A Sacred Task
On Sunday 16 February in Suva, Fiji, five new cadets entered training to become Salvation Army officers of the New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa Territory.
‘The Welcome to Cadets in Fiji was a great celebration of praise and thanksgiving’, says Territorial Commander Commissioner Janine Donaldson. ‘The cadets were so well supported by family and local corps members who had travelled quite a distance to be present. The music was outstanding, and this included the band, timbrel group and Meke (dance group). Incredible!’
Territorial Candidates Secretary Captain Shane Healey reports that the meeting was attended by over 300 people, with the cadets entering the arena to a tremendous sound of clapping and cheering.
‘Spreading the gospel is seen as a sacred task in Pacific culture, and the call of God to be an officer is considered a treasure,’ explains Shane. ‘While there may be tough stuff happening, the witness of their faith is strong, and their joy is infectious. People want to be part of that.’
The divisional leaders, Majors Marika and Phillippa Serevi, shared their excitement at what God is doing in Fiji with Shane.
‘We place our hope in Jesus, we do as he instructs, and he blesses us in so many ways. We now have strong Fijian divisional leadership at all levels. We are so proud of how God has made us, so we encourage all those with gifts to offer to step up.’
Servant leaders
Commissioner Janine presented each cadet with a white towel embroidered with the word ‘servant’ in red, and shared a powerful message connected to the gift.
‘We are servant leaders, and we call other people to serve. We lead with transparency and authenticity, and with high integrity. We do not lord it over our people. Our calling is one of service, humility and sacrifice.’
Following the message, there was a powerful response time. ‘This was particularly sacred and blessed by God,’ says Janine. ‘Many came forward for prayer, and it was especially precious for me to pray with the cadets.’
Shane adds that, ‘Janine had just spoken about servant leadership when four boys came forward from The Salvation Army’s Kauwai Restoration Home, making first-time decisions to follow Jesus! It was a real Holy Spirit moment!’
The five cadets join the three New Zealand cadets recently welcomed to Booth College of Mission. This brings the total number of cadets entering training in the New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa Territory to eight. The cadets are all part of the Proclaimers of Transformation session.
Introducing the cadets
Patrick Manuapai (Lautoka Corps, Fiji) has worked in the tourism industry and was a diving instructor when he attended Brengle Holiness Conference in Fiji. Patrick testifies that during this time he received a prophecy from Major Malcolm Herring that began the journey of exploring and confirming his calling
to officership.
Makereta Manuapai (Lautoka Corps, Fiji) is a third-generation Salvationist, and her call is influenced by the example of her parents, Captains Salesi and Taina Temo. Makereta testifies to God’s constant love and care shown to her by others while going through personal grief. She’s passionate about journeying with young people and has been a Tiny Tots assistant teacher at Nadi Corps.
Adi Druku (Suva Central Corps, Fiji) is the child of officers, Majors Ruci and Seru Napolini. She’s been working in retail as a customer relations officer. Adi felt the call to officership during a message about the vine and the branches (John 15), preached by Major Vilikesa Bogi. Her calling was confirmed at an Amplify Creative Arts Camp in New Zealand.
Lofi Pasi (Fua’amotu Corps, Tonga) has been working as an assistant at The Salvation Army Regional Headquarters in Tonga. Lofi dreamed of being a missionary but left the timing in God’s hands because she had a husband and children to consider. When her husband, Lopeti, felt called to officership in 2021, she knew it was God’s timing to proceed with their application.
Lopeti Pasi (Fua’amotu Corps, Tonga) has been a seasonal worker in Australia, and has experience in education, health and wellbeing, and also acting. Lopeti has felt God’s call over the years but held it at bay while ‘chasing the money in Australia’ and raising his family. Being invited to The Salvation Army by his wife’s father was an important step in renewing his covenant with God and responding to the call.
