History
A Journey of Faith, Sacrifice & Growth
The Kilikali Seventh-day Adventist Church began in 1997 at Navutu Village in Lautoka. Originally known as Navutu SDA Church, the branch was established by three sisters from its mother church, Lagilagi SDA Church, who had a vision to establish a place of worship in the Navutu community.
The church began humbly, with a small group of members worshipping in an open tin shed. Despite the simple surroundings, the congregation continued to grow as more people joined through faith, prayer, and commitment.
However, the location presented a major challenge. During high tides, seawater would wash into the shed, making it difficult and sometimes impossible to worship. On many Sabbaths, meetings had to be cancelled because of the rising sea.
As the congregation grew, the decision was made to relocate from Navutu to Velovelo, where land was secured for a permanent place of worship. Following the move to Velovelo, the church's name was changed from Navutu SDA Church to Kilikali SDA Church.
The name Kilikali was chosen by the late Elder Apenisa Laweloa and is translated from Gilgal, a significant place mentioned in the Bible.
In Joshua 5:9, God said to Joshua, “Today I have rolled away the reproach of Egypt from you.” Because of this, the place was called Gilgal, meaning “rolling away.”
For the congregation, the name Kilikali became a meaningful reminder of God's faithfulness, new beginnings, and His leading through times of change and challenge.
While waiting for the new church building to be completed, the congregation worshipped at the Laweloa residence. As construction progressed, the members eventually moved into the new church building and began worshipping there before its official opening.
Through the sacrifice and prayerful commitment of the members, and by God's provision, the church building was constructed. Mr. Pete Davis of Australia was the donor of the church building, generously providing the funds for its construction.
The church building was completed in 2017 and officially opened in October 2017 by Mr. Pete Davis and the Fiji Mission President, Pastor Luke Narabe.
