Local RHEMA Bible Training Center celebrates 2nd year of ministerial training

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The RHEMA Bible Training Center Pago Pago celebrated its second year of ministerial training last Saturday since opening its classroom doors on August 1st last year. Thirteen graduands received first and second-year certificates of completion.

(The word graduand is used to identify students that are eligible to graduate, but have not been awarded degrees. In this case, the RHEMA graduands must complete their last two years of studies in Samoa at the RHEMA Bible South Pacific at which time they will be awarded their diploma/ degree and become graduates.)

The ceremony was held at the Community Christian Church of American Samoa in Ottoville, Tafuna, attended by family and friends of the graduands.

The program commenced with the graduands making a dramatic entrance into the venue in two lines, each holding burning torches symbolizing their calling to shine the light of the Word of God unto the world.

Once everyone was seated, RHEMA Bible Training Center faculty member Pastor Palemene Lauano greeted the gathering and introduced the keynote speaker, Pastor Opeta Vai.

Pastor Opeta and his wife, Mrs. Tu'u Vai, have served as missionaries with Youth With A Mission (YWAM) for many years, traveling extensively as Bible teachers in the South Pacific. They currently serve as Senior Pastors of the Word of Faith Church in Tafuna.

Pastor Opeta Vai who is also a graduate of RHEMA Bible Training College in Tulsa, Oklahoma spoke on the responsibility of the graduands to preach the same message.

The first-year graduands of the RHEMA Bible Training Center Pago Pago gathered for a group photo before their graduation last Saturday. [photo: Asi A. Fa'asau]

He commended the graduands for their perseverance and dedication to their studies despite the many distractions they encountered during the year. He encouraged them to focus on their calling and reminded them that it was the Lord's commandment by quoting the Gospel of Matthew 28: 18-20.

"Then Jesus came to them and said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.'"

The keynote speech was followed by the presentation of certificates by RHEMA Pago Pago Director of Student Affairs, Pastor John Alailima.

"It has been an exciting and challenging year for the students, but we continue to see God’s goodness and faithfulness in bringing us to the finish our 2024 academic school year," Pastor Alailima told Samoa News in an exclusive interview.

RHEMA Bible Training Center Pago Pago second-year graduands smile for the Samoa News camera before graduation last Saturday. [photo: Asi A. Fa'asau]

He explained that 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.

“Those who want to use what they have learned 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.”

Pastor Alailima said the school wants its graduates to leave with a firm grasp of the word of God, and have a familiar working relationship with leading from the Holy Spirit.

“So we believe that with those two tools of having a firm foundation in the word of God and being familiar with the voice of the Holy Spirit, they can be successful in any walk of life or any calling that God has for each and every one of the graduates.

"Not all of the graduates are called to the full-time ministry. In fact, 90 percent of our graduates will go back to their own churches and continue on.

"Many are working in different professions but at least now they will have a firm foundation in the word of God and be familiar with the voice and the leading of the Holy Spirit. It is also their responsibility to shine the light of the Word of God in their workplaces and environment whether it be an office, factory, shop, or even in a taxi or bus!" he concluded.

Pastor Alailima explained that those who feel called to full-time ministry must complete the fourth-year advanced diploma at RHEMA South Pacific Training College in Apia. This program includes an intense hands-on internship, providing students with practical experience and a deeper understanding of their ministerial duties.

After completing this stage of their education, students are equipped to serve in the ministry wherever they are led, fully prepared to fulfill their callings and make meaningful contributions to their communities.

Referring to the newly established RHEMA Bible Training Center Pago Pago, Pastor Alailima expressed his optimism about its growth. He stated that interest is growing as more people learn about the center.

“We had a strong start last year and an even stronger one this year,” he said. “I feel really blessed to be a part of this endeavor as instructed by God. Praise the Lord!"

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. that also runs a 93-foot long mission ship, M/Y Uttermost Witness, currently docked at the Fagatogo Marina.

On Saturday, seven graduands received their first-year certificates. They are Tavita Jr. Amani, Rita Lauano, Janice Fa'ailoilo Mataese, Talava Mauga Matua, Tricia Makerita Sataua, Sonny Manuma Tui, and Merlin Uli.

Six graduands also received their second-year certificates. They are Fonopo Jr. Fonopo, Josephine Lutali, Paea'i Fusilua Milikini, Natuitasina Case Mua, Latasi Taiai Pase, and Joshua Obedient Taliauli. These students will continue to progress to the third-year program at the RHEMA South Pacific Training College in Apia next year.  

Meanwhile, RHEMA Bible Training Center Pago Pago will begin its new academic year on February 4, 2025 and enrollment is now open.