AG Members Among Fiji’s Gold Medal Team

Among the memorable moments of the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro was the emotional response of Fiji’s rugby team when they received the nation’s first Olympic medal. With tears streaming down their faces, the rugby team gathered in a circle and began to sing, “We have overcome . . . by the blood of the Lamb and the Word of the Lord.”

Among the Fijian gold medal recipients were Assemblies of God members Jasa Veremalua (28) and Viliame Mata (24).

The faith shared by members of Fiji’s famed rugby team has been no secret. The team frequently posts videos singing hymns and worship choruses with remarkable harmonies prior to games or after workout sessions.

The Assemblies of God in Fiji has more than 400 churches and is also home to the South Pacific Bible College.

Mark Forrester

Mark Forrester is the senior director of Public Relations and Communications for the General Council of the Assemblies of God. He is a graduate of Lee University and the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary. He is general editor of Trending Up: Social Media Strategies for Today's Church. Mark and his wife, Janine, have two children and live in Springfield, Missouri.