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Ordinands Experience the Pacific Island Church

As part of their training ordinands at the School of Ministry in Dunedin spend time experiencing the life of the Pacific Island Church. Two ordinands write about the experience for sPanz.

Cameron Sinclair (left) and George Kopa

A Church with Thirteen Choirs

By George Kopa

Thanks to School of Ministry and to others concerned for the opportunity for four ordinands to spend two weeks in Auckland experiencing the life of our Pacific Island Presbyterian churches.

One of the questions asked of me as a Pacific Islander, prior to heading for Auckland was, "Why are you going?" In brief, I wanted to support my fellow ordinands and I felt that the best way was to go with them. I was placed in my home church (Newton PIPC) in Edinburgh St to experience Cook Island, Niuean and Samoan worship and culture.

One of my first new learning experiences occurred on Thursday 14 November 2002 when I hit the airwaves on Radio 531 PI. I opened the Cook Island programme with a 15-minute devotion so I had to strictly follow what I had written, prayer included.

Secondly, I was aware of how busy and dedicated my minister, Rev Abera Abera and his family were especially during my two weeks there. They were preparing to host a national Cook Island Women's Conference that weekend, and after opening the conference on Friday night, Rev Abera received word that his mother had passed away. As host, he focussed on the task at hand that night till everything was done before visiting his family. (Matt 12: 46 - 50)

Another new learning for me was the rightful claim from our Niuean group that PIPC Newton was the only church in the world where all the 13 villages of Niue are represented and as such, each village sings a hymn at their service. Yes, 13 hymns! "Tell them, this is the only church in the world that has 13 choirs!" was their request. After the service, their elders and deacons met to de-brief the past week, share pastoral concerns, and the Rev Kon Tiki Makani prays for those concerns.

And finally, I have been given a criterion by our Samoan minister Rev. Dr T. Filemoni, should I visit again, "Learn Samoan!" I will endeavour to fulfil this criterion and hopefully my Samoan wife will now help me to that end.

So my two weeks of Pacific Island Church experience in Auckland, though busy and in many ways familiar, was informative and provided me with some new learning.

A Palangi Perspective

By Cameron Sinclair

I was hungry when I arrived in Auckland on Monday,11 November: I had forgotten that Air New Zealand no longer serves breakfast. It was the last time I was hungry in the two weeks that I spent in Auckland! My first meeting that day - of the Pacific Island Synod Executive - ended with a 'cuppa tea' that included raw fish in coconut cream, crab, baked fish and taro. This was perhaps the least substantial community meal I shared in while spending two weeks hosted mainly by Niuean ministers.

I spent the first week with Rev Uea Tuleia, staying with him and Mrs Sela Tuleia for the two weeks. I spent a Saturday with Rev Tokerau Joseph, attending a hospitality event for a visiting group from the Cook Islands and a birthday party. The second week I spent mostly with Rev Ere Talagi-Ikitoelagi at Knox Presbyterian Church Parnell.

I want to thank these ministers for patiently talking me through the many experiences that I had. I shared a little of their responsibilities as I preached, led prayers and gave speeches. I was even required to dance, though my movements did little justice to the drumming. The responsibilities of the Pacific Island ministers are huge, as is the honor accorded to them; I came away with a great respect for the work they do and the load they carry.

I have spent nearly all of my life in Auckland, growing up in Mangere and then Takapuna; this is a side of Auckland that I have only been dimly aware of. It was at times an almost overwhelming experience in its variety and in the number - and length - of the events I attended. I spent many hours in the two weeks feasting, and longer hours listening to speeches in Pacific Island languages. The way that the people used their gifts and their lives within the community was very moving for me having come from a very individualistic background; the celebrations and events which allowed people to express their gifts of singing, dancing, food preparation, and traditional crafts made for a great richness. One of the things which impressed me most was the tradition of speech-making and the way that individuals and groups are acknowledged and honoured. I certainly felt honoured as I walked back into my Dunedin home tired, well-fed, and wreathed in the flowers that I had brought back with me.