NBLF: The Pastors

New Beginnings Love Fellowship

Forget the former things! Do not dwell on the past.
See I am doing a new thing. ~ Isaiah 43:18-19

Ratish is a Fiji born Indian who was born into a strong Hindu family. Mereani is a

native Fijian. Her family is Christian and worshipped in a Methodist church.

Although Mereani attended church regularly, she did not have a personal

relationship with Christ until March 1988. Ratish came to know Christ personally in

June 1990.

The Deo’s are no strangers to adversity. In the Fiji Island, the Fijians and Indians

are the two major races of people. Their marriage did not come easy. There were

many questions and fears from both families. Not only were they criticized,

rejected and condemned by their family, but even in public people would curse and

shout unkind words to them because of their racial difference. It was not easy for

them to withstand the pressure. Many times they thought about giving up but they

stuck with it and their love triumphed.

Thirty years later they are thankful they followed their hearts. Today the two families have a great relationship with them and

with each other. They are the proud parents of two sons and three daughters. They also have two granddaughters.

Both Pastors were actively involved in full-time ministry before starting New Beginnings Love Fellowship.

Pastor Ratish left his job in 2003 to become the church Finance Officer. He also served as an Elder in the church.

Pastor Mereani left her job in 2004. She served as Director for the Hands That Care ministry which involves the soup kitchen,

food bank, compassion ministry, and evangelism. She was also the Women’s Fellowship Director.

At the time the Women’s Fellowship took over the soup kitchen was about to close. Under the leadership and guidance of

Pastor Mereani, the ministry grew from 25 people a day to 100 to 150 people a day until it closed in 2009.

Because they know rejection firsthand both Pastors have a heart for people, especially the downtrodden that no one else

wants. They have experienced what it feels like to be “different” in the eyes of others.

Their love and compassion for people is obvious to all who know them.