For the first time in 50 years, members of an Indian division of the Methodist Church in Fiji performed at the "Festival of Praising God with Hymns and Gifts" this week, a media report said.
Members of the Indian division never had a chance to perform at the festival even though they have been a part of the Methodist Church in Fiji for over 50 years.
Reverend Abel Anand from Lautoka Wesley Circuit's Indian division and his choir sang during the "bhajana" category of the festival which kicked off on August 15, Fiji Times reported on Saturday.
A circuit is a group of local Methodist Churches forming an administrative unit.
"Our prayers have been answered. We are one of the 56 divisions of the Methodist Church but for too long we have been left out. Being included here has really lifted our spirits," said Anand.
"Having people watch us and showing appreciation while we were singing and having a fine keyboard artist like George Low really helped us," he added.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors


Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share


Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor


Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements


Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
