A total of 16 Methodist reverends graduated into a new step of their spiritual service as ‘Faifeau Faamaoni’ in a special dedication service on Sunday.

In a special dedication ceremony at the Mulivai-o-Aele Faleula temple, the couples were surrounded by families and friends as they took an oath that they are ready to serve out in the parishes after years of service in various areas of the Methodist Church.

During the same service, six retired reverends were recognised for their long service in the Ministry.

They include Rev. Misiafa and Nunualofa Tyrell, Rev. Pisopa and Taialofa Hakai, Rev. Pisopa and Petronilla Matatia, Rev. Faauuga and Vaoita Logovae, Rev. Koki and Fa’aali Mate and Rev. Pala and Leituala Fata Tolai.

The service was led by the Methodist Church President, Rev. Faulalo Ieti.

President, Rev. Ieti advised the new graduates to work diligently and pray continuously to God, the greatest helper.

He advised the couples entering the new step of Ministry work to always work with a smile on their faces reminding them that no sheep would stay in a flock with an unhappy shepherd.

Amongst the graduates is Reverend Fa’amanatu and his wife Ploion Tavita from Lauli’I, American Samoa.

Speaking to the Samoa Observer, Rev. Tavita said he is grateful that God has made a way for the graduation to take place after it was cancelled last year due to COVID-19 restrictions.

He thanked God for using his life and the opportunity is given to serve the Church and its people.

“The spirit today is the appreciation for our families, everyone who had been supporting us, especially the Church for using this humble servant for God’s work,” said the 42-year-old.

The couple graduated from Piula Theological College in 2015.

Prior to entering the religious path, Rev. Tavita was a registered nurse that worked in Samoa and American Samoa.

“However, once you get the whisper from God to offer your life for His work and garner more souls for his kingdom, one or two, that is enough,” he said.

Other graduates include, Rev. Falemaii and Diana Ropati, Rev. Sevati and Nota Ierome, Rev. Tanielu Jr. and Anastacia Tanielu, Rev. Lutofia and Crystal Failelei, Rev. Tolofia and Vineta Matua, Rev. Punaolefa’autauta and Leanavaotaua Tausani Alao, Rev. Sitivi and Etenauna Kamu, Rev. Iakopo and Alice Lesoa, Rev. Samuelu and Mapusaga Mika, Rev. Falaula and Silia Ierome, Rev. Alesana and Tauasuasu ELika, Rev. Fetuao and Tagiilima Mavaeao, Rev. Isaako and Saulelia Vaisagote, Rev. Fa’afetai and Matau Fualuga, Rev. Sauileoge and Liai Pouli.