Piula graduates celebrate sweet success
The Piula Theological College compound was a place of celebration yesterday.
The rain failed to dampen the spirits of hundreds of church members, friends and families who gathered to witness their loved ones graduate.
Fourteen graduates proudly marched down the aisle of Lupetaumafa Piula Hall to mark the end of one chapter and the beginning of a new one.
Twelve students achieved Diplomas in Theology and two with Bachelors of Divinity.
Methodist President, Reverend Apineru Lafai, encouraged the graduates to always have the Holy Spirit lead them in striving for success.
“If you want to be crowned, you have to prepare and you have to be ready,” he said.
“Getting ready for the race is never easy because you have to have the discipline, it is just training but also with the nourishment of our bodies, even with your sleep so that you will have the strength."
“The only way to get the crown is to be prepared; this is the end goal of it all. The scriptures speak through Paul that all crowns decay, but your spiritual crown lasts forever."
“The race that you are in is to aim for the everlasting life, does not mean you muck around then you will receive it in order for you to get it.”
He said everyone has their own race to eternity and not just the graduates.
Principal of the Pacific Theological College in Fiji, Feleterika Nokise says one of the tasks that have been given to the spirit, the human mind, the heart, our thoughts and emotions is to strive for success.
“I don’t have to explain the meaning of striving for success. You understand because with every second that we are alive this is what we do. Any Samoan person strives for success. This country, our villages and our families strive for success.”
Results: Top students
First year: Takashi Faavevela
Second year: Samoa Mataafa
Third year: Apelu Faaniniva
Fourth year: Numia Tauauvea