My Faith & Ministry Journey,
Ministry has been a significant experience in my faith journey. From as far as I can remember in my Junior sabbath school years. Learning of God's amazing grace inspired me to do something bold for God in my life. I admired seeing young people teaching during Sabbath School at my home church in Auckland New Zealand. With aspiration I would whisper under my breath, ‘I could do something like that.’ I really enjoyed reading the Bible (Samoan version) and I wanted a broad knowledge of the Bible so I could share with others. A good friend of mine named Topeto, introduced me to reading the King James Bible. That’s where he lost me completely and my inspiration kind of went out the window.
Preaching however, was not my ideal. I considered it another step up from being a sabbath school teacher and at the time there were things in my life I was uncomfortable with. Public speaking was one of them and being a pastor was completely out of the picture. I contemplated various ways to witness and share my faith, for example with my friends at school or visiting people in hospital with my youth group. I was also inspired from listening to the Sabbath School Mission Story; learning about Missionaries sharing Jesus in other parts of the world.
From that point on, I was focused about what I wanted to do in life. In reality, having a good education would open doors for me and I guess that’s where I felt challenged. English was my second language and I struggled with comprehending it. Speaking English and understanding it were two different things. During my 20’s, I moved to Australia where I began a new chapter in my faith journey. I lost focus and I’d set my sight on other things. Regardless, I believe no matter how off track I went in life, God showed up numerous times to remind me of His plans for my life... “plans to prosper me, and not to harm me, plans to give me hope and a future,” Jeremiah 29:11. God also told me, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.” Psalms 32:8
We all have scars in life one way or another. Physical scars, emotional or mental scars and each scar has a story from the different experiences we have encountered in our lives. I have caused scars on many people over the course of my life. I’m not proud of it and I certainly have regrets. I am not perfect and I have learnt from my many mistakes. I strive forward each day with a prayerful heart asking God to heal and forgive. By God’s grace may they find the true purpose of life and happiness in Jesus. May people sense the presence of God in their lives because only Him alone will we find peace and security.
In mid-1986 I had a bike accident that left me in a coma for almost a week. Months later from a slow recovery, I questioned my mum with curiosity about my bike accident. My mum explained that on the day I was taken to hospital I was put on life support. They were deeply worried. Even worse, it seemed there was no hope after the doctors explained that there was no chance of surviving. I felt the sadness in my mum's voice. I imagined the devastating experience they went through.
My mum would often catch me glancing into the mirror looking at the scars and injuries from my bike accident. And with tears she would remind me that, ‘it is by God’s grace that you are alive.’ Still to this day those words ring true. Every time I see the scars on my body it constantly reminds me that I’m alive because of God’s saving grace. More than ever, I am reminded of the ultimate sacrifice, “Jesus was wounded for my transgressions, He was bruised for my iniquities… and by his stripes I am healed.” Isaiah 53:5
My wife and I were involved in our home church in Brisbane. My wife and I led the youth Sabbath school and both worked in the various ministries in our church. One Sabbath my wife passed me the Record and pointed at the information about an opportunity to study at Avondale and the government had a scheme that was too good to pass - HECS. As I read the Record it felt like God was calling me to ministry. With answered prayers I moved my family to Newcastle for Avondale.
After graduating from Avondale Uni with a Bachelor of Ministry & Theology, I did 3 years of Bible Work at Northpoint Church under Pastor Loren’s guidance. As a Bible worker my job involved letterboxing, door knocking in the community, bible studies and preaching for a couple of times during the month. I was also involved with our Sunbury food bank where I met many different people from all walks of life which opened many opportunities to share Jesus.
After three years of Bible Work at Northpoint, I became a Youth Pastor at Ascot Vale church under the leadership of Pastor Ainsley. It was at Ascot Vale Church where I first experienced the joy of baptizing people I had studied the bible with. It was the greatest joy in my ministry to witness others accepting Jesus into their lives. Full credit to the Holy Spirit! I am indebted to Pr Ainsley, elders and the Ascot Vale Church family for the support they’ve shown me and my family during the two years we were there.
I am currently doing my second year of Internship at Geelong Seventh-day Adventist Church. Geelong Church is a warm and caring community. I’m learning and growing as a disciple of Jesus to help disciple others. What impressed me in my first year is when our Senior Pastor Gavin introduced me to our senior elder George, 27 years of age. With much surprise my first impression was that Geelong church has a great future. Young people leading in various ministries is what makes a vibrant and growing church. It’s been a privilege to work with George. He's got a good heart for people and an amazing heart for God; like most of the adult youth at Geelong church. The Geelong adult youth ministry involves ‘Connect’ and doing life with community friends on a weekly basis. They have a love for Jesus and a desire for sharing Gods love with those who don’t know.
From my experience, prayer is vitally important in my faith journey and ministry, without it I would be completely powerless and lost. My family has played a huge part in my ministry and faith journey. I thank God for a loving wife who prays for me. I’m grateful to be where I am today and for the support and prayers of many people in my life. I am doing the best I can by applying the knowledge and tools I gained from studying at Avondale College. Most importantly, I have a love for God and for people and the desire in sharing my faith with others.
~ Tau P.
