Local RHEMA Bible Training Center graduates first class with Certificates in Ministerial Training

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Christmas came early for some with the auspicious gathering of Pastors, family and friends in Fagatogo, last Thursday, as RHEMA Bible Training Center Pago Pago completed their first year of ministerial training since opening their classroom doors on August 1st this year.

A total of 11 graduates from different backgrounds and some from overseas, received Certificates in Ministerial Training.

One of the graduates was Pauline Sariman, a citizen of Papua New Guinea whose husband works for LBJ Hospital and has lived in the Territory for nine years.

“I was exposed to RHEMA South Pacific in Apia a few years back and have prayed for RHEMA to open a branch here in American Samoa and this has been like an answered prayer for me,” she stated. “I’m related to people who have gone to RHEMA and I know a lot of people who have attended the other centers. I have seen the changes in their lives, which is why I’m very excited to be here because I need to.”

When asked what her future plans were, she answered, “I don’t know where this will take me, but I know that I’m supposed to be here.”

As part of the 2-year diploma program, they will return for their second-year classes on January 30, 2024, as a fresh intake of First Year students will also begin their Bible-based ministerial training.

According to Senior Pastor James Ah Kui, the RHEMA Bible Training Center Pago Pago is a 2-year inter-denominational ministerial training center that feeds into a 3-4 year program at RHEMA South Pacific in Apia.

Pastor Ah Kui explained that the inaugural class will acquire a Certificate at the successful completion of Year 1, and a Diploma after Year 2.

“Those who want to use what they have learnt to serve God in whatever capacity in their respective churches can do so after being officially ordained,” he revealed. “However, if anyone feels the call of God on their lives to preach the Word, they will continue Years 3 and 4 at the RHEMA South Pacific Training College in Apia for a Ministerial Diploma/Degree.”

Located on the 2nd floor of the GHC Reid Building in Fagatogo, RHEMA Pago Pago is one of the ministry arms of the locally registered Uttermost Ministries Inc., which also runs a 93-foot long mission ship, M/Y Uttermost Witness, currently docked at the Fagatogo Marina.

The mission of Uttermost Witness is to establish 30 Bible training schools throughout the whole Pacific region.

The first to be established in 1997 was RHEMA South Pacific in Samoa, then RHEMA Vanuatu, RHEMA Nadi Fiji, and RHEMA Pago Pago is the fourth Bible school established by Uttermost Ministries Inc.

"We had a strong start this year and even stronger finish," said Pastor John Alailima, a local instructor at the Bible school. “I feel really blessed to be a part of this endeavor as instructed by the Lord and to witness the graduation of the founding class of RHEMA Pago Pago is just awesome. Praise the Lord!”

Looking back, Pastor Alailima recalled that they first came to American Samoa in 2016 on their ministry ship M/Y Uttermost Witness and conducted Bible seminars for local pastors on board the ship.

He stated that negotiations for the establishment of the new Bible school took a couple of years.

“After much prayer and fasting, God has opened a lot of doors and we were able to complete all the requirements to set up shop here in the Territory,” he stated. “I would like to acknowledge with thanks the support we received from some local residents. We are very excited to share the Word of God with the people of American Samoa and help them begin a new chapter in their lives.”

RHEMA Bible Training Center Pago Pago is an interdenominational training center designed to train men and women from all different walks of life to answer the Call of God on their lives.