Ray & Laura Pittman
Island Encounters Fiji Founders and Co-directors
The Pittmans are the founders and co-directors of Island Encounters Fiji. Ray and Laura first came to Fiji in 2001, and have been working in community development and student ministry in Fiji since that time. Their 3 daughters Eden, Elani and Isla were all born in Fiji, and the family has been blessed with dual USA/Fiji citizenship. The Pittmans have a heart for the poor and lost, and a heart to equip missions-minded young people to go out into the world. They often have several missions interns staying with them, and enjoy opening their home to guests. They love people, photography, and stories. (Click here to buy Ray’s book “When the Sharks Come,” including some of the stories you may hear in Fiji!)
Support Ray & Laura
Island Encounters Fiji Team
The Green Family
Tim and Tawnya Green, originally from Texas, joined Island Encounters in 2016 to help fill the need for a children’s ministry. For over 18 years, they, along with their 3 children, have been dedicated to teaching children the love of Jesus. The Greens, along with their daughters Lizi and Tori (their married son Matt lives in the USA), direct children’s programs in the schools, communities and orphanages. Through the Green’s ministry the children of Fiji are coming to know Jesus! Local church partners are asking for more help, and the needs are great. The Greens work in children’s discipleship, evangelism, tutoring, literacy training and mentoring visiting teams.
Support The Greens, Acct. #112255
The Reed Family
After 15 years serving as a Student Pastor in the church, Jeff and Kyndra felt God’s call to serve with Island Encounters in Fiji and moved here in 2019 along with their four daughters (Abby, Kaelyn, Olivia, and Bethany). Jeff is the Student Program Director for IE and works with students and local ministries to train and equip disciple-makers. Jeff and Kyndra love coffee, making things, and pouring their lives into God’s people.
Tomasi & Sarina Tokalauvere
Once you meet Uncle Tomasi and Auntie Sarina, you’ll know you’ve found your Fijian family for life. They are our amazing Fijian hosts at Oasis Farm, and help to cook for our student groups and outreach teams when they are at the farm. Tomasi and Sarina have a heart for the poor, for the lost, and for helping to equip schools in Fiji with much-needed supplies. Their love for people and their commitment to Christ is contagious, and will challenge and encourage you.
Meliki & Ola Talolo
Meliki (Liki) wed his bride Ola in 2017. Together they stay at Oasis Farm with their daughter Titilia and help to caretake, host teams, and assist with Island Encounter’s community and children’s ministry. Liki is on staff with Island Encounters and enjoys the ministry opportunities that his job presents. He has a heart for teaching the Word of God to others, and challenging the people of Fiji to seek God beyond tradition and to serve the Lord completely with their hearts and lives.