Rev. Asinate Mataitoga, a newly ordained minister of the Methodist Church in Fiji and Rotuma, expressed her commitment to serving God and the community. Hailing from Nukuni, Ono-i-Lau, she was one of 12 ministers and two deaconesses ordained by the church’s president, Reverend Semisi Turagavou.
Reverend Mataitoga described her journey towards ordination as a “rollercoaster ride of faith,” emphasizing that being a church minister is a calling that requires courage to navigate the challenges of spreading God’s word throughout the nation. She acknowledged the difficulties encountered along the way but asserted that the struggles strengthened her resolve.
“Though it’s been a challenging journey of ups and downs, it has been worthwhile,” she stated.
Reflecting on her experiences, Reverend Mataitoga noted that her challenges helped fortify her faith during her three years of studies and fieldwork. She emphasized that her faith in God has been a source of strength, particularly in the face of contemporary issues, and reaffirmed her decision to follow God’s path.
As a female minister, she also mentioned the discrimination she faces from some male counterparts, highlighting the additional hurdles women in ministry encounter.