Suva, Aug 22 (IANS): For the first time in 50 years, members of an Indian division of the Methodist Church in Fiji performed at the "Festival of Praising God with Hymns and Gifts" this week, a media report said.

Members of the Indian division never had a chance to perform at the festival even though they have been a part of the Methodist Church in Fiji for over 50 years.

Reverend Abel Anand from Lautoka Wesley Circuit's Indian division and his choir sang during the "bhajana" category of the festival which kicked off on August 15, Fiji Times reported on Saturday.

A circuit is a group of local Methodist Churches forming an administrative unit.

"Our prayers have been answered. We are one of the 56 divisions of the Methodist Church but for too long we have been left out. Being included here has really lifted our spirits," said Anand.

"Having people watch us and showing appreciation while we were singing and having a fine keyboard artist like George Low really helped us," he added.