Ordination joy at Malua

By Joyetter Feagaimaali’i-Luamanu 20 May 2018, 12:00AM

Twenty-four pastors of the Congregational Christian Church of Samoa (C.C.C.S.) celebrated another step in their commitment to advance God’s kingdom on earth. 

The ordination of these Pastors allows them to administer marriages, funerals and Holy Communion. 

Held at the Jubilee Church at Malua yesterday, the service was well attended by hundreds of church members.

Among them was the Head of State, his Highness Tuimaleali’ifano Va’aletoa Sualauvi II. 

“When you have fulfilled the goal of being ordained, your life should be completely turned around and focused on God’s work,” Reverend Elder Lucky R. Slade said during the occasion. 

Reverend Elder Slade told the ordained Pastors the importance of expressing and believing in the spiritual truth, but cautioned the words expressed by human spirits. 

He urged the ordained Pastors to walk in accordance with their calling in the church with humility, kindness and patience and also love and care for the church members who will assist in God’s work. 

Reverend Ekepati Va and his wife Pomate of Manukau, New Zealand, are thrilled they have fulfilled their goal. 

“I graduated from Kanana Fou Theological College in 1990 and today’s (yesterday) ordination after more than 20 years is a testament that you cannot deviate from your calling." 

“We are servants and service is what we will do,” said Reverend Ekepati. 

He said it’s a dream come true. 

Reverend Ekepati also commented on the ongoing dilemma of taxing church ministers by the Government. The church has appealed to the Government to consider delaying the taxing of C.C.C.S. Church Ministers until the Fono Tele in 2018, which officially starts tomorrow. 

Reverend Ekepati is in support of the move by the Government.  “I will oblige with the law and pay taxes and this is nothing new for us in New Zealand, as we pay taxes there."

“This is nothing new for me,” said Reverend Ekepati. 

“It has been a journey, one that I can reflect back on to know that when you’re called to undergo a mission, one way or another, that mission will be accomplished." 

“And there is no way we could have come this far without the help of families, friends and the E.F.K.S. Mangere East,” said Reverend Ekepati. 

A health specialist in Mangere, Reverend Ekepati is from Vailele, Fa’atoia and Apolima and his wife, Pomate, hails from Vaiala, Faleasi’u and Safune. 

“We plan to work for the church and if and when the time comes where we will be called to serve, it does not matter where, we will go and serve."

“Our first calling wherever we will take it, without reluctance as I believe it is God’s calling for us,” he said. 

Husband to a teacher, Reverend Ekepati noted they anticipate utilising their skills in assistance for the church.

Reverend Ekepati is also thankful to be ordained in Malua. 

“I’m humbled and at the same time excited when the time comes to serve after all that is what we do,” he said. 

Ordained Pastors: 

Apela and Foketi Ah Him; Clay and Eseta Tofilau; Ekepati and Pomate Va; Etiveni and Siileviiga Ta’avao; Farani and Sinoi Pauga; Filemoni and Alpha Tuigamala; Ioakopo and Aneta Ropati; Iopu and Talalele Kalepo; Julius and Lenitali Fruean; Karanita and Elena Petaia; Komisi and Mercy Samuelu; Maligi and Fofoga Setefano; Mose and Uputaua Malaga; Motusaga and Tanya Lesa; Peniamina and Eseta Neueli; Perkins and Olataga Waterhouse; Peteru and Va’asiva Taula; Poasa and Leminia Toiavao; Sekoa and Teevale Levasa; Seumaninoa and Neda Puaina; Sumeo and Sauimalae Leota; Tasele and Tine Tuluauau; Ulale and Usufono Sakaio and Vailele and Eseta Lemalu.

By Joyetter Feagaimaali’i-Luamanu 20 May 2018, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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