METHODIST Church of Fiji's Indian division superintendent, Reverend William Lucas was farewelled by the Dudley Methodist Church congregation in Suva yesterday.
Mr Lucas, who served as a minister in the Methodist Church for the past 43 years, motivated the congregation to be peacemakers and keep the Gospel of Jesus during his last sermon at the Dudley Church.
He said it was satisfying to see the Methodist Indian Division grow over the years.
"I have been superintendent for the Indian division for 12 years and we have seen the circuit grow from eight to 12 in the past 12 years," he said.
"In order for new ministers to be part of the division we need to make way for them, which is why I am stepping down, so other ministers get the chance to spread the Gospel within the division."
Mr Lucas said he would migrate with his children and grandchildren to Australia and would wait for the Lord's decision on future pastoral duties.
"I will still help the Indian division from the other side and I hope that the it will continue with the good work done in the past years.
"There are a lot of ministers who are seeking appointments and we need to give them such opportunities," he said.