"Age is just a number when it comes to learning theology and serving God," said retired Reverend Iakopo Manutai and he is a living example that age is not a barrier. 

The 70-year-old father-of-seven had been the resident reverend for the Congregational Christian Church Samoa (C.C.C.S.) parish in Rotorua New Zealand for the last 10 years. 

On Wednesday, Rev. Iakopo and his wife Peleiupu were honoured in a special service to acknowledge the service of the retired church ministers as part of its annual conference currently underway in Malua. 

Held at the Malua Jubilee on Wednesday afternoon, Rev. Iakopo was surrounded by his loved ones, families and friends from Samoa and abroad, and his beloved congregation to witness such an important milestone. 

Rev. Iakopo said they were ecstatic to have reached the age where they could retire happily.

"We feel excited and happy," he said smiling from ear to ear.

"It's been a long time coming and such a tough journey. But we did it! 10 years is not a small period of time, but I know in my heart that it was the grace of God that carried us through."

Reflecting back on their journey, Rev. Iakopo summarised the 10-year journey in God's ministry as "challenging". 

A former educator for both government and church colleges, Rev. Iakopo and his wife entered Malua Theological College when he was 56-years-old. 

He also admitted that there were a few people who advised him against his decision to become a church minister when he first decided to take the entrance exam.

"I was 56-years-old and people thought that I was too old to come to Malua," he said. 

"But I didn't take the comments in a negative way nor did I let it discourage me. Instead, I used it as a challenge and I was more motivated to prove that if I can do it, other aspiring church ministers in their late 50s can do it too."

Rev. Iakopo was already 60-years-old by the time he completed his four years behind the white pearly gates of Malua Theological College. 

The church then asked them to serve as missionaries in Rotorua New Zealand. 

Two years later, they became resident church minister for the C.C.C.S. parish in Rotorua .

With a grateful heart, Rev. Iakopo said they were humbled by their experience and are looking forward to their retirement and continuing to serve God as pensioners. 

As he exits God's ministry as a resident church minister (Faifeau tausinu'u), Rev. Iakopo has a simple message for the young people of the C.C.C.S., especially those who dream of becoming church ministers in the future. 

"No one is too old or too young to learn and serve God. If I can do it, you can do it too. No matter how challenging it is, if you trust and put your faith in God, he will guide your path. 

"Also, if you become a church minister for the right reasons, wealth and fame should not matter. Even if he asks you to look after a congregation that is made up of only three or four people, go and serve with all that you have. 

"God will always provide and bless you abundantly in so many ways."