Fiji

Transforming Lives

Since 2009, One Tribe Ministries has significantly reduced recidivism in Fiji’s prisons, inspiring regional initiatives and transforming lives through its programs.

Read the full story about Fiji here

A Beacon of Hope: One Tribe Ministries’ Impact on Fiji’s Correctional System

One Tribe Ministries’ story began in 2004 when Pete McCutchen felt called to share the gospel in Fiji’s Lautoka Prison. After initial setbacks, Pete’s persistence led to a partnership with prison authorities in 2009, with access to 11 prisons and a 5-year partnership via a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

In 2012, Nicholas Brown and Ken Shepherd-Ashby, inspired by Pete’s story shared in Australia, joined the growing efforts to support the ministry. The Fiji Prime Minister invited the group to the Suva Remand Centre opening the following year. This day also marked the official adoption of the name “One Tribe Ministries”.

Along with other passionate volunteers, One Tribe Ministries (OTM) helped establish and improve rehabilitation initiatives such as welding, woodworking, small engine maintenance, beekeeping, baking, screen printing and more recently, husbandry, tailoring and literacy. 

One remarkable success story is Emma Yavalanavanua, an ex-detainee who participated in OTM’s woodworking course. Since her release, Emma has launched a pallet-making business, employing primarily ex-detainees. Her company supplies major clients like Coca-Cola Suva and Fiji Beer, with plans to expand into furniture production, showcasing the life-changing potential of these programs.

Since its inception, OTM has significantly reduced recidivism in Fiji, as noted at the Pacific Corrections Forum in 2015. It has inspired neighbouring nations like Papua New Guinea, Tonga and the Solomon Islands to launch similar efforts.

“One Tribe Ministries programs have played a direct result in reducing recidivism in Fiji”

– Vika Verevalu – Pacific Forum 2015

Fiji continues to require additional support for OTM’s programs. Your donations, time volunteered, or prayers help provide tools for transformation and lasting change in Fiji’s correctional facilities. Join us today in this life-changing mission!