One of the two founding students for the Master of Theology program offered at the Methodist Church's theological college is optimistic about the journey he will embark on.

Reverend Apelu and his wife Fa'afofogaina Fa'aniniva were named during the graduation ceremony held at the Piula Theological College on Saturday for achieving top thesis marks as part of their Masters of Theology study program. 

The program was first introduced in 2021 according to the college's principal, Reverend Professor Mosese Mailo during an interview with the Samoa Observer on Saturday. 

During an exclusive interview with this newspaper, Rev. Apelu immediately acknowledged the spirit of God for his success. 

"It hasn't been an easy journey," he said. "The body was weak, the mind was weak at times, but as part of being human, we all have our limits. 

"And I believe that when we feel like we have reached our limits and can't do anything, that's when the Lord comes in and carry us through anything in life. 

"We relied on God to carry us through this journey right from the start. He has been good and without him we would not have made it to the finish line.

"There was a lot of doubt, but there was always hope. God has been good."

 Rev. Apelu added that when they started their study program, it was not about scoring high marks. 

"It was about completing this paper and doing it for God's glory, we gave it our all and dedicated our heart to complete this not only for our families, friends, churches and most important for God."

Having completed his Master of theology, the 44-year-old father-of-five said he is ready for whatever God has in store for him and his wife in his ministry. 

"We will accept whatever the tusi tofiga is and what the conference of the church will decide for us. But whatever that is, we are ready to serve God's ministry wherever he places us."

Rev. Apelu – who moved to Samoa from Brisbane, Australia seven years ago to study at Piula – then acknowledged the strong support and prayers of their families, friends, churches, as well as the principal and teachers of Piula College. 

The other founding student of the Master of Theology program is Reverend Apineru Tavita. 

On Saturday Rev. Professor Mosese expressed appreciation for the milestone achieved by the theological college, which was first established in 1859. 

"We are thankful to God for making this dream a reality," Rev. Professor Mosese. "It has been seven years since we have been preparing to have this program in Piula. 

"The decision to offer the program in Piula was confirmed by the church's annual conference in 2014. However, there were other preparations we needed to look into before we can open it here at Piula. 

"So today (Saturday) we are very glad and grateful to God."

Rev. Mosese then commended the efforts, dedication and hard work by the founding students of the program who accepted and took up the challenge in Piula. 

"I know it was not easy for them as this is also a new program so there were a lot of uncertainties and things at first but we managed to make it this far and we thank them for their dedication and patience. 

"Like anything new in this life, it takes time before we can make it work and it has not been easy, especially because we started this program during Covid-19 restrictions and the lockdowns.

"However, we can achieve anything when we work together and with the experience and hard work of our teachers, we have made it to this day."

Those who are eligible to take the two-year program, according to Rev. Professor Mosese are the church ministers who have completed their Bachelors of Divinity program from Piula.

"But if you graduate with a Bachelor of Divinity with Honors, then you can take the Masters program for one year, as per university academic structures."

However, the selection of those who can take the program is decided by the Methodist Church Conference. 

In saying that, Rev. Mosese then used the opportunity to thank the leadership of the Methodist Church in Samoa for accepting the proposal to have the program offered at Piula. 

In the past, the Methodist sends students who graduated with Bachelor of Divinity from Piula to the Pacific Theological College in Fiji to study for their Masters Degree. However, that will not be the case anymore with the program now offered at Piula.