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THE HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF THE CONSULTATON

 By Rev'd. Dr. Daniel Mastapha

Since the last 60 years Indians from Fiji has been emigrating to Canada, U.S.A and England. Since the last 30 years they have been emigrating to New Zealand and to Australia in large numbers. Among them a lot of Christian people including Methodist have gone to many overseas countries. In 1988 and in 1989, the Fiji Indian Methodists  in Australia and in New Zealand started to form their own congregations and fellowships, with the exception of Vancouver, which started in 1975. Many of the members have also joined local churches wherever they have settled.

In January 1988 Rev Dr Daniel Mastapha was appointed to Merthyr Uniting church New Farm in Brisbane. In June of the same year a monthly Hindi speaking fellowship was started at this church, since then, there was a church established in Sydney, Melbourne and in Auckland.

In 1990 an international fellowship of the Hindi speaking congregations was formed. This was a loose fellowship just to keep in touch with one another and to support the Indian church in Fiji.

In October 1992 the first consultation was convened in Brisbane and all the fellowships in Australia and in Fiji were well represented. At that time there was a vague idea whether it should continue or not. Then in the 1^st consultation the delegates agreed unanimously that the meeting together should continue and Mr John Sami of Auckland agreed to have the 2^nd consultation in 1994. So in 1994 Rev'd Ted Grounds and Mr John Sami convened this consultation and it was very well attended at Dominion Methodist church in Auckland.

In 1996 Rev. Dr. Daniel Mastapha retired from Brisbane and came to live in Sydney and the 3^rd consultation was held at the Ermington Uniting Church, convened by Rev'd Dan Mistry and Mr Christopher David. This 3^rd consultation was well organized, well attended and well represented.

So far Vancouver had not joined in, so in 1997,  Rev'd Victor Williams came over to Sydney and Padre Mastapha and he had a long discussion regarding the formation of the International Hindi Fellowship.

In 1997 the 4^th consultation was held in Dudley church Suva to mark the centenary of the arrival of Miss Hannah Dudley to Fiji. This was convened by Rev'd Anil Rueben and Mr George Stephen. In this consultation the Rev'd Victor Williams succeeded Padre Mastapha as the International Co-ordinator and in 1999 he convened the 5^th consultation in Vancouver.

In 2001 the 6^th consultation was held at Top Ryde Sydney, convened by Rev'd Dan Mistry and Mr James Hari Pal. This was also well attended and well represented. The International Co-ordinator, the Rev' Victor Williams, made a significant contribution to this consultation.

In November 2002 the Rev'd Victor Williams suddenly passed on in Vancouver. His passing on was a great shock not only to the consultation, but also to the fellowships and the Indian church. He left behind a great legacy of commitment and vision for the church.

In 2003 the 7^th consultation was held at the Bethany Methodist church in Nadi and was convened by Rev'd William Lucas and Mr Krishna Murthi. This consultation was a memorial to the late Rev'd Victor Williams and the Vancouver fellowship was very well represented including his wife Mrs Betty Williams and his sister Mrs Savita Nath. In this consultation Padre Mastapha also opened and dedicated the new Methodist church in Nadi. At this 7^th consultation Rev'd William Lucas was appointed the 3^rd International Co-ordinator.

In 2005 the 8^th consultation was held at Nadi, convened by Rev'd William Lucas and Mr Krishna Murthi.

In February 2006 because of the pressure of work for Rev'd Lucas in Fiji, the fellowship appointed Dr. Deo Narayan as the 4^th International Co-ordinator and he was commissioned by Rev'd William Lucas at the Ermington church in Sydney. The International Fellowship is enriched by Dr Deo Narayan’s enthusiasm, commitment and vision

In 2007 the 9^th consultation was held at Dilkusha Nausori and it was convened by Rev'd Anil Rueben and Mr Sunil Sahay. Again this consultation involved the local congregations and was well organized, well represented and well attended. In this 9^th consultation in Dilkusha two other persons were commissioned as Regional Co-­ord inators to assist Dr Deo Narayan. Mr Krishna Murthi for Fiji and Mr Samuel Sidal for Canada and U.S.A. They are both active and committed Christians.

On the 25^th of October 2008, an all Australia Mini-Consultation was held at the Ermington Uniting Church convened by Dr Deo Narayan and the Ermington Hindi Fellowship. Delegates from various Australian Fellowships were present.

In October 2009 the 10^th consultation will be held in Melbourne, sponsored by North Blackburn Hindi fellowship which is under the oversight of Mr Peter Samaru and the Dandenong Hindi fellowship which is under the oversight of the Trinity Uniting Church and its Minister Rev. Dr. Graeme Sutton and under the leadership of Mr Shiu and  Deaconess Sunita Lal.

Rev'd Edward Caleb, Rev'd Robert Miller and Rev. Dr. Daniel Mastapha are veteran members of the Consultation.

Each consultation is unique and has its own identity. These consultations are the celebrations of our faith, in an atmosphere and an environment of worship service, bible study and fellowship with one another and around the meal table in a cordial and friendly atmosphere.

It is a consultation and not a conference because there is no executive power. Minutes are not kept, only reports. There is no constitution because the delegates are the centre of the consultation and celebration. This consultation is conducted in a very relaxed manner and is open to all interested people.

The international Consultation is a divine movement; it is inspired and led by the Holy Spirit. Jesus gave the disciples Holy Spirit to empower them, and not a constitution of laws, rules and regulations.  FIJI, however, must not be forgotten for it is the source of  the Hindi Fellowship’s spiritual heritage and roots of our Christian faith.

As the Fiji-Indian Methodist church is a very small fraction of the universal church, it is extremely important that unity is maintained.

Padre Mastapha, in writing this history pleads with each of the Fellowship members in Fiji and in overseas to put aside any prejudice, trivial and petty differences and be part of this International Fellowship.

Any form of abuse, whether it  is pride and power or position and possession will corrupt and destroy the fellowship. What is needed is THE POWER OF LOVE NOT THE LOVE OF POWER.

LET US WALK, TALK AND WORK TOGETHER, PRAY AND DECIDE TOGETHER SO THAT IN THE NAME OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST WE CAN GO FORWARD TOGETHER.

Set your mind and focus on our Lord Jesus Christ who is the author and finisher of our faith. We wish our delegates very happy, blessed, meaningful and memorable future consultations.

ONLY PRAYER CAN BIND US TOGETHER. PLEASE REGULARLY PRAY FOR THE CONSULTATION.

Trinity Uniting Church – Report from the Dandenong Hindi Fellowship

Singing the Lord’s Song in a Strange Land

The Fellowship had only been formed about eight months prior to the last Consultation held at Dilkusha, Nausori in July 2007. Since that Consultation, the Dandenong Hindi Fellowship has continued to be strengthened in its faith. The Mission Statement of Trinity is we follow Christ, loving God and neighbour in word and action and the Fellowship has earnestly tried to be faithful to this mission.

It began primarily as a means by which the Hindi-speaking people in this south-eastern part of Melbourne could sing their songs to the Lord in this strange land!

Meeting monthly at 3-30pm on the first Sunday of the months attendances have been between 20 to 80. This number joyously consists of young children, teenagers, students, parents and those of more senior age. Some are not proficient in Hindi but recognise that this forms an integral part of their heritage. Services are lead by various people and, although are mostly in Hindi, occasionally the address may be delivered in English. At the last Consultation, we bought a number of Hindi hymn books as used in the Methodist Church of Fiji, and, along with other resources hymns and bhajans are accompanied by Rattan and other instrumentalists.

In 2008 the Fellowship adopted its Constitution which saw the formation of a Leadership Group of 7:

President of the Fellowship - Minister of Trinity UC Dandenong as Padre (currently Rev. Dr.  Graeme Sutton)

                    Leader of the Fellowship – Chairperson –Mrs Sunita Lal and Mr Shiu Lal

        Secretary – Barbara Singh

                    Treasurer – Simon Charan

  3 Christian Lay Leaders elected by the Fellowship: Helen Prasad, James Suresh, Jittan Singh

Meetings:

The Leadership Group are to meet regularly every 2 months at 2-30pm prior to the Fellowship meeting

Role of the Leadership Group:

To reach out to others in the Fijian Hindi community to invite and incorporate them into the group

               To be a pastoral contact and carer of members

               To provide spiritual oversight

Assist with the conduct of the worship and other activities of the Fellowship

   To provide a focus for fundraising

   Provide public relations/be ambassadors of the Fellowship (eg radio etc)

Role of the Padre/President

A link between the Fellowship and Trinity Uniting Church – the Fellowship is a program under the oversight of Trinity Uniting Church – Dandenong  who is its sponsor and, through this relationship, the UCA is able to provide the legal protection, insurance and indemnity to the Fellowship.

               Conducts the Leadership Group as its Chairperson

               Leads the AGM which will be held every November

Conduct the Sacraments as needed according to the rites of the Uniting Church of which the Fellowship is a part or give authority for these to be conducted by someone else.

               Attend Hindi worship whenever possible.

Role of the Leader

Preferably to be a member of Trinity UC so that a strong relationship between the Fellowship and the Congregation is maintained.

               Take responsibility for the day to day organisation of the fellowship

               Arrange for speakers

Finances:

              1.       An offering is made at each meeting of the Fellowship;

                        This is to be dispersed as follows:

                                    To the musical director

                                    20% of each offering is made to Trinity

Some is to be used for purchase of instruments, music, books etc

The remainder is placed in consolidated revenue for annual distribution by the Fellowship

2.              Fundraising events

·        are activities conducted in order to support the mission and ministry of the Methodist Church of Fiji, specifically through the sister church of the Fellowship at Ba

·        And also in support of other charitable activities which may be held in partnership with other bodies and agreed on by the Fellowship

The Leadership Team will determine this annual distribution and recommendations are to be made to the Fellowship at the AGM in November and prayers and blessings of these gifts made at the Birthday meeting in December each year.

This structure is slowly being implemented. Whereas Shiu Lal was the appointed leader, his continued ill health has meant that he is only able to offer spiritual and verbal advice which is wise and valued. The Fellowship however, is thankful to God for the continued care and leadership of Sunita Lal and Simon Charan in the seeking of Speakers and people to undertake the leading of worship through prayers and Bible readings.

Besides Shiu’s ill health, we were extremely saddened at the death of Hari Charan in September, 2008 and of Daniel Sumaru and as a Fellowship we have been prayerfully supportive of others in the Indo-Fijian community, although not necessarily Christian, who have faced difficult times.

The Sacrament of Holy Communion is now regularly celebrated on a quarterly basis and each service has been especially meaningful to all those who participate.

A number of Dinner Dances have been held as a means of raising funds for the various groups and our sister Congregation at Ba, Fiji. These occasions have also been times when both Christian and Hindu Indo-Fijians come together for a common purpose We were also very pleased to welcome to Dandenong Rev. Grace Reuben when she had come to Australia for a conference in New South Wales.

Following a spate of vicious attacks in the Melbourne community on Indian students, the Dandenong Fellowship, along with the Blackburn North Fellowship supported Rev. Chris Meneilly and arranged for a Prayer Service for Peace and Harmony among International Students in July 2009 with a focus particularly on those of Indian origin. Speakers at the Service were Rev. Jason Kioa, the Moderator of the Uniting Church Synod of Victoria and Tasmania, and Chief Commissioner of Victoria Police Mr. Simon Overland.

The following tables give details of the financial activities of the Fellowship:

Report to the International Co-ordinator of the Work of the Task Group of the 10^th International Consultation of Hindi-speaking Fellowships, held in Melbourne, 9-11^th October, 2009.

Preamble:

It was with great excitement that the Blackburn North and Dandenong accepted the decision of the 9^th Consultation of Hindi-Speaking Fellowships for the 10^th Consultation to be held in Melbourne. Key members of both Fellowships met in August 2007 to commence planning and to appoint representatives to a Task Group.

Blackburn Nth:  Mr James Vir (Co-ordinator), Rev. Chand and Mr Ray Prasad, Mrs     Susan Ramrittu, Mr Rey Sumaru, Mr Steven Prasad.

Dandenong:   Rev. Graeme Sutton, Mrs Helen Prasad, Mrs Sunita Lal, Mrs Saras Sundressan, Mr Simon Charan, Rev. Dhirendra Narayan.

The first meeting of this Task Group, called in October 2007, was unable to be attended by the Blackburn North representatives but some initial thoughts for the Consultation were canvassed. The group met again in November, however, as there were some differences to be prayerfully worked through, the members of the Task Group committed themselves to meeting monthly only for prayer and Bible Study in order to get to know each other better and to better discern the will of God for the Consultation. No formal decisions or leadership appointments were made.

By April 2008 it was apparent that the Task Group needed to address its business and determine its leaders and their functions. The Task Group resolved to appoint

Rev. Graeme Sutton as the Consultation Task Group Chairperson,

Rev Dhirendra Narayan as Secretary, and Mr Rey Sumaru as Treasurer

At its May meeting, the Task Group proceeded to establish the Purpose of the Consultation which would be consistent with the aims and objectives which had brought about the existence of the Consultations. Our purpose was to

1. assist one another through the exchange of ideas, mutual encouragement, listening to each other.
2. explore with each other how WE can sing the new song in OUR strange land
3. explore ways by which together we may respond to the challenges of ministry and mission,

A program outline was developed which the Task Group believed would incorporate practical ways by which these purposes could be achieved.

The Task Group also made the following appointments:

Helen Prasad as Catering Convenor,

Rev. Chand Prasad, Dhirendra Narayan and Graeme Sutton as Program Co-ordinators

Simon Charan as the Saturday Night Convenor

Rev. Dhirendra Narayan as Registrar

Stephen Prasad, Mrs Saras Sundressan and Mr James Vir by non-attendance at meetings had withdrawn from the Task Group, two other people were invited to join:

Mr Ricky Singh as Communications Convenor

Mr James Suresh as Prayer Convenor. 

The Consultation – Singing the Lord’s Song in a Strange Land – Celebrating our Identity in a Diaspora was underway.

It was agreed that Dandenong would take responsibility for hosting the Friday and Saturday aspects of the Consultation, and that Blackburn North the Sunday afternoon which would also incorporate their 20^th Anniversary celebration and the 50^th anniversary of the Ordinations of Padres Caleb and Mastapha.

By the time of the Australian Min-Consultation held in Sydney 25^th October, 2008, a bank account had been opened and fund-raising initiatives discussed. Registration forms were available and distributed and forwarded electronically around the international fellowships and all information was available on the Trinity Dandenong website.

The bi-monthly, and then monthly meetings in 2009 always commenced with at least ¾ hour of Bible Study and prayer and then continually fine-tuned the program, contacted possible Workshop leaders and attended to the various details of each Convenor’s areas of oversight.

As the Task Group became aware of particular needs of Fijian delegates to the Consultation, the Task Group determined to remove the Registration Fee for the Fijian representatives.

By July 2009, the Task Group received a report from the Program Committee with details for the Opening service which needed to incorporate many strands in its liturgies. Rev. Alistair Macrae, the President of the National Assembly of the Uniting Church in Australia had agreed to be the preacher.

The Task Group’s Review of The Consultation – 9-11 October, 2009

Was the purpose of the Consultation fulfilled and the aims met?

The Task Group believes that the whole Consultation demonstrated a great sense of community and there was very positive feed-back from people particularly regarding the input of the workshops. The aims of input and networking were achieved, people were encouraged, they shared and listened.

Attendance – 61 delegates registered: 10 from Fiji, others from Fellowships in Vancouver (Canada), Seattle (USA), Brisbane, Ermington (Sydney), Blackburn Nth (Melbourne) Dandenong (Melbourne). We were saddened that there was no representation from Grantville (Sydney) or from Auckland (New Zealand). Many others attended as visitors for the Opening Service and for the Service of Thanks-giving for the Ministry of Rev. Dr. L Doug Fullerton on the Saturday afternoon.

Registration and registration packs

Registration on Friday afternoon was well organised and well received. The Registration packs had a variety of material in them, particularly a specially designed red cap. People knew what was on and where they were going. From a planning perspective, nearly half of the people registered on the day but this still seemed to work efficiently. Well done Rey!

Prayer Preparation – James Suresh oversaw this material which was regularly published on the website for any who wished to access it. And it was! The outcome of the Consultation is a response to prayer.

Accommodation – Sunita & Helen.  Eventually only 5 people needed to be billtted in private homes. We thank the many others of the Fellowships who offered to prpviode accommodation but many shoes to stay at their own expense in motels. For the Accommodation Convenors this made it difficult to predict as people were changing requirements and arrangements at the last minute.

Transport arrangements – Simon Charan. This was very demanding logistically and on time as airport arrivals and personal private arrangements had to be accommodated with grace. These arrangements went smoothly and Simon was ably assisted by , Rev. Dhirendra Narayan and Rev. Charles Sundressan as well as Rakesh Kumar and Sushil Chandra.

Venues –

Dandenong: worked well considering the state of facilities which are awaiting rebuilding. There were lots of nooks and crannies for fellowship and conversation and there seemed to be lots of warmth about the place. Dandenong was blessed with some wonderful local volunteers who assisted with the logistics – Terry and Darren. The Labyrinth Prayer Walk was well used as a place of reflection.

Blackburn Nth/Mitcham – As the Blackburn North Fellowship worked through its needs for Sunday afternoon, it was found that their facility at Blackburn North would not be able to cater adequately for what they needed. The Task Group readily agreed to their request to relocate this part of the Consultation to a bigger facility at Mount View Uniting Church in Mitcham in which Rev. Chris Meneilly is in placement as Minister.

Catering: Helen/Sunita – There was a lot of hard work behind the scenes which was not seen. Lata and Rattan who had been employed as caterers served us well - A big ask a big task well done. A cheque of $500 is to be presented at the Dandenong Fellowship meeting on the 1^st November. Thanks to Helen for arranging breakfast at the last moment.

Program

Opening Service - Fantastic – some saw this as a highlight of the Consultation. It was good for us to have Rev. Alistair Macrae, the President of the UC National Assembly as the preacher, and Jeff Wild from the National Council of Churches who read a greeting to the Consultation from Most rev. Peter Ingham, President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Oceania. It was agreed that all aspects of the service came together smoothly and set a good tone to the Consultation. Unfortunately, the Souvenir Booklets being prepared in Sydney were not ready in time for distribution and so their Dedication during the service was omitted.

There was a good mix and balance of English and Hindi and culture and language of Fiji and Indo Fijian, along with the symbolism of the banner and candles of remembrance.

The following is the Order of Service as printed. Although printed copies were available, the whole of the service was visually presented through data projection on the wall at the front of the Church.

The Uniting Church in Australia

Opening Worship

10^th International Consultation of Hindi Speaking Fellowships

Friday 9^th October, 2009

Trinity Uniting Church – Dandenong

6-00pm   Gather in the Church

          Housekeeping Issues:

          Reference to program for the evening

          Geography of the Dandenong area

          Layout of buildings and facilities

          Features of the weekend program

WE GATHER AS GOD’S PEOPLE

Introit: (Organ) 

Jesus stand among us                      Ishu Jeewan daataa

In your risen power                          Beech hamaare Aa

Let this time of worship                   Jab Pranaam Ham karte

Be a hallowed hour                          Apne ko dikha

Breathe the Holy Spirit                    Prabhu Apna Aatma

Into every heart                                Har ek Mun me bhar

Bid the fears and sorrows               Darr aur Paap aur shanka

From each soul depart                     Door tu hum se kar

Call to Worship (Graeme)

Hymn: Guide Me O Thou Great Jehovah. (Organ)

"Tu sammati deta huwa maargdarshan karega aui mujh ko paas rakhega"

Guide me O thou great Jehovah,

pilgrim through this barren land;

I am weak but thou art mighty;

hold me with thy powerful hand;

Bread of heaven (x2)

feed me now and evermore.

Khol de Wah Sola billauri                Open now the crystal fountain

Baheti Jis Se Jiwan dhaar               whence the living waters flow;

Khamba Aag Aur Baadal Ka Ban     let the fiery, cloudy pillar

Kar Is raah Se Mujhe Paar             lead me all my journey through:

Prabal Ishwar (2x)                             strong deliverer (x2)

Ho Tu Men Dhaal, Talwaar              be thou still my strength and shield.

Mrityu Nadi Paas Jab Pahuchun

Mere Chinta Bhay Mita        

Mrityujay He Narak naashak   

Thaam ke Mujhe Paar laga

Teri Stuti, Teri Stuti                                    

Karunga Mei Sarwada                                 

Presentation of Consultation Banner

– Mr Arthur Sahay - Dilkusha

Reception of Banner – Rev. Dr. Graeme Sutton &

          Mr Rey Sumaru of the Melbourne Consultation Task Group

Significance of the Diya – Mr Krishna Murti – Acting International Co-ordinator

Lighting of the Diya -  Mrs Sunita Lal

Prayers – Adoration and Confession

 – Rev. Dhirendra Narayan

Bhajan – Pyaro Himmat Bhandho   (#48)

Pyaaro himmat baandho, aage barho,

Kruus kaa lo nishaan,

Jeetenge ham, yaaro,

haaregaa Shaetaan

Laro laro furti karo,                                                                                             Yeeshu hae kaptaan;

Himmat baandho. aashaa rakkkho.                                                     bhaagegaa Shaetaan.

Paap aur dukh me chaaro                                                                               taraf marte hae insaan

Dayaa karo Fiji par,                                                                                          wah huaa pareshaan.

Ghar ghar jaakar karo piyaaro                                                                  Yeeshu kaa bayaan;

Wah hae raajaa, muktidaataa,                                                                         sab par miharoaan

Jaldee karo sunaao sab ko                                                                        Yeeshu ka farmaan       

Paapee bachte jaate,                                                                                               laate jab us par eemaan

Daas kahe baeree sharmaate sun

Yeeshu ka gyaan;

Log Maseeh ko maante jaate.

haartaa hae Shaetaan

SERVICE OF THE WORD

Readings:   Isaiah 40: 1-11, 28-31

Comfort and hope in a foreign land

(Shannon Charan (Eng)

            Psalm 137 (responsive)

 How do we sing the Lord’s song when

in a foreign land  (Rev. Chand Prasad)     

John 1: 1-14 Jesus comes to a foreign land to sing the Lord’s song.

                     (Hindi – Master Sen)   

Address – Rev. Alistair Macrae – President, National Assembly of the Uniting Church in Australia

RESPONSE

Hymn:    Psalm 137  (Organ)

        How shall we sing a song to the Lord

         whilst in our far-off land?

         By water-side we sit and weep

         rememb’ring times once grand.

         How shall we sing our songs to our God

         when life is insecure;

         while wars abound and terror reigns

         where peace can not endure?

         Tormentors taunt us “sing songs of joy!”

         With loud discordant swell

         our toneless, tuneless music plays

         pretending all is well.

         Behind a facade lurks all our fears

         and shaken confidence.

         But Lord, help us remember you,

         your mercy, love and grace.

         Remember us, Lord, though we forget you,

         conceited and confused;                        

         weakened from hunger, dry from thirst,

         alone and lost and bruised.

        Still on the trees our silent harps hang,

         our heads are bowed in shame;

         with falt’ring breath we cry our prayer:

         “All honour to your name!”        

                       © Graeme Sutton August, 2004                                           

Formal Welcome – Rev. Dr. Graeme Sutton – Chairperson of the Melbourne Consultation Task Group

Response and Greeting  - Mr Jeff Wilde - National Council of Churches Australia

Response  - Mr Krishna Murti – Acting International Co-ordinator

Dedication of 10^th Anniversary Souvenir Magazine – Rev. William Lucas

Introduction of Fellowships and Circuits – Rev. Dhirendra Narayan

Offering and Offering Prayer – Rev.Dhirendra

Wreath and Acknowledgment of those who have gone before us

Lighting of Memorial Candles – Rev. Chand Prasad

Bhajan: Kaun Kare Mohe Paar

(Who will lead me to the other side?)   (#41)

1. Tooti naao tufaan hae bhaaree,                                                             kaise mae utaruu Paar

2. Thartharaat tanu nirbal maanas,                                                             kaese mae utaruu Paar

3. Ten na jaanu janmahi se mai.

parda sindhu Majhdhaar

4. Naukaa paar pahuchihe tab hee,                                                            Prabhu pakare Patwaar

5. Turn bin aur na mohi bharosaa,                                                                         tumahee karaeyaa Paar

6. Eeshwar ek jo ekahi bhejo.

mukti daan adhikaar.

7. Bhuumi swarg bich kewal Yeeshu hee.                                                naam hai Taaranhuaar.

Prayers of the People (Rev. Eseta Meneilly)

(Lord’s Prayer in the language of your choice)

Hymn: To God be the glory  (Organ)                     Ishwar teri Jaiho (#113)

Ishwar Teri Jay Ho, Mahaan Tera Kaam

Mahaan tera Pyaar hai Kiya Putr Daan

   Paapo Se Bachane Jisne Diya Praan                   

   Ab Wah Jiwan Dwar Khula Raheta har Aan

            Bolo Jai Riwrast Ki jay                                                                                                         Sara Jag Bole jai                                                                                                                         Bolo Jai Riwrast Ki jay                                                                                                         Sara jag harsh Se gaaye                                                                                                      Putr Ishu Dwara Ab pitah Paas Aao                                                                                   Mahaan Uski Mukti Yah Geet Nitya Gao

O perfect redemption the purchase of God          

To every believer the promise of God                  

And every offender who truly believes              

that moment from Jesus a pardon receives               

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord                

Let the earth hear his voice                        

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord                

Let the people rejoice

O come to the Father through Jesus the Son

And give him the glory, great things he has done

Mahan Uski Shiksha Adbhut Uske Kaam           

Usi Ke Dwara Milta anand apaar

Par Inse Bhi Gahera hoga Wah Anand

Aankho Se nihaaruunga Riwrast Taaranhaar

            Bolo Jai Riwrast Ki jay                                                                                                         Sara Jag Bole jai                                                                                                                    Bolo Jai Riwrast Ki jay                                                                                                         Sara jag harsh Se gaaye                                                                                                      Putr Ishu Dwara Ab pitah Paas Aao                                                                                   Mahaan Uski Mukti Yah Geet Nitya Gao

Blessing and Dismissal

Grace for our meal:

Recessional Bhajan: Aawaz Uthaenge (#99)

Aawaaz uthaege hum saaj    bajaege, hai Eeshu

Mahaan apno me, Geet sunaege aawaaz uthaege.

1.      Sansaar ki Sundarta

me yah roop to tera hi,

in Chaand sitaaro me,

hai aksh to tera hi mahima

Ki wee baate, hum sab se bataaege                                                            hai eeysoo mahaan.

2.      Dil tera khazana hai,

ek paak mohabbat ka, yaa paa na

Saka koi saagar hai tu ulfat kaa

Ham teri muhabhat se dil apne sajaayege

Hai Eeshu mahaan...

3.      Na dekh sakaa hum ko,

tu paap ke saagar me,

Aur ban ke manuse hye aaya, aakaash se saagar me,

Mukti ka tu daata hai Dunia ko bataaege,

Hai eeyshu mahaan...

Tea is served

Saturday morning – Devotions – thanks to Dhirendra who at the last minute filled in for Rev. James Bhagwan who was unable to come.

The Fellowship reports were well handled by the Acting International Co-ordinator, Mr. Krishna Murti and generated genuine discussion.

The following resolutions and recommendations were put to the Consultation, all of which were passed unanimously

1.         A tribute of thanks was offered to Dr Deo Narayan, the International Co-ordinator whose ill health has prevented him from providing this support for the last 12 months.

2.         The following Co-ordinators were appointed:

                        Mr Krishna Murti – International Co-ordinator and Co-ordinator for Fiji

                        Mr Simon Charan – Australian Co-ordinator

                        Mr Sam Sidal – Co-ordinator for North America and Canda

3.         Host for the 11^th Consultation in 2011 – Wesley - Lautoka

The 10^th Consultation Meeting made the following recommendations to the Indian Division Annual Meeting:

4.         That the following buildings be recognized as the heritage building:

(a) Dudley Church

(b) Ministers house 46 Eden Street

(c) Dilkusha Church

(d) Dilkusha girls home – original wooden double storey building

(e) Timothy Memorial church Navua

5.         That the Annual Meeting must put on record that in about 1910 Dilkusha was separated from Davuilevu ie from the gully to the Rewa River. This portion of land was specifically earmarked for the Indian ministry and this should always remain with the Indian division. Three pieces of sugar cane land on the western side were leased and bought to support the Indian ministry. Rev Bevin leased the Lautoka land for 999 years. Rev Nunn bought the Namosau land. Rev Fullerton and Mastapha bought 5 acres at Naria Rakiraki. All this land should remain with the Indian division to support its ministry.

6.         That the 10^th Consultation establish a Benevolent Fund which will assist the Indian Division to help with the problem of poverty in Fiji, with the present situation poverty is getting from bad to worse.

That the Fund be administered by the Divisional Finance Committee.

That this Consultation takes a special offering to establish the Fund.

That the Co-ordinators promote the contributions to this Fund.

7.         That students who are trained for ministry in the Indian Division be required to study 3 areas before their ordination:

(a) Hindi Language

(b) Other Religions

(c) Fiji Indian Church History

in order that they may be given a solid background and assist in the determination of their future ministry.

8.         That the 10^th Consultation request the following minsters to give part of their holiday, anything from one month or 1year or more to voluntary serve the church in Fiji with details of arrangement to be made with the Indian Division Superintendent in order that the present ministers may have study breaks etc:

Rev Andrew Sebastian, Rev Samuel Swamy, Rev Charles Masih, Rev Daniel Mistry, Rev Charles Sundresan, Rev Dhirendra Narayan.

9.      LET US SET OUR RECORDS RIGHT LEST WE FORGET THEM

Rev Dr Harold Wood has already documented the work of Australian and New Zealand missionaries amongst the Indians in Fiji in his book Fiji Indians volume 3.  What is now needed is to document and record the lives of Indian workers who have gone before us and others who have retired. We need to set our records right for our future generations.

1. Pastor John Williams- already in 1977 DIYA
2. Rev Ishwari Prasad- Dr Reg Prasad has already made a cd
3. Pastor Samuel Sharan-already written
4. Pastors John Bairagi, Taluri Yohan, Ved Naigam and G M Prakash
5. Rev Ramsey Deoki – already written with Deoki family
6. Pastor Imam Saheb Caleb and Rev Edward Caleb – to be written by Rev Edward Caleb
7. Rev Daniel Mastapha – to be written by Rev mastapha
8. Rev Ragho Prasad- by Mrs Mere Prasad and family
9. Rev Philip Rajpal Singh- by Mrs Florence Singh and family
10. Rev Victor Williams- by Mrs Betty Williams and Mrs Savita Nath
11. Pastor John Apalsami – by John Sami
12. Pastors Deo Dass Rueben, Solomon Nanka, Albert Balwant Prasad- by Rev Anil Rueben consult their children
13. Pastor Michael Guruwaiya Sidal- by family
14. Rev Dr Christopher Dass- by Mrs Prema Dass
15. 5 Indian sisters Miss Elizabeth Phul kuar, Miss Mulya Dhan Raji, sister Satya Bali, Miss Naomi Lucas and Miss Karuna Gabriel- to be documented by Mrs Urmilla Prasad and Mrs Elizabeth Dass.

Typed on an A4 sheet it should include as many family photos as possible. Rev James Bhagwan was requested to co-ordinate and compile the project

The implementation of these resolutions and recommendations is now in the hands of the International Co-ordinator. Although on paper there appeared to be a packed agenda, all went smoothly and efficiently.

Saturday afternoon

Memorial service - A meaningful service was led by Rev. Chand Prasad to give thanks for the life of Rev. Dr. L Doug Fullerton. We were honoured that this service was attended by Mrs Ethel Fullerton and members of the family.

The Uniting Church in Australia

Blackburn Nth and Dandenong Hindi Fellowships

10^th International Consultation of Hindi Speaking Fellowships

Memorial Service

                        Rev. Dr. Leslie Douglas Fullerton

    Trinity Uniting Church 10^th October, 2009.

The Service will be led by Rev, Chand Prasad

Introduction – Welcome

Hymn: TiS 455  For all the saints

For all the saints who from their labours rest

Who to the world their Lord by faith confessed,

Your name, O Jesus, be forever blessed. Hallelujah!

You were their rock, their fortress and their might,

You were their captain in the well fought fight,

In deepest darkness, still their one true light. Hallelujah!

O blest communion, fellowship divine,

We feebly struggle, they in glory shine,

All yours, all joined in unity divine. Hallelujah!

But see, there breaks a yet more glorious day;

The saints triumphant rise in bright array;

The King of Glory passes on his way. Hallelujah!

From earth’s wide bound and oceans farthest shore,

Through heaven’s gate the holy people pour;

The Three in One for ever they adore. Hallelujah!

Lighting of Candles

Bible reading  Psalm 121

 Romans 8: 31-39

 John 14: 1-7

Hymn   TiS 442 All praise to our redeeming Lord

All praise to our redeeming Lord

who joins us by his grace

And bids us each to each restored,

together seek his face.

He bids us build each other up

and gathered into one,

To our high calling’s glorious hope

we hand in hand go on.

The gift which he on one bestows

we all delight to prove;

The grace through every vessel flows

in purest streams of love.

Ev’n now we think and speak the same

and cordially agree;

Concentred all though Jesus’ name

in perfect harmony.

We all partake the joy of one,

the common peace we feel,

A peace to sensual minds unknown,

a joy unspeakable.

And if our fellowship below

in Jesus be so sweet,

What heights of rapture shall we know

when round his throne we meet.

Rev Dr Doug tells his story

Bhajan   Jiwan Ki Roti

Yeeshu ne kahaa jeewan kee roti

Jeewan kee roti mae hee huu (3)

Yeeshu ne kahaa jeewan kee rote,

Jeewan kee rote mae hee huu.

Yeeshi ne kahaa sachchaa garaiyaaa

Sachchaa garaiyaa mae hee huu

Yeeshu ne kahaa maarg aur faatak

Maarg aur farrtak mae hee huu.

Yeeshu ne kahaa jagat kaa ujiyaalaa,

Jagat kaa ujiyaalaa mae hee huu,

Prayer of thanksgiving

Hymn  TiS 370 Christ the Lord is risen today

Christ the Lord is risen today: Hallelujah!

Let the whole creation say: Hallelujah!

Raise your joys and triumphs high: Hallelujah!

Sing, now heaven and earthy reply: Hallelujah!

Love’s redeeming work is done;

Fought the fight the battle won;

Vain the stone, the watch, the seal:

Christ has burst the gates of hell.

Lives again our glorious King;

Where, O death, is now your sting?

Once he died our souls to save;

Where your victory, O grave?

Soar we now where Christ has led,

Following our exalted head;

Made like him, like him we rise:

Ours the cross, the grave, the skies,

Blessing

Workshops – These were included in the program in response to the Task group’s desire for there to be some objective input.

4 workshops had been established:

Mission in a Strange Land – Rev. Steve Terrell (:Presbytery Minister (Mission and Education) in the Presbytery of Port Phillip East

Worship in a Strange Land – Revs Chand Prasad and Charles Sundressan

The example of John and Charles Wesley Who Sing the Lord’s Song in a Strange Land – Rev. Dr. Barry Browne

Bhajan Singing – New Songs for a Strange Land – Rev. Mahesh and Mrs Giri.

All of these workshops went well and people reported them as being worthwhile and as resourcing the people.

Lateness of lunch and an overrun of time and the fewer delegates from Fiji meant that the time set aside for networking was not available. However, all the business of the Consultation was dealt with by the end of Saturday.

 Celebration Night – Simon – This was a most enjoyable night of celebrating Fiji Day. It opened with some Gospel Singing led by James Suresh and his Gospel Group. The Fijian Congregation of Lewe Tolu Vakalou – Dandenong led in meke and Aba, an 8 year old Indian girl part of the Tirinity Dandenong Congregation did some bollywood dancing. The Task Group was pleased with the attendance of between 250 – 300 people and the mixing of the groups – anglo, Fijian, Indo-Fijian. An offering was taken to establish the Special Benevolent Fund and raised $699.

Sunday morning

Time was left free for people to worship wherever they wished. Some stayed at Dandenong and heard the Moderator of the Synod of Victoria and Tasmania, Mrs Isabel Tomas Dobson as the preacher. Isabel is a descendant of Miss Lapthorn who was an early missionary in Fiji. Others worshipped in other places.

Sunday afternoon at Mitcham – There was a challenging devotion led by Rev. Mahesh Giri. The business having been dealt with time was left for discussion and sharing on issues that arose on the Saturday about how to attract young people into the Fellowships and what are some of the pointers that the more senior ministers can offer to the new ministers concerning ministry. The Consultation was closed by the International Co-ordinator at 3pm and all delegates to the Consultation then joined the Blackburn North Fellowship in celebrating its 20^th anniversary. This service incorporated the commissioning of the new Co-ordinators, the 50^th anniversary of the Ordination of Rev Dr. Caleb and Rev. Mastapha and included the service of Holy Communion led by Rev. Chris Meneilly.

Communication – getting the message/information through to the grass roots and understood by people was a great frustration. The web site was accessed well but people’s email addresses seemed to constantly change or act unreliably. This report, along with the photos taken will all be available from the website.

Finances – An honorarium was offered for the Secretary but this was refused as his consultation contribution. At this stage, an interim balance sheet is only available. However, the Task Group agreed that the Consultation Task Group Bank Account remain open as it holds 

the offering $699 for the Special Benevolent Fund established by the 10^th Consultation which will need to be held in our account until the Finance Committee of the Indian Division has established an account to receive it.

The Task Group resolved that the residue of Funds, once all accounts are settled, be applied to the Special Benevolent Fund

At its final meeting the members of the Task Group acknowledged the success of their endeavours and gave thanks to God for all that had been accomplished and particularly offered a vote of thanks to Rev. Dr. Graeme Sutton for his contribution as Chairperson and leader of the Task Group.  

RECONCILED FINANCIAL STATEMENT

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