New Vine Lakes proudly partners with Operation Foundation, a mission empowering prisoners and vulnerable communities in Fiji and the Pacific Region through practical assistance and faith-filled initiatives. We love supporting the incredible work they do. Find out more on their official website, see link at the top of the page.
Operation Foundation (OF), led by Peter and Jill Schultz, is a restorative organisation committed to bringing renewal and transformation to the lives of prisoners and their communities in Fiji. Since 2006, they have been engaged in rehabilitation efforts with inmates, ex-inmates, and vulnerable communities, seeing lives changed through the power of the Gospel.
The past 12 months have been both stretching and fruitful. While this season has involved some geographical transition and strategic reflection, the heart of the ministry in Fiji — prison rehabilitation, community transformation, and national church leadership — continues to grow in depth and influence.
This year marked twenty years of prison rehabilitation ministry in Fiji. It was a deeply encouraging milestone. During the anniversary week, several men from the early years of the ministry reconnected and shared testimonies of lasting transformation through StepOut–StepFree and one-on-one mentoring support.
The prison programs themselves continue to run faithfully, with regular testimonies of life change coming from the team on the ground. In addition, Fiji Corrections recently conducted a formal review of all programs and facilitators. Although the review was undertaken independently, the ministry received strong affirmation and approval — a significant encouragement and endorsement of the work’s integrity and impact.
A further development has been appointment to the newly established Fiji Parole Board, which oversees release decisions and conditions for inmates. This role reflects both the trust built over two decades and the redemptive story at the heart of the ministry: that transformation is real and restoration is possible.
The work in the Nanuku squatter settlement continues to bear meaningful fruit. Now approaching six years of engagement, the ministry has seen steady growth in education, leadership development, and community stability.
One particularly encouraging outcome has been the progress of young people from the community. Several students who completed Year 13 have now enrolled in higher education, marking a generational shift in opportunity and aspiration.
At the same time, growth brings new challenges. As the ministry centre nears completion, questions around ownership, access, and community dynamics have surfaced. These tensions are being navigated prayerfully and collaboratively with local leaders. Such moments are not unexpected in community development; they often signal both maturity and the need for deeper local governance structures.
The broader impact of the Nanuku model has also drawn government attention. Conversations are underway about how the documented processes and learnings could support other vulnerable communities. This presents both opportunity and responsibility as the ministry discerns next steps.
As 2026 unfolds, key priorities include:
There is a strong sense that this season is preparing the ground for what may unfold in 2027 and beyond.
We remain deeply grateful for the partnership, prayer, and encouragement that make this work possible. Together, we continue to believe for transformed lives, restored communities, and a Church that rises and shines in the midst of challenge.
Looking ahead, a comprehensive review of all Operation Foundation programs has begun, starting with StepOut–StepFree. These reviews will continue throughout 2026 and are designed to:
As the ministry matures, this season is about ensuring that structure and sustainability match vision and calling.
One of the most urgent challenges facing Fiji is the growing drug crisis. In response, Operation Foundation has been exploring models of care, including learning from rehabilitation centres in Australia. The current direction is toward developing a community-based treatment approach that is accessible, relational, and restorative.
In January, a significant development occurred. What began as a simple phone call quickly became a two-day national workshop, gathering denominational church leaders, women leaders, and youth leaders to begin shaping a National Pastoral Response to Drugs.
Fiji is a nation historically marked by ethnic, denominational, and tribal divisions. Yet in this moment, leaders who would rarely share a platform came together in humility and shared purpose. The gathering received widespread media attention and generated denominational action plans that reflected repentance, unity, and renewed spiritual responsibility.
The next phase is sustaining this momentum — ensuring leaders remain at the table and move from conversation to coordinated action. Plans are also underway for a National Prayer Breakfast in March, building further unity and spiritual leadership at a national level.
There is a deep sense that this is a pivotal moment for the Church in Fiji.
This year is being approached as a transition year — shifting from broad operational involvement toward more strategic, catalytic leadership. The goal is to empower local teams, strengthen governance, and ensure long-term sustainability.
With twenty years of entirely faith-based funding, there is also reflection underway about future funding models and how best to communicate the ministry’s expanding scope in a cohesive and sustainable way.
The breadth of engagement — prison ministry, community development, national church leadership, and policy advisory roles — reflects a ministry that has grown organically over two decades. While diverse, each strand shares a common thread: redemption, restoration, and the holistic transformation of individuals, communities, and systems.
The 2026 theme, “Arise & Shine,” has found tangible expression in several ways:
Across prisons, communities, and national platforms, there is a growing sense that God is awakening His Church to courageous, collaborative leadership in a divided and vulnerable nation.
Your support of $13,000 will: