy the odd movie with friends, but haven't actually been to the movies this year.I also love bus riding (if that's a proper term) ; and to de-stress, I sometimes just hop on the Nasese bus, and take a 30 minute ride along the scenic route; before going back to the office. I have mostly worked in the finance industry, and until recently was employed with a micro-lending company. Currently, I am engaged full-time with a political party. I made the decision to follow Jesus Christ as a Form Five student on December 5th, 1992; at a Scripture Union Camp, and have never regretted that decision. I worship at Wesley City Mission Church.
You were a member of SUIS in High school (1992-1995) and continued to serve at SU consistently until this year, what was the reason for your continued involvement with Scripture Union?
SUIS or CF as it was known back then, was a sanctuary for me. Being a student leader at high school; I found that SUIS/CF was the one place, where I could find encouragement from the Word, have true friends (who not only had my back, but cared enough to tell me what I needed to hear; even if it meant a rebuke), and a feedback on how I was functioning in my role.When I left high school, I joined the School Working Group in the Central Division with some school mates as most CF school leavers do after the Annual SUIS Camp. I very quickly saw that Scripture Union was an organization that was doing a whole lot of good and was making a real impact in people's lives; I was after all, an example of this work. As I became more involved, I made strong and life-long friendships; I gained valuable experience; I came to respect the denominational doctrines of others, whilst strengthening my own. God allowed me to witness the impact and difference my own involvement had on life of others. I truly believed that I had found my mission field
You have been the Chairman of Scripture Union Council, what are some of the changes you have seen in SU during this time?
I'd like to think that alot has happened during my time on Scripture Union Council, but the fact is that there is still more to be done. Scripture Union is free of debt, and there are more people wanting to be involved in the work. For most of my tenure, the Council was spending most of it's time trying to arrest and reverse the mounting debt that the ministry was struggling to exist under. I praise God that it was under the leadership of my predecessor; concrete steps were taken that has now resulted in a positive balance sheet. The ministry is now at a place where it can freely and boldly implement long term plans.
What are some challenges that SU faces in terms of its ministry and how has the Ministry addressed that?
Finance remains an ongoing challenge. I believe that the ministry has strong and able leadership that has identified measures that has and continues to address this. The development and maintenance of a strong, committed, and engaged partnership with the wider Church and it's members is key to the viability and sustainability of SU; not only as a going concern, but more importantly as an effective vehicle in the Great Commission.
The strengthening of capacity and systems is another area that is slowly being addressed. Scripture Union's presence or lack thereof, in the regions is a cause for concern. The ministry has resolved to commit itself to having staff presence in the Western and Northern regions in the not too distant future, and strengthening the capacity of it's personnel (staff and volunteers) to meet and and address the challenges; present and future.
Whatever the present or future challenges; I believe that God has placed people in the ministry who able to meet them.
You are now entering politics come the September elections, was it an easy decision to make?
This was one of the hardest decisions that I had to make. Although, I always knew that national politics was something that I would be involved in; I wasn't convinced at first, that this was the right time for me.I was heavily engrossed in the work of SU, and didn't want to leave things half done. I was actually looking at 2018, and resisted many invitations to be involved in this coming elections. A close relative challenged me saying "God has been preparing you for the last thirty odd years for this time; He is calling fore-runners to raise a standard in this election.If you do not consider yourself a fore-runner, then that's fine". I went back home and really prayed to God to give me peace. I made my decision soon afterwards. I want to be a fore-runner; raising a standard for the Kingdom of God.
How has your time serving in the ministry of SU influenced your decision for politics?
I believe that Christians by nature will be interested and even passionate about Government and how policy affects us and things around us. Many choose to portray a public image of disconnection from the general business of government; I was one of them. But deep inside, we all care, we're all concerned. Through my involvement with SU, I have come to witness the slow yet definite erosion of the freedom to propagate the message of Jesus Christ in Government controlled institutions. SU is a training ground for leaders, so it will come naturally that Fiji and the world see more and more leaders come from SU. It is not a new phenomena.
What is your advise to young people serving in the Ministry?
Cherish every moment, Savour the experiences, Take note of the lessons,Serve willingly, Give liberally, Love unconditionally; it will never be in vain.
"Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity."
(1 Timothy 4:12)
Many would find serving especially in a voluntary capacity and in a ministry like SU (with its many challenges) to be for a short while, however you lasted this long (21 years) in terms of serving with SU. Why?
I reminded myself everyday of the reason(s) why I got involved in the first place. I asked God to help me see things and people through His perspective. It helped me through the good and not so good times.
Any other comments.
(1) I committed my life to the Lord Jesus Christ, on the morning of the 5th of December, 1992; at a Scripture Union camp. I have since then also considered myself committed to the propagation of His teachings. These principles include, but is not limited to; the protection of creation, the respect for human dignity, the love of justice, the forgiveness of others, and compassion for the struggling.
Fiji is at an important cross-road in her history. What the people decide this September will have an impact for countless generations.
(2) I would like to share a well known bible verse that has encouraged during some of the darkest and most trying times in my life.
"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart". (Jeremaiah 29:11-13)
Thank you.
God bless Scripture Union
Our July Newsletter:
july_newsletter_14.pdf | |
File Size: | 3460 kb |
File Type: |