The Apia Harvest Center Bible College last Friday saw the graduation of 13 students at the church's headquarters at Togafu'afu'a.

The students graduated with certificates in Theology, Diploma in Theology, Diploma in Ministry and Bachelors of Art in Theology. 

Two students received Certificates in Theology, five were recipients of the Diploma in Theology, four received the Diploma in Ministry and two graduated with Bachelors of Art in Theology.

The occasion was bitter sweet for the graduates who observed a minute of silence to honour the memory of the School's Founder, the late Reverend Dr. Fa'afetai Fata who passed away earlier this year. 

Prior to his passing, the school appointed Shorley Mariner as the School's Principal.

Acting Prime Minister, Papali'i Niko Lee Hang, who spoke on behalf of Prime Minister Tuilaepa Dr. Sa'ilele Malielegaoi and the Government, congratulated the students.

“Dear graduates, as you come to the end of one season of your life, you begin another season, it’s not the end, in fact, it is only the beginning,” he said.

Papali'i urged the graduates to carry their shield of faith in God who will protect them from attacks by the devil.

“And in all things pray because it is through unceasing prayer that we have an intimate relationship with our God. Whatever destinations that God blessed you to be, always remember to face your fears. In 2 Timothy 1:7-9 it states that, ‘For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline,” he said.

“So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God. He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time.”

Superintendent for the Assemblies of God in Samoa, Rev. Dr. Tavita Pagaiali'i, encouraged the graduates.

“Without the gospel, Samoa would not have been saved. It was the gospel that shed light into the people of our country. When the Holy Spirit of the Lord works, the souls of people are saved when they hear of the gospel,” he said.

“The reason why people must be educated in the word of God is so that they can preach the gospel with the hope to save souls.”

Tagaloa Jerome Sapolu, who was a recipient of the Bachelors of Art in Theology, spoke on behalf of the graduates.

“We acknowledge the support from our teachers and families because it was not an easy journey with so many obstacles and challenges that came to try and stop us from completing our mission,” he said.

“A special thanks is dedicated to the late Rev. Dr. Fa’afetai Meafou Fata who had the vision of setting up this Bible college who was also a spiritual father to us all, he will never be forgotten in our hearts.

“The college has served the purpose of teaching us, guiding us and helped us understand and know the gospel of the Lord.”