THE VINEYARD
Tongan Wesleyan Methodist: The Beginning
Accompanying images:
Rev
Accompanying images:
Accompanying images:
by Rev. Uilameti ’Akau’ola The Tongan Wesleyan work was first established on Sunday 24th September 2000. The occasion was marked by a service led by Rev Siosifa Lokotui from Australia, who was in Auckland, NZ at the time with a team of supporters, to be part of this celebration. This special service, which marked the beginning of the Tongan Wesleyan work, was held at the Tokaikolo ‘ia Kalaisi Church, Nasaleti - in Mangere Bridge.
Uilameti
Uilameti ‘Akau’ola, Uilameti ‘Akau’ola, Licensed Minister, preparing for Ordination. Licensed Minister,
The President of the Tokaikolo ‘ia Kalaisi Church, Rev. Dr. Liufau Vailea, was very happy to allow their church to host this occasion as an indication of their full support to the establishment of this new fellowship because he understood that the vision of the new work is the pursuing and upholding of Scriptural Holiness in the life of the church and it’s members, not only in Aotearoa but in the world. The Tokaikolo Church was also very generous to host the guests and members of the new work for lunch after the service. The Tongan Wesleyans are indebted to the Tokaikolo ‘ia Kalaisi Church for their warm support, encouragement and very generous hearts.
Licensing of Uilameti ‘Akau’ola. Also in picture: Wife, Fisiioko holding the baby Isope, Sifa Lokotui, Rev Viliami Tavaki Tupou former President Polosekeini Tonga and Allan Oliver.
Other people that we are indebted to include the late Rev. Tavake Tupou, who advised and provided spiritual encouragement to Rev Viliami P Tonga. The National Superintendent, Rev. Edgar Hornblow, National Secretary, Rev. Richard Waugh and the Wesleyan Methodist Church family of NZ who also provided invaluable support and encouragement.
Uilameti ‘A
The second Conference of the WMCNZ was held again at the Tokaikolo ‘ia Kalaisi Church on the 2nd to 4th of November in 2001. We remember quite vividly that Rev. Tom Blythe, the former National Superintendent of the Australian Wesleyan of the Australian Wesleyans, was preaching on the opening night. His theme was, Rev Tavaki Tupou “The Wells of Living Water,” and he former President Rev Tavaki Tupou former Presiden emphasised the importance for the (elected in) 1995 new church to, ‘focus not on the Methodist Church (elected Methodist Church ofofNZ.NZ. well, but on in the)1995 Living Water.’ It was indeed a challenging message and a Rev Tavaki Tupou former President blessing. It was in the same year, 2001, tha the WMCNZ licensed its first Tongan Ministers. Those people include Sela Fonua, Uilameti ‘Akau’ola mo ‘Unaloto Finau. Uilameti was also the secretary and the treasurer for the Tongan work at the time. The work continued to grow with the setting up of a training programme in partnership with the Bible College of NZ (now Laidlaw College). Rev. Siosifa Lokotui was recruited to start this new programme which was conducted in the Tongan language. This programme was a great blessing as many in the church and from other churches benefited as their understanding of the teaching of the Bible was expanded and
16 THE WESLEYANZ VINE
preparing for Ordination.
deepened and their faith and belief in our Lord Jesus Christ also grew. The church’s journey was not plain sailing. There were a lot of challenges, and at times, our existence was threatened. But where we are today, is due only to God’s faithfulness and mercy. As in 2 Corinthians 19:9, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”
Photo: 2001 Licensing of Uilameti the baby Isope, Sifa Lokotui, Rev V
