Piula Tuai reunites church ministers

By Sialai Sarafina Sanerivi • 14 January 2024, 9:00PM

Hundreds of current and former Methodist Church ministers, all alumni of the church's theological college, assemble at the church's headquarters in Faleula for their annual Piula Tuai gathering.

This gathering, which takes place annually, serves as a reunion for graduates of the Piula Theological College who are actively serving or have served as church ministers.

The event provides a platform for these ministers to come together, fostering a space for mutual exchange where they can share their diverse experiences and discuss how they navigate challenges within the ministry.

It serves as a valuable opportunity for networking, collaboration, and collective reflection on their journeys in the service of the church.

The assembly additionally provides a chance for emerging and recently ordained church ministers to listen to the narratives shared by experienced and retired counterparts, offering insights into overcoming challenges in their ministry.

This platform not only imparts valuable wisdom but also facilitates interaction, enabling the newer ministers to acquaint themselves with each other.

The event becomes a networking opportunity where relationships and connections are established among individuals with shared commitments and responsibilities in the ministry.

This exchange of knowledge and the building of connections contribute to a sense of community and support within the church.

The Piula Tuai gathering commenced on Friday and there was a special service held on Sunday at the Le Au Uso Fealofani Hall within the church's premises in Faleula.

The four-day commemoration included not only religious services but also a variety of entertainments and activities designed for the participants.

Reverend Faulalo Leti Paaga, the President of the Methodist Church for Samoa and abroad, shared with this newspaper that the essence of the gathering is to rejuvenate the spirits of those who have dedicated their lives to serving the Lord in this vocation.

He explained that the organised activities during the annual event aim to inspire and motivate all church ministers, encouraging them to spiritually prepare for the challenges they will encounter throughout the year.

The gathering serves as a means to foster spiritual strength and resilience among the ministers, fostering a sense of unity and preparedness for the tasks ahead in their religious service.

Reverend Alapati Leiataua Ah Kuoi who is currently serving as a church minister at the Methodist church in Malie told this newspaper that he enjoys being part of the annual gathering.

Having served as a church minister for 36 years, Rev. Alapati explained that the gathering is like a retreat where they unite to refresh their minds and spirits for all the work and challenges that await them.

"It's like a retreat to refresh our minds and spirits to kick start the year," Rev. Alapati said.