Tuvaluan in Fiji

Introduction / History

Tuvalu is to the east of Australia in the South Pacific. There are eight inhabitable islands. Formerly known as the Ellice Islands, Tuvalu gained independence in 1978 from the British colony of the Gilbert and Ellice Islands. Their language is Tuvaluan, though English is a common trade language.

Tuvaluans are mainly located on their island, but they also reside in the surrounding Pacific Islands, including Fiji, Kiribati, and Nauru. Some also live further away in New Zealand, where they have more job opportunities.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Tuvuluans have few job opportunities in their home island chain. They rely on fishing and job remittance from those who go elsewhere for work. Their island chain is in danger from rising sea water and natural disasters.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Protestant mission efforts began in the Pacific Islands in the early 1800s, and today, Ellice Islanders are almost one-fourth Evangelical.

What Are Their Needs?

They need the spiritual hunger it takes to follow Christ no matter what the cost.

Prayer Points

Pray for God’s protection for the Pacific islands from rising tides and ecological disasters.
Pray that as Tuvuluan Christians go to other places, they will be salt and light to their neighbors.
Pray for the Holy Spirit to breathe new life into Tuvaluan families and churches, drawing them closer to the Lord.
Pray for the Lord to show Tuvaluans new ways to earn a living that will allow them to provide for their families.

Text Source:   Joshua Project