Pacific

Vavatau Taufao

I am Rev. Vavatau Taufao, the General Secretary of the Congregational Christian Church Samoa. I am married to Roina Vavatau, we are gifted with four beautiful children. I have a BSc majoring in Mathematical Science from Adelaide University in South Australia, a Post Graduate Diploma in Statistics and MSc with first class honour majoring in Statistics from Auckland University in New Zealand. My Theological training was done at Malua Theological College, CCCS Theological Institution, and the Pacific Theological College in Suva Fiji.

My CWM involvement started in 2016 when I attended the AMM at Jeju. I have since attended and contributed in many Pacific Regional CWM meetings. As the General Secretary I also represent CCCS to the Pacific Council of Church so I am now well connected with the Pacific Churches and a fair percentage of the global Christian family.

Outside of work, I spend most of my time with my family and the Parish that my family attend – PIU CCCS PARISH. I teach Mathematics for both the college and university levels. I am also doing a program on our church TV, the EFKS-TV, delivering a program called “TALANOA MATEMATIKA” (talking mathematics) that covers mathematics curriculum for both Primary and College.

Honolani Sosefina Matamu

I am Honolani Sosefina Matamu, a youth member from the Congregation Christian Church of Samoa (CCCS) and still not yet married. I am currently working at Samoa Bureau of Statistics as a Senior Census and Survey Officer for almost 2 years now. I am fully responsible for supervising of all surveys/census data collection, assisting in planning and preparation of survey trainings just to name a few.

I came to know CWM when I was invited to attend the Pre-assembly for CWM Pacific Region which was recently held in Nadi, Fiji on March 10th – 12th, 2020. As a youth representative for CCCS to attend this pre-assembly, it has given me the great opportunity to fully understand of what CWM is and all the effort they have done to assist its member churches. After our pre-assembly, I realized of how CWM operates in a very effective and collaborative way in order to achieve its objectives and also following its vision and mission. Therefore, I believe CWM can contribute and provide financial assistance with any of our youth developments for the benefit of our church as a whole.

I graduated in 2016 with a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Economics and Information System at the University of the South Pacific, Suva Fiji. I am a fast-learner, hardworking and dedicated person not only to my work place, family but also to my church. Apart from work commitments I love to spend time to read, exercising and travelling.

Iosefa Atapana Uilelea

I am Rev. Elder Iosefa Atapana Uilelea, the Congregational Christian Church Samoa (CCCS) Vice Chairman and the Secretary of the CCCS Elders Committee. I am married to Tekimatang and we have six children. We were graduates of Malua Theological College after completing four years from 1985 to 1988. We were called to serve as resident minister for our CCCS Lotofaga parish since 1989 till present.

• I was the Secretary of our Sub District (Lepā & Lotofaga) in 1997. • I became a member of the CCCS General Purposes Committee in 1998 to 2007. • I was secretary for our District (Falealili Sasa’e) for six years (1998 – 2014). • I was appointed as an Elder for our District in 2014, Secretary of the CCCS Elders Committee in 2017 and Vice chairman of CCCS General Assembly in 2019. • I was appointed as an Elder for our District in 2014, Secretary of the CCCS Elders Committee in 2017 and Vice Chairman of the CCCS General Assembly in 2019.

I have known CWM since childhood. CWM helps the CCCS in financial situations especially the projects and developments for the youths.

Tekimatang Uilelea

I am Tekimatang Uilelea, the wife of Rev. Elder Iosefa Atapana Uilelea. I am a citizen of the Solomon Islands. We were called to serve the CCCS Lotofaga parish in 1989 after completing four years in Malua Theological College from 1985 to 1988. I am the Vice President of one of the CCCS Societies called Tautua Puapuaga Tagata (TPT) under the Women Fellowship.

I came to know CWM when I was a delegate attending a meeting in India. I also attended a workshop held in Fiji as a member of the Congregational Christian Church Samoa representing women. It is a pleasure to know how CWM operates in a collaborative way to achieve its vision and mission, and most of all it helps provide financial assistance for the youths.

Luisa Faitaua

My name is Luisa Faitaua, born and raised in Samoa and now residing in Auckland New Zealand. I am married to Sauleone Faitaua with three adult children (all boys) all in their 20s. One of our precious trios at the age of 23 years got promoted to glory in 2015 awaiting our arrival. We are also blessed with two beautiful grandchildren Jaryon and Eliyanah.

We serve as devoted members of the Glendene Congregational Church in Auckland under the umbrella of the Congregational Union of New Zealand for over 30 years.

I am the current General Secretary of the CUNZ (elected at the 2018 General Assembly). I previously served in the same position back in 2010 and stepped down after three years. I also hold a fulltime post with the Auckland District Health Board (NZ).

I attended the CWM General Secretary’s Conference in Ocho Rios Jamaica in 2010, and the CWM General Assembly Pagopago American Samoa in 2012.

I enjoy free time with family and friends and love spending time with my grandchildren!

Peter Eccles

Greetings from New Zealand. I am Peter Eccles of the Congregational Union of New Zealand. My wife and I operate a small business in the heart of Auckland city, and have done so for more than fifty years.

My involvement in CWM began in 2003 when I attended a workshop in Fiji. Since then I have been to the 2012 General Assembly at Pago Pago, American Samoa, several regional meetings and Members’ Mission Forums in Fiji, and the 2017 and 2018 Annual Members’ Meetings. I will again be the CUNZ representative at the 2020 AMM. My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed last years Secretary’s Conference in Rotorua, New Zealand.

Within the CUNZ I have been National Leader (Chairman) for five years from 2004 to 2009 and General Secretary for two years from 2016 to 2018, and have been elected to the Executive continuously since the year 2000. I serve on the Missions, Finance and College Council committees as well as chairing our two CUNZ charitable trusts. I have a keen interest in ecumenical issues and have served on many inter-church boards and committees over the past 38 years.

On a personal level, my wife Margaret and I have been married 48 years. We have 3 adult children, 12 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. We are members of a Congregational Church which consists mainly of people of Samoan, Cook Islands, Niuean or European descent. When not working I enjoy card games and television and keeping up with worldwide current events.

Olivia Hakeagaiki

My name is Olivia Hakeagaiki and I am the youth delegate for the Congregational Union of New Zealand (CUNZ).

My parents pastor Cambridge Terrace Congregational Church in Wellington, New Zealand and my father is the current standing Chairman for the CUNZ. I have grown up with Congregational Churches and have attended many of the CUNZ General Assemblies. I have become more involved in the assemblies over the last couple years, which is where I learned about CWM. This will be my first time being involved with CWM and I am looking forward to seeing what God has in place for us all.

I currently work at the Electoral Commission and we are busy preparing for New Zealand’s 2020 General Election.

I look forward to catching up with family and friends over the weekend and there is always good food and music involved.

Moega Lasei

Talofa my name is Moega Lasei, I’m originally from Samoa but I have lived in New Zealand for almost fifty years.

The Lord graciously called me and my late wife Mara to pastor the only Congregational church in the South Island which is Linwood Congregational Church in Christchurch Aotearoa New Zealand.

I am now happily married to Salote Lasei and we’re continuing to serve the Lord in the same church. Salote herself was a minister’s wife Rev. Lapana Faletolu who passed away about ten years ago. Salote works as a Registered Nurse and I also work as a full-time chaplain at our local Christchurch Public Hospital.

I have three grown-up children Karyn, Stephen who is married to Fofoa, Vincent, and Akami my foster son and his wife Melissa and their two children, and also my foster autistic child Jessica Rose. I did my pastoral and theological training with Bible College of New Zealand and graduated with Bachelor of Ministry and am yet to finish my thesis to complete my Master’s Degree focussing on the 1969 merger between some of the Congregational churches and Presbyterian churches.

I like listening to music, especially Bill and Gloria Gaither’s music. I like staying home than going out socially, but sometimes I go out playing snooker with some of the men from church after watching Ronnie O’Sullivan. I enjoy learning and studying God’s Word and especially finding new truths from His Word. There is yet more light and truth to break forth from His Word. Amen.

Fitilau Puapua

My name is Fitilau Puapua and I am a member of the Ekalesia Kelisiano Tuvalu (originally from the island country of Tuvalu one of CWM member churches in the Pacific).

Currently I am holding the post of the General Secretary of Ekalesia Kelisiano Tuvalu (also known as the Tuvalu Christian Church). I have had the opportunity to attend some of the CWM Mission and Training programmes including “CWM New Face to Face” in Jamaica and the “Pre- Assembly” in Nadi. My Bachelor of Divinity from Malua Theological College (2005-2006) and Master of Theology from Pacific Theological College (2015 – 2016) in Fiji were both sponsored by CWM.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Council for World Mission for supporting my Ministry not only financially but through mutual engagement and for the exchange of experiences and knowledge.

Malisi Honolulu Pine

I am Malisi Honolulu Pine, I have been the secretary for the Tuvalu Church Women Fellowship (TCWF) since March 2019. I am responsible for the Leadership and management of the Tuvalu Women Head Office and work together with women from 13 Congregations within Tuvalu and 10 from overseas. The majority of the Tuvalu Women belong to the Congregation Church of Tuvalu (EKT).

My first involvement with CWM was when I represented the Tuvalu Women Fellowship together with my husband as a representative for the EKT to the ‘Missional Congregations in the Context of Empire’ in November, 2019 (Soesterberg, The Netherlands). My second involvement was when I attended the Pre-Assembly in Tanoa International Nadi, Fiji in March, 2020.

I am a teacher by profession and graduated with a Diploma in Theology in 2011 (Private). I am a member of the Congregation Church of Tuvalu (EKT), married to an ordained minister of the same religion and we have two teenage boys and a daughter. I really enjoyed working and helping out with church members (especially women) in whatever complications and difficulties they face. I also help teach women how to cook and sew for their families and do other chores.

Beside playing volley ball, I also love sewing, reading books and telling bed time stories to my daughter.

Faiana Ofati

I am Faiana Ofati, I am 29 years of age. I live with my family at Funafuti, the capital of Tuvalu which is also where the Ekalesia Kelisiano Tuvalu (EKT) Head Office is located.

I am the Youth President of EKT. I received a Bachelor of Divinity from Kanana Fou Theological Seminary, America Samoa in 2017. Besides my Bachelor of Divinity, I have also attended several professional courses that have sharpened my understanding on how to work with people.

I have attended NIFEA (New International Financial Economy Architecture) programs in 2018 and 2019, and also the CWM Pacific Region Pre-Assembly this year. The CWM programs are a good platform to raise the voice of our young generation, in particular the serious issues of Climate Change.

I love meeting new people and helping those who need help.

Siliga Atiake Kofe

I’m Siliga Atiake Kofe, I’m 71 years old and married to Aoga Tilli Kofe. We have 4 boys, 1 girl and 12 grandchildren.

I have been a lay preacher and deacon in the Tuvalu Christian Church, Funafuti since 1979. I am also a retiree from the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) and currently a freelancing economist consultant working in the field of national macroeconomic and strategic planning.

I am aware that Ekalesia Kelisiano Tuvalu (EKT) has been a CWM member for some time. My first involvement with CWM was when I attended the recent CWM Pacific Members’ Mission Forum in Nadi, Fiji in March this year as part of the EKT delegation.

I have several postgraduate qualifications and a Master’s degree in development studies from the Victoria University of Manchester, UK 1985. My work experience spans 35 years as Permanent Secretary then Secretary to Government in Tuvalu, economics lecturer at University of the South Pacific, Chief Economist of the South Pacific Commission (now Pacific Community) and a professional Economic Affairs Officer in the UNESCAP for the last 13 years. I believe my extensive work experience is adequate grounding, in my view as a suitable EKT nominee for the CWM Treasurer.

My hobbies include reading inspirational books, magazines, and online documents that illuminate the relationship between the conscious and the subconscious mind, thereby affirming truths that the Bible has already revealed. I also read about international economics and finance.

Terauango Beneteri

I am Terauango Beneteri. I am a coordinator for Youth and Sunday school. I have been working for Kiribati Uniting Church since 1999.

I have been attending CWM Pacific regional meetings and training workshops for youths. After being engaged in CWM Pacific youth events such as youth leadership training workshops and youth camp I feel my leadership skills have improved and have been very helpful to me as a Youth worker.

As a lay person, I really like to serve and working very hard to fulfill my church’s mission and vision.

Outside my work, I love to do gardening and house work

Mareweia Riteti

My name is Rev Mareweia Riteti and I am a member of the Kiribati Uniting Church serving as the General Secretary from 2010. I have served CWM as a Trustee and Board Member from my Church and I have been attending CWM meetings such as Members Mission Forum, Annual Members Meeting. I have attended the past two General Assemblies in Pagopago, American Samoa and in Jeju, South Korea.

I am a theologian having served as a lecturer in Theology & Ethics in my local Theological College for more than 10 years. I obtained both my Bachelor of Divinity and Master of Divinity at the Pacific Theological College. I am a keen reader and researcher in theology and I am passionate about driving my Church to become resourceful in doing God’s Mission in a changing Kiribati. I am keen in reading the songs of the time and appropriate God’s Mission to become effective in the lives of KUC members.

Outside work, I love fishing in the ocean.

Maleta Kutimeni Tenten

I am Rev. Maleta Kutimeni Tenten, a member of the Kiribati Uniting Church. I have served the church alongside my husband since 1988 in assisting and supporting him in his role as a Pastor in one of our local congregation. However, my role as a wife and a mother to support my family for 13 years is my mission which I am proud of. I began my service in the church in 2001 as Coordinator for the Spouse Program at our local theological college, Tangintebu.

In 2017 – 2019, I did my Bachelor of Arts majoring in Sociology & Psychology at the University of the South Pacific which I believed would assist me in my work in the church. With the completion of my studies at USP and returning home, I was assigned to be the coordinator for social issues arising in the church and society. In 2012 during our General Assembly, I was appointed to the position of Secretary for Mission which is my current position in the church.

I have attended CWM General Assembly held in Jeju, South Korea in 2016, including other CWM programs being held. It is my passion to learn new insights and knowledge that will enable us in our church to work effectively in God’s mission and to encounter challenges arising in our society and the world at large.

Teraititi Aneri

My name is Teraititi Aneri aged 20 years. I’m a member of the Kiribati Uniting Church. I’m one of the Youth members in our church congregation on the mainland, Tarawa. I have been involved in our Youth initiatives programs which is held for a way forward for us as young people to see and to understand who we are in the Kingdom of God. I attended our Youth Convention held on the island of Nonouti in 2019. The convention is a time where trainings are being held on issues faced by the young people in our society, and how we as church youths are to respond to it effectively according to God’s Will for us.

I am also a student at our Kiribati Institute of Technology taking up short courses on office skills. Last year in 2019, I was fortunate enough to be nominated to represent KUC youths to CWM Youth Initiative for Pacific Blue Economy held in Nadi, Fiji. I enjoy learning new things especially the theological underpinnings that were addressed during the workshop.

My interests lies in learning new things and especially in things that would enhanced and motive us youths to a better and hopeful future for the development of our church and our country. I enjoy baking, singing, doing talent shows and dancing.

Herehia Peni

Ia ora na! My name is Herehia Peni, I was born in Uturoa, Raiatea on October 11, 1996. I represent the youth of my church, the 4th circuit in Raiatea. I currently help to plan lessons for our Sunday school.

My first experience with the CWM came last October at the youths’ initiative in Fiji. We spent a week talking about the blue economy and we learned about coral planting. One of the things I realized from this trip is that all of us in the Pacific Islands share the same problem with the land, the ocean and life.

When I have time, I like to sing and play instruments. It truly brings happiness to my day. I also value culture and believe that as Māʻohi, we should raise our children to know their culture, their language, and that we must always respect our ancestors and the land where we live.

Matthew 20:26 "Yet it shall not be so among you: but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant."

Francois Pihaatae

I am Rev. Francois Pihaatae, originally from Maohi Nui an ordaine minister of the Ètärëtia Porotetani Mäòhi (French Polynesia).

I graduated with a Bachelor of Divinity from PTC in 1991. After my ordination in 1993, I served as parish minister until 2009I moved to Fiji to work at the Pacific Conference of Churches as a resource person. I have extensive pastoral experiences in the Pacific

In addition to my parish responsibilities, I was called to take on broader leadership responsibilities as Chairman of the 1st circuit of the church - a position I held for 8 years. I was also an active member of the Church Executive Committee and Synod.

I gained significant global leadership experience when I served as a member of the World Council of Churches Commission for World Mission and Evangelism (CWME), 2000-2005.

I am a member of the Commission of Churches on International Affairs of the World Council of Churches (CCIA) 2013 – 2021 and a member of the Program Reference Group of CWM from 2016.

I was appointed as Acting General Secretary for the Pacific Conference of Churches in September 2011, in Malua Samoa. And I was confirmed by election as General Secretary of the Pacific Conference of Churches during the PCC General Assembly in March 2013 in Honiara, Solomon Islands. In 2018, I finished my term as General Secretary in the last PCC General Assembly in Auckland and returned home to work as coordinator for the Moruroa e Tatou Association for the nuclear victims. I was elected as President of the church in the EPM Synod 138 - in July 2019 in Moorea.

Iteata Tevaarauhara

From the first ultrasound, listening to my heart, my parents did not give the first name of ‘Iteata TEVAARAUHARA’ which means ‘I saw your shadow.’

Originally from the Marquesas Islands and the Austral Islands, my name comes from the line of canoe builders and builders of nobility pandanus residences.

Born into a pastor's family on May 31, the month of the donation to the Protestant Mäòhi Church, I have been working with them for ten years now.

I am passionate about theology, cultural diversity, photography, conference and music, the Evangelization and Information Commission is my bond and my place.

Being as close as possible to the information, but staying behind the scenes. This is my vocation within the Communication Service of the EPM, activated is a strong link between all Engaged in Sunday School, the Christian Union of Young Men, women's movements, Evangelists, associations for the protection of Creation, heritage, associations of homeless people, Anti-nuclear and defying our responsibility from the former Opinion or more specifically to develop unity in all this diversity.

CWM marked the history of my Mäòhi people when it decided to do justice to the Good Word opened in 1797, according to the Existence of Faith in the Pacific.

Mahaa Hama Edgar

I am Mahaa Hama Edgar, born 20 of July 1970 in the Island of Raivavae, the Austral Islands. I was an active member of the parish of Siloama Papeete i te 7 circuit where I confirmed my baptism in 1988. I married Teuamanuhiri Heiarii Liliane on the 03 of January 2003 and we moved together in the Parish of Mahina in the 1rst circuit. Mahina is the district where the London Missionares arrived on the 5 of March 1797. This date is dedicated by the Church and Maohinui to be a date of annual celebration.

In the Parish of Mahina, I was called by the council of the parish to hold the responsibilities of Deacon or Elder. I was trained and then ordained in 2006 as deacon of the parish of Getsemane.

I have been the leader of the TAMAR group since 2009. In 2016, the council of deacons agreed that I take over the responsibilities of CLERK for the parish of Mahina. Since 2019, I have been involved in the committee of the first circuit that gathered 13 parishes. Elected as delegate in the Synod, the Executive meeting of the Etärëtia Porotetani Maohi.

The Executive committee has nominated me as a representative of the deacons and evangelists in the General Assembly of CWM.

In my daily life, I work as an archivist for the property of the French army. And I do sports and mainly Hawaiki Nui Vaa-Canoe race competition in November every year. Mauruuru. God bless you all.

Cabrini Ephraim

Cabrini Ephraim is my name and I am a youth leader for my church, the Naura Congregational Church, also known as NCC. I am a registered nurse by profession. Most of my time I spend working in the hospital nursing those who are ill. Apart from nursing, I love spending quality time with families and friends.

As long as I could remember, throughout my Christian life, I’ve heard a lot a about CWM in the church and especially from my mother because she had attended several meetings in relation to CWM.

Recently, I was nominated by my church to participate in the Pre-Assembly conference that was held in Nadi earlier this year.

Outside of work, I use my free time joining my brothers and sisters in Christ carrying out our duties in the church. As a nurse, I don’t always have time to take part in the church but I lived by one of my favourite bible verses, where it says, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” Matthew 17:20.

Phil King

Hi, I’m Phil King, from the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand. I’m an ordained minister and have held the post of Global Mission Coordinator for 8 years. In this role I have had involvement with several CWM programmes including Training in Mission and Partners in Mission; and was a delegate to the previous CWM Assembly in Jeju Island, South Korea.

My work has given me the privilege of serving alongside several mission partners, so I have had the opportunity to understand the challenges and opportunities within many different countries and contexts. I have learned a lot about how our partners creatively use their resources to meet their challenges and effectively serve their communities. Many of our global mission partners are also members of CWM and so we share similar opportunities to participate in the wider CWM family.

I’m married with three adult children and two grandchildren, and treasure the rare opportunities we have to be together. When I’m not at work I can often be found in my workshop at home, doing some woodwork or tinkering with a household project. I also love to spend time enjoying our local environment and socialising with friends and family.

Katherine Dobie

My name is Katherine Dobie, and I am one of the Youth Reps for the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand. I am an elder at Knox Church in Lower Hutt, and have been a part of the parish since I was young.

My normal day job (if you can call it normal) is working in television broadcasting; mostly in sports coverage. I travel across the country working at live sports games; making sure the broadcast is working technically.

This is my first time being involved in CWM, having learnt about it last year. My heart is for creating a better world; for showing people they are loved by a Holy Father. It excites me to be a part of furthering His Kingdom. I feel CWM is major part of these things, and provides opportunity for us to create that better world.

My passion for sharing the love and compassion of Christ is the central part of how I live my life. This drives me to speak out when required, but also to listen and understand other people. I am very analytical and consider carefully what I say. I’m also very keen to push people to realise their own ideas and passions; empowering them to make a difference themselves.

In my free time I enjoy being at the gym, both for physical training and socialising- the gym I attend is very community focused and is a part of my family. I also enjoy outdoor adventures; for physical challenge and seeing the wonders of God’s creation.

Mevia Faletoese

I am Mevia Faletoese and I’m an Arts Graduate from the University of Auckland and currently working as an administrator for various government organisations.

I am one of the two youth delegates from PCANZ. My life within the PCANZ body involves serving as a key youth leader at the Pacific Island Presbyterian Church (PIPC) Newton in Auckland Central. In 2018, I had the opportunity to serve as a young adult commissioner at the PCANZ General Assembly in Christchurch. This requires all commissioners to exercise wisdom and discernment when partaking in the decision-making process on matters concerning PCANZ.

I was fortunate to attend the CWM conference on Young Women Enabling Transformation back in 2017.

I am a foodie and love to dine out when I can. In my spare time, I’m either baking or doing some DIY organisation tasks around my house.

Carlton Johnstone

I am Carlton Johnstone, an ordained minister of the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand. I am currently serving as a Presbyterian Minister in the Wakatipu Presbyterian Church. I am married to Sarah and we have two children, Max (10) and Holly (7). As a family we enjoy skiing, tramping and riding our bikes.

I completed my PhD from the University of Auckland in 2009 which explored the Christian faith journeys of young adults within New Zealand. I drew on this research in my role as the National Youth Ministry Development Leader. During my time in this role I organised and ran two youth leadership training events for CWM Pacific leaders. I was responsible for overseeing and developing TIM (Training in Mission) programme when it was run and hosted by PCANZ and Taiwan.

I have leadership strengths in big-picture, strategic thinking. I serve on the board of my children’s school and a local community ministry charity that provides meals to people in need.

I am deeply committed to the pastoral call of nurturing peoples’ spiritual growth as followers of Jesus and encouraging the church’s call to be a witness to the resurrection life and hope that we have in Jesus.

Alongside my love of the outdoors I enjoy cooking - especially on my coal-fire bbq, reading novels, movies and listening to music.

Bernard Siai

I am Bernard Siai an ordained Minister of United Church of Papua New Guinea. I am married to Wendy and we have four grown up children. Currently I am serving the Church as Moderator and have being in position for eight years now.

I always believe in the participation of all God’s people in building the Body of Christ, and encouraging Christians to take seriously the call of God and be faithful in everything. I promote also the Church to be open to others but should not compromise its values and beliefs.

In the former structure of CWM, I represented my Church as a member to the Board of Directors from 2013-2016. I attended two General Assemblies both in American Samoa 2012, and in Jezu Island in 2016. At that level, it brought some light to me of CWM’s purpose and it’s mission as a Christian Charity Organization.

I enjoy doing back yard gardening and relaxing with my family after hours

Hitolo Kerry Arua

I am Rev. Hitolo Kerry Arua, married with 5 children. I hold a degree in Environmental Science and a Masters in Commerce [Honors] from the University of Wollongong, NSW, Australia [Master thesis – An Economic Analysis on Maritime Sector with regard to regulation & competition], and a degree in Divinity from the Rarongo Theological College, Rabaul, PNG. I am an ordained Minister & currently serving as the Bishop for United Church West Central Papua Region. I am also a member of the Faith & order Commission of the World Council of Churches [WCC].

My maiden experience with CWM was a meeting in March 2020 Pacific Region Pre-Assembly Nadi, Fiji. It deepened my understanding of CWM role in the Pacific Region and the anticipated direction it envisions in its Strategic Plan for the next decade. It also raises awareness and sharpens focus on the emerging issues which impact both mission & ministry of churches at the regional and national level. These changing mission contexts encourages leaders to begin re-reading the Scriptures for new hermeneutics.

The above exposure coupled with a professional background in development & economic planning arouses great interest in the work of CWM and positive contributions it makes toward mission work of the member churches throughout the Pacific region.

I hope the interactions at the General Assembly meeting would further enhance these discussions and better equip UCPNG for robust mission interventions locally and regionally, moving foward.

My hobbies include watching rugby league, reading and relaxing for health & growth.

Albertine Kabaru

I am Albertine Kabaru, married with 3 Children. I possess a degree in Language and Communication from the University of Papua New Guinea. I am a people person and communication is my key strength. I serve as Human Resource Manager with United Church PNG Assembly Office.

I attended my first CWM Meeting in March 2020, Pacific Region Pre-Assembly Nadi, Fiji. The new CWM Vision gives me great confidence to work with CWM through UCPNG Assembly Office and the Pacific CWM Office for existing workforce plan. 7 years of working alongside very experienced Senior Church Ministers, Leaders and Workers, I learnt that current status of ministry and service delivery provides growth opportunities. Workforce is the engine behind Ministry and Service Delivery, the Church needs to focus fairly on Church Workers Professional Development and Welfare.

I bring to the General Assembly experience and qualification in human resource training and development, project management, project monitoring and evaluation, and child protection interventions. Am keen to contribute meaningfully as United Church PNG Delegate and welcome the opportunity to serve as Director on the CWM Board.

In my spare time, I rest. Tall people need a lot of rest.

Leila Parina

My name is Leila Parina and I am a member of the United Church of Papua New Guinea in the Pacific Region. I am currently a student at the University of the South Pacific, majoring in Sociology.

I have been engaged in a number of CWM activities previously – CWM Pacific General Assembly (2018), CWM Pacific Youth Initiative (2018), CWM YWET Program (2018), and the CWM Pacific Youth Initiative (2019). All these experiences have enabled a lot of self-growth and broadened my perspectives on various issues and topics in church and society.

I was selected by my church to be the youth representative, and I believe this is because the church sees my potential as a young leader and someone who contributes positively to the community. I have been engaged in youth leadership in the church, and play a role in my local congregation’s mission plan. I have also done voluntary work with NGO’s and community groups. I have a passion for helping young people, advocating against violence against women, and reaching out to those in need.

In my free time I enjoy reading, creative writing, and random arts and craft. I also enjoy new experiences and learning new things. And, as a Christian, I believe in God and the life that Jesus lived and that is my strength and inspiration each day.

Cliff Bird

Hello fellow delegates. My name is Cliff Bird (Reverend Dr). I am a Minister of the United Church in Solomon Islands. I am married to Siera Tion Bird and we have five children and four grandchildren. I have been a Minister since 1996 serving in various capacities in my church and in the ecumenical family both in Solomon Islands and the Pacific. I am an ecumenist at heart and my past roles have taken me beyond the Pacific Region to other parts of the world.

In the past 10 years I served the ecumenical family in the Pacific Region. I was senior lecturer and head of the department of theology and ethics at the Pacific Theological College; regional coordinator for Uniting World (Uniting Church of Australia) based in Fiji; and was CWM Mission Secretary for the Pacific Region. Currently I serve my church as an Advisor on voluntary basis, while at the same time continuing to assist with needs of churches in Solomon Islands and across the region.

My association with and knowledge of CWM go back many years. I was a partial scholarship recipient in my ministerial candidate days. I served as CWM PIM at the Pacific Theological College. I was CWM Mission Secretary for the Pacific Region. I served as a resource person for CWM on numerous occasions.

I am a seasoned fisherman and assist my wife in her love of gardening. I love to sing and listen to music and I brisk walk as often as I can.

Armstrong Pitakaji

I am Armstrong Pitakaji, an ordained clergy serving in full time Ministry in the United Church in Solomon Islands. Currently I hold the position of the Academic Dean of Studies, in Seghe Theological Seminary, which is the only theological institution fully owned by the United church in Solomon Islands.

In 2010-2012, I was sponsored by the CWM to do my Bachelor’s Degree at Pacific Theological College, Fiji.

In 2017-18, I was offered another scholarship (SAAP) by CWM to do a Master’s degree in Theology and Development Studies in the University of Kwazulu Natal in South Africa. I graduated with MTh on September 11, 2019.

My passion is to teach and train church clergies to be equipped with sound theological and biblical insights in order for them to be effective in their Pastoral Ministries in the mission field.

I love to engage in theological reflections within the sphere of my contextual realities by prophetically challenging the life denying systems, dehumanizing socio-economic and political structures that continue to suppress God's people in my contextual reality.

My strong conviction is that Theological reflections that suspends much in the realm of academia without any practical actions lacks the power to liberate the oppressed people of God. Hence, our Theological reflections must be liberatory in nature, and must be a down to earth approach by way of interacting with the people who have been seen as the scam of societies and the marginalised.

SHALOM...

Siera Bird

I am Siera Bird, married to Rev. Dr. Cliff Bird. We have four sons and a daughter. My husband and I have worked within the church setting since 1995. However, I decided to focus on the home until last year when I decided to work full time, since my children are grown up now. Since March 2019, I have been working with UCSI as a Project Officer to lead the implementation of the Gender Equality Theology (GET) and Child Protection & Care Theology (CPCT) Project for the UCSI. I am a lay-person with a degree in (B.Th.) and two Undergraduate Certificates in “Peace Building” and “Social Analysis” from the Pacific Theological College.

I am passionate in working with women and gender related issues, as well as with girls, youth and children. I am a successful worker and supporter in church ministry and service for more than 20 years.

I first came to know CWM in 2000 as a student under the CWM scholarship. From then till today, my family and I have been part of CWM family. My husband was the Mission Secretary Pacific from 2017-2018. I had attended Partner in Mission gathering in 2013 and General Secretaries Gathering last year in Rotorua, New Zealand.

I believe that we are interconnected with each other and with the rest of creation, therefore, we should exercise care and be there for each other.

My interests include gardening and doing interior decoration and design.

Jedwin Gazokesa

I'm Jedwin Gazokesa, the youth representative from the United Church of Solomon Islands (UCSI). It is a role that I have held in many local youth gatherings and engagements within our country. I'm currently a youth leader within the United Church of Solomon Islands. I have attended a Pre-Assembly meeting for Pacific Region on March 2020 at Nadi, as my first involvement and get to know CWM.

My interest with youth issues is quite vast:

• A heart for youths to rise as confident young men and women in standing for their rights and know who they are in this challenging society.

• As a youth leader who is encircled with a multicultural arena, I have the passion and capacity to build the bridge of peace and search for possible solutions that can minimize the uprising issues of climate change and global warming that is ticking in the beautiful Pacific.

Apart from that, I'm due to graduate with a Diploma in Marine Science majoring in Fisheries Studies from Solomon Islands National University (SINU), hence I had interest in traveling and reading books on how we can be an Overcomer "If God is for us who can be against us."