Aspiring church ministers in the Congregational Christian Church of Samoa have concluded their two-day entry examination to qualify for Malua Theological College.

Malua Theological College Principal, Reverend Dr Vaitusi Nofoaiga, told the Samoa Observer that the two-day examination is part of the standard criteria for those in the C.C.C.S. who want to offer their life to serve God as church ministers.

“It is a usual process to enter the theological college and it’s the same program for candidates from New Zealand , Australia, United State and Hawaii as they sat the same exam like Samoa within their own countries at the same time,” said Dr Vaitusi.

“Whoever passes the exam will move on to another step before entering college.”

For 30-year-old Eten’e Mariota – a policeman from Vaisala in Savai’i who also sat his two-day examination – told this newspaper that his fate lies with God on whether he will pass and go on to the theological college.

“I am ready to face new challenges and I’m eager  to make some changes with my life and to serve the lord in the church ministry if possible,” he said. 

“But it all depends on the result of my exam and of course according to his (God’s) will.”  

Looking back at his life as a policeman, Mr Mariota said his job entailed being of service to the people through law enforcement, but he is now keen on experiencing God’s commandments and “enforcing God’s laws.”

“I’ve spent a lot of time as a public servant for the Ministry of police, which is to serve our people by enforcing the law, but it’s time to experience God's commandment and enforce God’s law to save my life and help other people’s life as well. 

“My motivation is from the book of Mathew 6-33 and it says seek first God's Kingdom, and. his righteousness; and all these things will be given to you as well.”

Mr Mariota is married and has one child.

A parent and Associate Minister for the Ministry of Women Community and Social Development, Seuamuli Fasi Toma, told the Samoa Observer that they are thankful to be witnesses to the conclusion of the exam.

“The glory goes back to our father in Heaven as we are witnessing his truthful and unconditional love for us to complete this special event for our children,” he said.

“I have a son named Mareko who sat the exam and we hope to use their life in serving the lord by exposing the word of wisdom and spreading the gospel to every part of the world.

“I also want to acknowledge the principal, teachers, the committee and the Ministry as a whole on behalf of all the parents for their preparation on these two days of the event.”

All candidates for the theological college who sat the entrance exam will have to wait until October for the names of the successful applicants to be announced.

They will then have to wait for a stringent interview process (ta'utinoga) in January next year. The interview will be conducted by the High Council of the C.C.C.S. and the Elders Committee to test character and attitude of the successful candidates before they can officially enter the college. 

The criteria also includes a medical certificate to ensure candidates have a clean bill of health before they begin their four-year journey at Malua.