Three days of high-level discussions on theology, climate change and health at the 9th Oceania Bible Studies Association conference in Malua concluded on Friday afternoon. 

One of the pioneers and founding members of the association, Rev. Dr. Nasili Vaka'uta acknowledged the hard work and commitment of the theological college for the Congregational Christian Church Samoa (C.C.C.S.).

"O.B.S.A. owes a lot to Malua and the C.C.C.S. church," Rev. Dr. Vaka'uta told this newspaper on Friday. 

According to Rev. Dr. Vaka'uta, since the establishment of O.B.S.A. in 2010, Malua has fully supported the initiative by sending their teachers to participate and share their knowledge of the Bible with fellow scholars from across the Pacific. 

"We started it in 2010 with the idea of creating a friendly space for Pacific scholars especially in the area of theology. We had sponsorship from the University of Auckland so we were able to execute the plan," he said. "The first group of staff to turn up to our first-ever meeting were from Malua when Rev. Professor Otele Perelini was the principal. 

"Initially, there were no plans to have another meeting but at the end of the first meeting, we realised that we needed to do it again so Prof. Otele invited O.B.S.A. to come to Malua. 

"That is why I say O.B.S.A. owes a lot to Malua and the E.F.K.S. church. Not only in terms of hosting the meetings as this is probably the second or third time they've hosted the meetings, but also for their contribution and the involvement of their teachers and students. 

"All the principals that have served in Malua since the establishment of O.B.S.A. have supported this very important initiative."

Asked about the development of O.B.S.A. over the years and the positive changes they have achieved thus far, Rev. Dr. Vaka'uta said the involvement of the theological students in the discussions this year was an achievement.

"It's nice to see the young ones and the students so involved now as they are the future leaders. We did not want this to just be about the scholars and experts. 

"This is the first time we've had the most number of palagi in a meeting a lot of great mixture from the different experts we've had. I guess if you really want to see the changes and developments the association has made over the years, Malua is the best place to look at. 

"When we met in Piula in 2015, the former Head of State, Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi opened the conference, and this year, we had the privilege of having the Prime Minister of Samoa as our keynote Speaker. 

"So we appreciate the support from the leaders of the country as we don't have that kind of support anywhere else in the Pacific so it's always nice to be back in Samoa for this. 

"One of the best things we got out of this meeting is that the more people we had brought together means there will be more publications to expect from the wealth of knowledge exchanged and talanoa we've had for the last couple of days. 

"It's been fruitful and we commend the Principal and staff as well the students for the hospitality. Inspire the younger scholars coming up not only to own O.B.S.A. but to also share their ideas, especially using their Pasefika way of thinking."

The participants all acknowledged and commended the Principal of Malua Theological College, Rev. Dr. Vaitusi Nofoaiga, his staff and the students of Malua as well as the C.C.C.S. church for hosting the 9th O.B.S.A. meeting.