The Congregational Christian Church of Samoa (C.C.C.S.) at Fagamalo in Savai'i has celebrated the appointment of a new pastor.

A special service was led by Reverend Elder Palemia Reupena on Wednesday at the Fagamalo C.C.C.S. Church to officially welcome Reverend Taulotoga and his wife Sago Viliamu. 

Reverend Taulotoga takes over the Fagamalo parish after Reverend Elder Sileli Tauaifaiga retired this year, having served for more than 20 years. 

The pastor's commissioning attracted hundreds of relatives, friends and people of Fagamalo from near and afar who travelled there to witness the occasion. 

Reverend Taulotoga was humbled by the occasion, saying families were praying for the day to come.

"Now that it's happening, we give all the glory back to He who made it possible for us. We are just servants of the Lord, we have been called to do his will so let his will be done,” he said, while expressing his gratitude for the support of families and friends, who were there all along. 

"Our journey to where we are today was never easy. Looking back to how we started, we couldn't have done it without the support of our families and friends. One thing is for sure, we didn't do it alone. God was at the forefront and our families and friends have been behind us all along so we thank everyone for being there for us."

Reverend Taulotoga said he is certain more challenges awaits them in the future and it will not be easy, but they remain humble and faithful to his calling.

"I know it's not easy. There will be tough times and that's how life is. However, we remain humble and faithful to he who called us to serve here. If he brought us here, we truly believe that no matter what happens, he will carry us through anything and everything."

Reverend Taulotoga is from the villages of Fatuvalu and Faletagaloa Safune in Savaii. 

His wife Sago Viliamu is from the villages of Lotofaga Safata, Sa'anapu, Matautu Lefaga and Auala. 

They entered Malua Theological College in 2011 and graduated in 2014 with Reverend Taulotoga becoming an ordained Minister (Faifeau Samoa) during the Fonotele this year. 

They were called to serve the Fagamalo parish on October 27 this year while Reverend Taulotoga was working at the C.C.C.S Education Department for three (3) years. 

They have three children.