Three Nations—One Officers’ Fellowship
After the long years of border closures due to the pandemic, Combined Pacific Officers’ Fellowship finally took place from 26 to 29 September 2022. Nearly every officer and cadet from Fiji, Tonga and Samoa joined together at the Novotel Hotel, Nadi, Fiji, for a time of fellowship, learning, laughter, ministry and food.
The theme was centred on Ezekiel 37:1–14 Bible passage, ‘I see an Army!’ The three keynote sessions were led by the divisional and regional leaders from each nation: Captains Andrew and Rochelle Moffatt, Fiji Division, ‘I see an Army that’s alive’; Captains Catherine and Kenneth Walker, Tonga Region, ‘I see an Army that has faith’; and, Captains Eric and Julie Turner, Samoa Region, ‘I see an Army that speaks life’.
It was the first time since they were appointed to thier roles that they were together in the same room. A very special time for them to share together as divisional and regional leaders with thier officer teams. They were blessed with the presence of Territorial Secretary for Spiritual Life Development Major Liz Gainsford, who spoke to them with wisdom and care during question time.
Collaboration and co-operation were the secondary themes of fellowship, with shared leadership of the supporting activities: Quiz Night (Major Miriama Simanu—Samoa); Prayer Night (Major Vakatoto Wawa—Fiji, Captain Selalina Prescott—Tonga, Major Afolau Toluono—Samoa; Women’s Event (Major Phillippa Serevi—Fiji and supporters); Men’s Event (Divisional and Regional Leaders Fiji, Tonga and Samoa).
As is custom in the Pacific, every gathering started and finished with music, all provided by music teams from Fiji or Tonga. Sometimes just a guitar and a willing musician was all that was needed for beautiful praise and worship to begin during the break times.
And who could forget Bula Night! Items from every region, SFOT, every corps and centre cluster in Fiji and a few extra items on top. They made such a noise of celebration that teams and guests from the hotel came into the room to enjoy an unexpected cultural experience.
Pacific Officers’ Fellowship was a truly special time of celebration and growth in their faith.
We see an Army that God has raised up to live out his mission in Fiji, Tonga and Samoa.
