The Congregational Christian Church Samoa's Malua Theological College (M.T.C.) celebrated a milestone on Wednesday with the unveiling of the publication Samoa Journal of Theology.

The publication was put together by the College's Principal and staff to compliment their Masters of Theology programme which started this year in Malua. 

A first of its kind not only in Samoa but also the Pacific, the College's Vice Principal, Reverend Makesi Ne'emia said the publication's launching on Wednesday was one of their long-held ambitions. 

The unveiling of the theological publication was attended by the church's leadership and elders who gathered to witness the occasion.

The Malua Board and Elders Committee Chairman, Reverend Elder Asotasi Gu Time led the ceremony with a special service. 

Reverend Elder Time also used the opportunity to congratulate the College Principal, Reverend Dr. Vaitusi Nofoaiga and his staff for their hard work, perseverance, commitment and dedication to make the publication a reality. 

The Elders Committee Chairman, who spoke on behalf of the church leadership, acknowledged the work done by the Principal and staff over the years to exceed the church's expectations while initiating things for the College's betterment.

Rev. Elder Time said the Malua Theological College is the heart of the church as it is where future Ministers are taught, trained and nurtured. 

Turning to the Principal and Staff of Malua, Rev. Elder Time said: "This is what you were born to do and achieve," he said. 

"God prepared all of you for this very moment and he chose you all for this. Congratulations and well done."

He added that the students who are now enrolled at Malua are "fortunate and "blessed" to have such amazing people at the helm of the institution as well as the availability of such useful resources to assist them with their studies. 

Rev. Makesi Ne'emia spoke on behalf of the Principal and Staff as well as the students of Malua about the journal, though he emphasised that theological college had been publishing a Malua Journal annually for members of the church and students. 

However, he said having a special international publication with all the academic writings of staff of Malua on Theology, was a long-held ambition of the college. 

Therefore, when the college made progress last year with their plans to offer a masters in theology degree program at Malua, which commenced this year, the Principal saw that as an opportunity to also launch this special publication. 

The Samoa Journal of Theology according to Rev. Ne'emia includes multi-discipline academic writings by the teachers of Malua Theological College. 

The publication has also been approved and recognised internationally, with renowned overseas Professors of Theological studies and historians who are working together with the Principal of Malua and are a part of the Editorial Board who are responsible for reviewing and scrutinising the writings from the teachers in Malua. 

The teachers started their writings for this particular journal last year in preparations for the commencement of the college's master's program. 

Initially, the theological college had plans to launch the publication last month when the church assemble for its annual conference in Malua. 

However, because the Annual Fonotele got pushed back to September, the Principal and Staff of Malua as well as the Board of Malua decided to go ahead with the launching of the Samoa Journal of Theology this week. 

The project is funded by the College's budget approved by the church and electronic copies made available on Malua Theological College's website.

Speaking about the usefulness of the publication, Rev. Ne'emia said it will help theological students with their thesis and studies at the theological college. 

Malua will still have the publication of the Malua Journal which is written in Samoan for the local audience different from the Samoa Journal of Theology which is published in English and have been recognised internationally. 

Rev. Ne'emia then used the opportunity to express their sincere gratitude to the Board of Malua and the Leadership of C.C.C.S., for their ongoing support and prayers. 

He said that the dream to have this special publication would not have been made possible without their support and assistance. 

In saying that, Rev. Ne'emia said that the journal will be a useful resource for the future generation within the church aspiring to become church ministers and spread God's ministry not only in Samoa but across the world. 

While the launch on Wednesday marked the first publication for the special journal, Rev. Ne'emia said that it will be published annually by the college for its students and other members of the church.