Hundreds of people crowded the Jubilee Church in Malua on Saturday morning to witness the ordination of new church ministers (Faifeau Samoa) for the Congregational Christian Church Samoa.

The special service which was led by Reverend Elder Siolo Tauati of the C.C.C.S. parish at Apia-Uta and was attended by the leadership of the church, the newly ordained ministers and their wives, as well as their families and friends and members of the church who are congregating in Malua for its annual conference this year. 

The biggest church denomination in Samoa usually have their annual conference on the first or second week of May. However, due to COVID-19 restrictions and lockdown, the conference was pushed back to this month. 

This is also the first time in two years members for church representatives from Australia, New Zealand, America and Hawaii to travel to Samoa for the conference.

The special service allows the church ministers to administer the holy sacrament, holy matrimony and funerals.

Reverend Keresoma Seuala, who was among the newly-ordained ministers, was emotional and fighting to hold back tears as he acknowledged that they have reached a milestone in their calling as preachers. 

Reflecting back on his journey to where he is now, Reverend Keresoma said that he had to sacrifice a lot over the past couple of years just to achieve this milestone. 

Having to live in Samoa in the last three years serving the church, after attending theological college for four years, was what Reverend Keresoma had to endure to achieve what he described as his lifelong dream. 

He grew up wanting to become a church minister and on Saturday he was overwhelmed with emotion.

Looking ahead, the newly-ordained minister said he is excited to see what God has in store with him and his wife in the future serving his ministry. 

He understands that there will be a lot of challenges along the way, but he is confident that God will carry them through.

Reverend Iona Lea'ana immediately attributed their success to God whom he said made everything possible for them. 

"This journey would not have been possible without his guidance and protection," Reverend Iona said during an interview with the Samoa Observer. 

"To be ordained as a faifeau Samoa is a huge milestone and it's something we owe it to God and our families who have been there for us along this journey. 

"We are truly humbled by this calling and everything that we had experienced so far. All I can say is that God has been faithful and he is the reason why we are celebrating today. 

"The glory goes back to him and he deserves all the praises now and forever."

The newly-ordained ministers are: Charlis Pupi and Sarahnetta Pupi, Clarke Tusani Stowers and Fofogaolevai Stowers, Fa'alefu Tumatalie and Bellarose Tumatalie, Faleali'i Afamasaga and Iris Afamasaga, Falesefulu Falesefulu and Ve'a Falesefulu, Fatilua Fatilua and Vaitu'utu'u Fatilua, Faulalo Kennar and Beauty Kennar , Iona Lea'ana and Peka Tiatia Le'aana, Keresoma Aloalii Seuala, Kilepoa Ioane and Tonu Salima, Letaulau Poufa and Sarai Poufa, Mathew Simati and Dorothy Fagasua Simati, Oli and Peti, Onosa'i Nofoaiga and Aloese Nofoaiga, Peia Lesatele and Eseta, Suafa'i Soliola and Leah Soliola, Sunita and Tuanoa, Tuto'atasi Toalima and Fetu Tuilagi Toalima and Valoaga and Uatifoti Ropati.