Ordination joy at Malua

By Ilia L. Likou 21 May 2017, 12:00AM

Thirteen pastors and their wives of the Congregational Christian Church of Samoa celebrated another step in their commitment to advance God’s kingdom on earth yesterday.

The occasion was their ordination allowing them to administer marriages, funerals and Holy Communion. Held at the Jubilee Church at Malua, tears of joy flowed freedly as the pastors and their families reflected on their journey.

The service was well attended by hundreds of church members and leaders from overseas and Samoa.

A special service was held to start the celebration. Reverend Elder Tavita Anesone reminded the ordained pastors to put God first in everything.

One of the ordained Reverends, Rev. Petelo Matelani, said he was humbled and grateful to God for is love and guidance.

Speaking to the Sunday Samoan, Rev. Matelani from the District (Matagaluega) of Apia Sasa’e, Saoluafata, Poutasi and Sale’imoa said he could not have done this alone.

 “I humble myself before God for He has brought me and my wife to where we are today,” Rev. Matelani said.

 “It’s not that easy because we have to overcome a lot but we thank God for His guidance and protection. The glory belongs to our Heavenly Father because without Him we wouldn’t be here."

“We all know that there are ups and downs in this life, but we have to trust in Him. Being a servant of God is not an easy thing, but we have to have a lot of patience, we have to be strong in whatever that comes our way and keep in trusting Him."

“For He is the only one who you and me can truly trust, no matter what.”

Rev. Matelani acknowledged the hand of the Almighty and everyone who has supported them through their journey.

 “Once again, thank you for all of your love and prayers each and every day,” Rev. Matelani. “To the C.C.C.S. church, elders, church members, families and friends... “Fa’afetai tele tatalo, fa’afetai le tapua’i!”

“We have been chosen to serve and nothing else but to rely on God to lead and guide us in everything."

The ordination ceremony was part of the church’s Annual General Meeting.

Malua Theological College was established in 1844, with the main objective to teach and educate local students so that each village of Samoa would eventually have a theologically educated pastor as spiritual leader. 

By the end of the 19th century, a pattern of ministry had emerged. 

It was modeled on the Samoan village structural organization and aimed at preserving, as much as possible, the value systems of the Samoan way of life. 

The village congregation is the basic unit of the C.C.C.S. with the pastor as the spiritual leader.

 

List of ordained pastors and their wives;

 

• Rev. Aokuso Lee and Aiga (Apia), 

• Rev. Alaifetu Fa’aeteete and Kalala (Vitoria), 

• Rev. Brian and Tanaria Kolia (Kolisi Malua), 

• Rev. Enoka and Susi Aperaamo (Falealili, Safata, Siumu), 

• Rev. Epati So’oula and Vickie (Apia), 

• Rev. Hector Panama and Herem (Kolisi Malua), 

• Rev. Henry Fata and Orepa (Kuiniselani), 

• Rev. Ionatana Te’o and Vaito’a (Falealili, Safata, Siumu), 

• Rev. Leiofi Upu and Fa’alili (Niusila i Saute), 

• Rev. Letupu and Helen Mata’utia (Apia), 

• Rev. Petelo Matelani and Angela(Apia Sasa’e), 

• Rev. Sama Fa’ala and Sapi (Niu Sauelese) 

• Rev. Semikueva Ugapo and Vesia (Apia i Sasa’e)

 

By Ilia L. Likou 21 May 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

Upgrade to Premium

Subscribe to
Samoa Observer Online

Enjoy unlimited access to all our articles on any device + free trial to e-Edition. You can cancel anytime.

>